Akito Sohma
The 'God' who anchors the twelve spirits to their fate.
Akito Sohma occupies the central and most pivotal role within the Fruits Basket narrative as the head of the Sohma family. Bound to the clan's supernatural curse, Akito occupies the position of "God" of the zodiac. This designation is not merely titular; it dictates the entire social structure of the household, where twelve other members are possessed by zodiac spirits who must serve this divine figure. Akito's authority is absolute yet precarious, maintained through a complex web of fear and devotion that keeps the afflicted family members "chained to their spirits."
While the curse transforms others into animals when they are weak, stressed, or embraced by someone of the opposite gender not possessed by a spirit, Akito stands as the anchor holding these bonds together. Akito both keeps the family together and chains its members to their spirits, and Akito's actions drive much of the emotional conflict faced by Tohru Honda and the cursed members.
Quick Facts
- Affiliation
- Sohma Clan
- Curse sign
- God
Lore & Background
This role is not passive; it actively sustains the supernatural phenomenon affecting thirteen members of the clan. The narrative establishes that twelve members are possessed by zodiac animals, while Kyo is possessed by the cat who was excluded from the zodiac. Akito is depicted as short-tempered and abusive, and has physically and emotionally scarred many Sohmas. As Tohru Honda learns more about the Sohma family, she discovers the curse and its effects, including their leader, Akito. The curse triggers when zodiac members are weak, stressed, or embraced by someone of the opposite gender who is not possessed by a spirit.
Reader's Guide
This figure maintains the cohesion of the clan while simultaneously enforcing the supernatural bonds that cause twelve members to transform into zodiac animals and one member (Kyo) to transform into a cat. Twelve members possess zodiac spirits, while Akito holds the position of God. Kyo possesses the spirit of the excluded Cat. This authority holds until Tohru Honda's efforts to break the curse lead Akito to realize that holding on to the bond has hurt Akito as much as the others, and to let it go.
More in The Sohma Family & Clans
Elsewhere in Fruits Basket
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