This week’s episode of Fruits Basket brought me so much joy. In part, because it was gut-bustingly funny, but mostly because it gives me an excuse to write about Furuba’s low-key best character, Hana-chan. But, before I wax lyrical over Hana’s many merits, let me first touch upon two other things…
There were no new plot developments during this week’s episode. This episode also didn’t introduce any new characters or tell us anything new about the ones who we’ve already met (you’d have to have tuned in to Furuba for the very first time not to know what Hana’s big weakness is). No, it was basically just a bunch of second and third-tier characters dicking about. As such, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this week’s episode was actually just filler (filling for time until the season’s big finale). Filler episodes have always been given a bad rep by the anime fandom, but I’ve always felt a little differently towards them. I’ve always maintained that, if your show’s characters are amusing, lovable, and interesting enough, it’s possible to derive entertainment from watching them do absolutely anything, even if that absolutely anything is absolutely nothing! And, whilst this episode wasn’t actually filler (no, the events that took place are absolutely, positively in the manga), it still kind of proves my point. Whilst it may not have contributed anything to the overarching story, it was still so much fun to watch. I couldn’t help but smile this big, goofy smile the entire time I was watching it, which pays testament to the strength of the series’ characters.
This week’s episode also got me reflecting on the pitfalls of idolising somebody. The Prince Yuki fan club look down on Tohru, muttering under their breath: “How much can she really know about Yuki?”, all the while putting him on this lofty, unreachable pedestal. Their self-imposed rules and regulations prevent them from actually getting to know their prince, his weaknesses as well as his strengths. Whilst Yuki is faaar from being a “hot mess”, they’re still setting themselves up for disappointment if they truly and honestly think that he’s perfect! Idolising him also shows a complete and utter disregard for his feelings, something that Hana-chan touched upon herself. Whilst it may sound good, in theory, to be put up on a pedestal and worshipped from afar, it can also be kind of lonely (I should think. I’m not exactly pedestal material!!!). Girls aren’t permitted to approach Yuki and guys aren’t exactly lining up to be the Ron Weasley to his Harry Potter. It’s little wonder that he’s so thankful for Tohru’s friendship!
OK, now, on to Hana-chan… Oddly enough, I was never a huge fan of Hana’s, during my first brush with Fruits Basket. She was always just that weird friend of Tohru’s to me back then! But, during this reboot, she’s slowly and insidiously (in keeping with her character) snuck her way into my list of favourite Furuba characters. My reasons for liking her aren’t all that deep (do they have to be?), but here they are…
One reason why I love Hana-chan is that her sense of humour really gets me. I’m as stereotypically British as they come. I like my humour dry and riddled with sarcasm. So the absolutely ruthless joke that she told (all while completely stonefaced) about Mio, Minami, and Motoko not really being her friends – they all just happen to go to the same school and share the same gender – really tickled me! A second reason is that Hana’s super insightful. Her mysterious powers probably play some part in this, regardless, it’s still incredibly impressive how quick she is to pick up on the things tucked away inside of people’s hearts (like the Prince Yuki fan club’s real reason for visiting her home). Speaking of Hana’s powers, I also love that nobody seems inclined to explain them, their reach, how she came to possess them, etc. It’s like: “Yeah, Hana has these strange powers that may or may not be able to kill people. That’s just her thing. *shrug*”. A third and final reason is Hana’s ability to defy all expectations. At first glance, she’s this dark, scary, goth-princess. And whilst that’s absolutely, positively true, she’s also this big softy who adores her Damien-Esque little brother, squirrels away her stash of girly manga, and whose biggest weakness is her best friend, Tohru. I think that Furuba is turning me into a bit of a soft touch, because I definitely fought back tears when Hana reflected on just how happy Tohru made her.
So, yeah, in case you couldn’t tell, I love, love, loved this week’s episode! But what did you think about it? And what do you think about Hana-chan? Do you agree that she’s one of the show’s best characters? Hope to hear from you soon!
Watashi Wa Bucho!! 
This week was great. I loved Hanajima from the original series but the 2019 version has made her even more special and I hope we get more of her in the future because she’s awesome.
What do you think is the main difference between 2001 Hana and 2019 Hana? It’s been so long since I watched the original series that I can’t put my finger on it!
I think, like a lot of the characters, she’s just more nuanced in this version. While she’s got the waves and she is a bit odd, she isn’t only Tohru’s weird friend here. She feels more real and that makes her really lovely.
I can’t remember, did the original series touch upon Hana’s past at all? I don’t think it did… That probably has something to do with it. If I recall, in the original series, Hana was little more than a one-dimensional comic relief character who was never used to her fullest potential… During this series, however, she’s really come into her own!
I think my experience with this episode was a lot like yours.
It was almost like Megumi and Saki had planned the meeting like a military campaign. The curse at the end was a perfect finishing shot!
And the shot of Saki smiling? Absolutely worth waiting 21 episodes for.
“because I definitely fought back tears when Hana reflected on just how happy Tohru made her. ”
That was a beautiful scene, wasn’t it?
And yet another episode that amazed me with how much emotion it could invoke with so little visible effort!