In this special, we and our special guest @LumRanmaYasha of the Manga Mavericks and other  podcasts discuss all 13 chapters of Fruits Basket Another, sequel to Fruits Basket.

This was originally recorded back in 2021 🙇 

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We look back at the series as a whole, discuss our favorite moments, things we missed from the manga, and answer YOUR questions!

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The juunishi continue to struggle with the curse holding them back from making connections to new people. Akito and Shigure’s fight continues. Out of nowhere, the curse breaks for another member of the zodiac. 

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This week, another mysterious Sohma family member appears on the scene, full of sass. We meet Hiro Sohma, a wee but sarcastic lad. But as we’ve learned, every Sohma comes with baggage—the question for Hiro is not why but what is the root cause? Hiro may be a brat on the outside, but he’s got a heart of gold on the inside, and is dealing with consequences of his feelings that are out of his control…

Get ready for some Takaya-style catharsis this week. We learn about the tumultuous relationship Momiji has with his family, and a year has passed since Tohru’s mother passed away, so she visits her grave with Hana, Uo, Yuki and Kyo.

In the aftermath of chapter 34, Haru and Tohru spot Yuki acting down in the dumps, and Haru gives him a talkin’ to to get to the bottom of it. Yuki tries to learn more about his big brother Ayame. He and Tohru visit his shop. Chaos ensues.

In episode 13 of Fruits Basket 2019, we meet the bombastic Ayame Sohma—snake of the zodiac—and learn about his special relationship with Yuki, Shigure and Hatori.

It’s time to discuss chapters 31–34! In this episode, we discuss the fallout of what happened when Kazuma forced Kyo to reveal another, deeper secret about himself and zodiac to Tohru, how the characters reacted, and what may lie ahead.

Tohru, Yuki, Kyo, Uo, and Hana start their second year of high school! Hatsuharu and Momiji Sohma begin their first year at the same high school, but get off to a bumpy start with a confrontation with the head of the School Defence Force and his cronies.

Tohru also has a confrontation with Akito, the head of the Sohma family, who makes a surprise appearance at their school—one that reveals the dark connection between him and Yuki.

Kyo’s martial arts teacher and foster father Kazuma Sohma returns from his journey and pays a visit to Shigure’s house. He forces Kyo to reveal yet another dark secret about the zodiac to Tohru—will she accept this side of him or not? Will Kyo forgive Kazuma for revealing this deeply personal secret against his will? This week we summarize chapters 31–34; next time we discuss.

It’s time for another Anime Break! We discuss episode 11 of Fruits Basket 2019 this time!

Momiji treats Tohru to a hot spring trip for White Day—Kyo and Yuki are volun-told to come along, of course. Cuteness ensues. It turns out that Tohru has missed some fees for a school trip. When Kyo, Yuki, and Shigure realize what has happened, they wonder why they didn’t notice before? Momiji hits us with an allegory to explain—a story about a foolish traveler who gave away everything for the sake of others. When you close your eyes, what do you think?

This week we discuss chapters 29 & 30 of Fruits Basket. Hana gets an unexpected visit and Tohru gets a bad mark. It’s a weird mix of sinister and cute this time on Let’s Stay Together.

This anime break, Kyo is grumpy… because of Valentine’s Day? Or something deeper… Yuki, Tohru, Kyo, and Kagura hit the streets for a double date, and Shigure goes inside the main house to visit Hatori and Akito. Shigure reminisces about a dream they had as children… a dream about the one he loves…

Hiro gets something off his chest. Akito becomes more and more desperate to keep the zodiac close. Haru looks for Rin, and they end up reuniting after a long journey. 

Spoiler peeps! This is what we were looking at while speculating about next time: https://the-chikyuu-times.tumblr.com/post/649887075165995008

Thank you for listening and for your support. We’ll see you next time!

If you’d like to send a message or ask a question, you can find us on twitter at @staytogetherpod, on Tumblr at staytogetherpodcast.tumblr.com, or you can send us an old-fashioned email at staytogetherpodcast@gmail.com

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This week we discuss chapters 27 & 28 of Fruits Basket. We meet Kisa Sohma, possessed by the spirit of the tiger. Intense bullying has left her without the ability to speak, but shared experiences from Tohru and the other jyuunishi help her through this tough time. Kisa is able to return to school, but she isn’t the only one who becomes stronger by facing their fears is these chapters…

Everyone is fighting in episode 9 of Fruits Basket. We fully meet Hatsuharu Sohma. An emergency situation breaks up Haru and Kyo’s fight, and Haru has to use his zodiac form to save the day.

In this episode we discuss chapters 25 & 26 of Fruits Basket. Shigure “convinces” the kids and Hatori to take a trip to a Sohma summer lake house. Yuki and Kyo are grouchy—Tohru worries that it’s her doing… somehow. Jason… I mean… Ayame appears suddenly and stirs things up again, and we learn a little more about the woman who called Shigure “a ripple on the water…”

It’s New Year’s Eve in episode 8 of Fruits Basket 2019 this week. Uo and Hana offer to have her over, but she insists on them spending time with their families. Tohru will be spending the holiday alone… leaving Kyo and Yuki to wonder—she’ll be fine on her own, right?

It’s a real tear jerker this time on Let’s Stay Together, as we discuss chapters 23 & 24 of Fruits Basket. We learn about Momiji’s painful past regarding his mother, and see a visit to Tohru’s mother’s grave. It’s been a year since Kyoko passed away tragically, and the memories are still raw for Tohru—and Uo and Hana as well. They visit her grave with Yuki, who reflects on his relationship with Tohru, and quietly—awkward Kyo, who’s experiences… regret?

Some links about kujiramaku (the black and white curtain):

http://ososhiki.bellco.co.jp/knowledge/%E9%AF%A8%E5%B9%95%E3%81%A8%E3%81%AF/

https://en-park.net/words/1822

In this Anime Break we discuss Fruits Basket 2019 anime season 1 episode 7. Tohru visits the vast main house of the Sohma family. Hatori warns her to leave the family before she regrets it—after all, they are cursed. We learn about the painful experience from Hatori’s past that may be pushing him to make that suggestion.

It’s all about Ayame this week on Let’s Stay Together. We discuss chapters 21 & 22 of Fruits Basket. We get to know the fabulous snake of the zodiac, about his relationship with Yuki, and about his relationship with Shigure and Hatori—the one and only Mabudachi Trio!

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White snakes:

https://classroom.synonym.com/what-is-a-white-snake-symbolic-for-12084329.html

http://serpentsanctum.com/benzaiten-white-snake-goddess-of-japan/

http://myths-made-real.blogspot.com/2012/01/big-in-japan-shirohebi.html

“Mabudachi”:

https://soranews24.com/2015/03/05/watch-out-for-slang-10-outdated-words-to-make-you-sound-like-a-hoddypeak-in-japanese/

In this Anime Break we discuss Fruits Basket 2019 anime season 1 episode 6. The culture festival is here! The onigiri stand is a big success... partly because of Tohru's gram-worth cat onigiri... but also maaaaaybe because of Yuki's gram-worthy outfit. We meet two new Sohmas—Momiji and Hatori. Uo and Hana finally learn the truth about where Tohru is living, and invite themselves over to check out The Prince's "castle".

In this episode we discuss chapters 19 & 20 of the manga Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya.

Tohru, Yuki, Kyo, Uo, and Hana level up to 2nd year of high school. Momiji and Haru's high school careers get off to a rocky start in a confrontation with the student council president. Tohru meets Akito, the mysterious head of the Sohma family, who makes a surprise appearance at school—one that shakes Yuki to his core.

In this Anime Break we discuss Fruits Basket 2019 anime season 1 episode 5. The renovations are finished, so Tohru returns to her family's house. But it wasn't what she wanted deep down, and it turns out that it didn't sit well with Yuki and Kyo either...

The student council hears a rumor about Machi. Kakeru and Yuki visit her to find out if it’s true, and Yuki and Machi grow closer.

The 3rd year class graduates. Motoko takes a moment to confess to Yuki. He doesn’t return her feelings, but someone else has been pining for her all along. 

Hiro meets his baby sister for the first time, and still no one has seen or heard from Rin…

If you’d like to send a message or ask a question, you can find us on twitter at @staytogetherpod, on Tumblr at staytogetherpodcast.tumblr.com, or you can send us an old-fashioned email at staytogetherpodcast@gmail.com

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Thank you for listening and for your support. We’ll see you next time!

This episode, we’re talking about chapters 17 & 18 of the Fruits Basket manga.

Momiji treats Tohru to an onsen trip for White Day. Yuki and Kyo come along as well. Hijinks and adorable times ensue. We learn that It might be foolish to do kind things for others instead of thinking of yourself, but maybe that’s not the way Momiji, and perhaps Tohru see things.

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A podcast episode from Tofugu about White Day: https://soundcloud.com/tofugu/white-day

In this Anime Break we discuss Fruits Basket 2019 anime season 1 episode 4. Kagura Sohma arrives on the scene, Shigure’s house gets broken, and Tohru throws a punch!

In this episode, Kayla and Ellen discuss chapters 15 & 16 of the Fruits Basket manga.

Chaotic emotions are stirred up around Valentine’s Day. Kagura, Kyo, Tohru, and Yuki go on a double date while Shigure pays a visit to the main house.

We get a glimpse into a moment in Hatori and Shigure’s childhood. We learn about a strange dream Shigure had, and the feeling from it that he’s still chasing down.

Kayla and Ellen discuss the Fruits Basket 2019 anime season 1 episodes 1–3! We decided to start creating short episodes about the anime, comparing it to the manga, with discussion.

In this Anime Break we learn about the plans for the culture fest, protect the garden, play dai hin min, and meet a mysterious blond, German stranger.

In this episode, Kayla and Ellen discuss chapters 13 and 14 of the Fruits Basket manga and a little bit about episode 2 of the 2019 anime.

We learn more about Hatsuharu Sohma, the ox/cow of the zodiac, and many battles are waged: Haru fights Kyo, Yuki fights a cold, Shigure fights back laughter, and Hana fights with the heart of the cards this week on Let’s Stay Together.

This episode, we discuss chapters 11 & 12 of Fruits Basket. Kyo and Yuki shake things up by ditching the family’s traditional New Year’s celebrations. We learn more about Hatori’s painful past, and answer the question: when the snow melts, what does it become?

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Some more reading on topics we discussed:

New Year’s celebrations:

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2064.html

https://tokyocheapo.com/travel/holidays/japanese-new-year-tokyo/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_New_Year

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osechi

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kagami_mochi

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kagami_biraki

https://www.hisgo.com/us/destination-japan/blog/japanese_new_years_traditions.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C5%8Dhaku_Uta_Gassen

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_Record_Awards

Words for love:

https://www.japanesewithanime.com/2016/08/love-aishiteru-koisuru-suki-meaning.html

https://www.thoughtco.com/japanese-words-for-love-2028042

https://www.thoughtco.com/i-love-you-in-japanese-2028066

https://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?0+155821

Bonus link to a post by Furubacanon about the Juunishi’s dance outfits:

http://furubacanon.tumblr.com/post/183756851404/hello-furubacanon-i-love-your-blog-i-was

Kayla and Ellen discuss the events of chapters 9 and 10 of Fruits Basket. We visit the Culture Festival and meet Momiji and Hatori—for real this time. Yuki wears a dress… Kyo eats an onigiri... and Tohru goes inside the Sohma house, getting a little closer to the dark side of the curse.

Kayla and Ellen discuss the events of chapters 7 and 8 of Fruits Basket. Kyo and Yuki struggle with their envy of each other, we meet some new Sohmas, and learn a bit more about the curse this week on Let’s Stay Together.

In this episode, we meet Kagura Sohma and some of Tohru's family, and learn a little more about the curse as we discuss chapters 5 and 6 of the manga Fruits Basket.

Kayla and Ellen discuss the events of chapters 3 and 4 of the manga.

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Some sources were discussed:

Mononoke:

http://www.japanecho.com/sum/2006/330516.html/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mononoke

“The Ashgate Encyclopedia of Literary and Cinematic Monsters” edited by Jeffrey Andrew Weinstock

The Chinese zodiac and ornaments:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_zodiac

https://zoomingjapan.com/items/japanese-zodiac-figures/

Also briefly mentioned:

“How to Read Literature Like a Professor” by Thomas C. Foster

Tohru continues to struggle to talk to anyone about the things she learned from Kureno. A flower-snatching indecent at school leaves Tohru and Kyo alone in the classroom, where she tries to bring it up to him. Machi sees Yuki and catches up with him—just to say hi. Shigure visits Akito, and they argue again about the strains in their relationship.

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Kayla and Ellen discuss the events of chapters 1 and 2 of the manga.

In this teaser episode, we introduce Fruits Basket as a whole and discuss what we hope to look for as we read through it together. We share our hopes and dreams for the podcast and the anime coming in April 2019.

Fruits Basket is back on air, so we’re back too! We pick up where we left off last time in the premier episode of the third and final season of Fruits Basket. Kureno explains more about the darker side of the Sohma family and some of the members’ impact on Akito, and more about the zodiac bond.

All of this understandably upsets Tohru, who has been trying hard to connect Uo and Kureno. Sensing Tohru’s distress, Hana finds her in the park and kidnaps her for some friend bonding time.

Thank you for listening and for your support. We’ll see you next time!

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A special (slightly) early preview of our new show Equivalent Exchange—a weekly read-through of Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakwa. This episode will be released October 3rd, and every Saturday after that!

In Fullmetal Alchemist chapters 1 and 2, we meet Edward and Alphonse Elric. Their attempt at human transmutation as children left them without their whole bodies. On a mission to find a way to restore their bodies, they pass through a town in the grips of a corrupt preacher, Father Cornello. On top of that, it seems that Cornello may not have been acting alone…

Follow our Twitter and Tumblr for updates!

In this finale of season 2 of Fruits Basket, more is revealed about the curse and the Sohma family than ever before. Akito is still bedridden from the shock of the incident at New Year’s and refuses to see Shigure, but has another attendant—it’s clear now why Shigure is jealous of Kureno. It turns out there’s more to both Kureno and Akito than meets the eye.

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Having finished up their duties for the year, the student council goes out to celebrate. For Machi, it seems to cause discomfort for her preferences or plans to be taken into consideration for the event. We learn more about her home life, and how she sees herself, and Yuki.

New Year’s is upon the gang once again, and this year Yuki attends the zodiac banquet. The gathering takes a turn when Yuki says something to Akito. Kyo and Tohru spends New Year’s Eve at Shishou’s, along with another (more reluctant) guest.

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The kids take to the stage for their class culture festival play. It’s kind of like Cinderella? But beyond the dazzling costumes and unanticipated plot adjustments, some of the kids’ outbursts on stage reveal more than perhaps they intended. After the play, Yuki and Kakeru break up a fight brewing between some prince Yuki fan girls and Machi, and Yuki learns how Machi feels about him.

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Yuki continues to explain to Kakeru how he feels about Tohru, that he’ll keep moving forward and find the kind of relationship he wants on his own.

With the class’ culture festival play looming ever closer, Tohru starts to feel the pressure to be evil, but it seems that her nature is just too strong. The kids decide to take some creative liberties with Cinderella—maybe it’ll be easier for Prince Kyo to play his role as well.

Yuki confronts Kyo about his sulking around and avoiding rehearsal, which ends with a punch. A passing conversation with another student and Machi reveals something she thinks about Yuki.

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Everyone prepares to move forward, and we get a glimpse of future.

Thank you for listening! We’ll see you next week for a final wrap up. :)

🔥REMINDER!🔥

We’ll be recording our last anime episode July 1st. If you have any questions for us, send them to:

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Yuki relives some painful memories from his past—the way he was made to stay with Akito, and the abuse he ultimately suffered at Akito’s hand. It was a dark time in his life, but an incident where he was able to help a lost little girl gave him strength to keep going. Yuki is able to tell Kakeru a little about this time in his life, and how he really feels about Tohru.

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Yuki continues to struggle with his feelings about Tohru and his family. Kakeru may be helping him come out of his shell, but Yuki accidentally getting locked in a closet triggers some bad memories for him.

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We pick up where we left off last time. Still weak, Tohru and the others try to tend to Rin, but she does everything she can to reject their care. While checking on her, an argument breaks out between Rin and Tohru. In the end, Rin reluctantly (finally) gives in and cries to Tohru, and something about Rin’s pain stirs Tohru, who cries with her into the morning. 

Yuki realizes that he and Rin have something in common, and Tohru and Rin team up (I guess?) to break the curse.

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Rin struggles to find more information about how to break the curse, and struggles with her painful past. Her health isn’t holding up to her quest—she faints while digging for documents within the Sohma compound, and staggers to Shigure’s house, but faints before being discovered by Tohru.

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The kids are in Kyoto for a school trip! Shigure says that the whole point of school trips is romance, and love does seem to be in the air as kid pair up and confess their feelings. It seems Kyo and Tohru are growing closer too, but not without a few bumps on the way. Yuki hopes to make some good memories on this trip, and builds his relationship with Kakeru and the student council.

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