Arisa Uotani
The brash former gang member who swore an oath on Kyoko Honda's grave to protect Tohru.
Arisa Uotani is a central supporting character and one of Tohru Honda's closest friends. A former gang member known as a "yankee," she is depicted as tough, brash, and sometimes violent, often carrying a lead pipe and wearing long skirts. Arisa speaks like a man and claims she wishes to reach 6 feet (1.8 m) in height. Her manga symbol is a fish, derived from the first kanji of her family name. She acts as a "father-figure" alongside Saki Hanajima in their parental protection of Tohru.
Quick Facts
- Best friend
- Tohru Honda
Lore & Background
Arisa's childhood was troubled; her father is an alcoholic and her mother left him for another man when Arisa was young. In fifth grade, she joined an all-girl gang called The Ladies and idolized Kyoko Honda's reputation from Kyoko's own gang days. When Arisa met Tohru in middle school, she was shocked to see Kyoko transformed from a gang leader into a doting mother but became friends after Kyoko helped her escape the gang. With Saki Hanajima, Arisa swore on Kyoko's grave to look after Tohru. In their near-parental protection of Tohru, noted by Kyo and Yuki, Arisa is depicted as the brash and direct father-figure.
Reader's Guide
Arisa Uotani serves as Tohru's boisterous best friend and protector. She is especially competitive with Kyo and bickers with him frequently. Her personality is defined by her toughness and directness, often speaking like a man. Despite her intimidating exterior, she is deeply loyal to her friends. Arisa works part-time jobs throughout the series, one of which leads to her romance with Kureno Soma. The relationship faces obstacles due to Kureno's duties to Akito, but it resolves happily when he leaves the Sohma head. By the story's end, Arisa prepares to move in with Kureno, marking a happy conclusion to her arc.
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