Since Fruit basket is a romance anime, it’s no surprise that many happy couples were formed with the conclusion of the story. From perhaps the most popular pair, Tohru and Kyo, to the adorable Hatori and Mayu, there are so many different romantic types. Fruit basket couples that came together. However, for every canon couple that found joy, there is a non-canon pairing that fans longed for but never received.
Some Fruit basket fans seemed destined to fall in love, but it never worked out or was never officially confirmed. Many of the most adored potential couples could never become official since one or more of the partners are canonically dating or married to someone else. But, fans can still dream, and It would have been wonderful to witness some of these alternative ships.
10
Motoko and Yuki
Perhaps an unlikely pair, Yuki and Motoko could be a case of opposites attracting
Motoko was the leader of the Prince Yuki fan club, a group of girls who idolized Yuki Sohma to an almost uncomfortable degree. Because of her obsession with Yuki and tendency to follow him, she is a controversial character. Possibly, She got over her fixation on Yuki and married someone else, just like Yuki.
Motoko’s crush on Yuki was unhealthy, but some fans like to imagine a more grounded and mutually beneficial relationship between the two. This ship is highly contested, as some fans feel that Motoko and Yuki could never work due to Motoko’s brilliant outlook on Yuki. Behind their passion is genuine care for Yuki, so with Motoko’s growth, it’s understandable that viewers can imagine the two of them together in an opposites-attract dynamic, due to Yuki’s soft-spokenness and Motoko’s energetic personality.
9
Kazuma and Kyoko
Both Kazuma and Kyoko love their children unconditionally, giving them common ground
Kazuma and Kyoko have never met, but fans can’t stop imagining how their lives could have changed if they had. Kazuma is Kyo’s adoptive father, raising him and teaching him martial arts after he was abandoned by his own father. Kyoko Honda is Tohru’s mother who tragically died in an accident right before the events of the series.
Both Kazuma and Kyoko cared for their children more than anything, pouring their energy and wisdom into their children and showing them unconditional love. Ironically, Kyo even met Kyoko, and they became friends, with Kyoko offering wisdom and a listening ear to Kyo. Kyoko and Kazuma could have bonded over this mutual care for Kyoand because they have both proven to be loving and generous, many fans consider them the ideal match.
8
Shigure and Mayuko
Once lovers, some fans hoped Shigure and Mayuko would overcome their differences and find harmony
Shigure and Mayuko dated briefly, but their fleeting relationship was very short-lived and unsuccessful. Mayuko, Tohru’s teacher, was the one who ended things, unable to take Shigure’s emotional detachment and immaturity any longer. Mayuko finally found true happiness with Hatori, another member of the Sohma family, and Shigure developed her relationship with Akito, the head of the family.
Many fans were disappointed with this twist. Mayuko’s seriousness and intelligence and Shigure’s fun and humorous demeanor could balance each other out, and it’s adorable that Mayuko loves books and helps out at her parents’ bookstore, while Shigure is a writer, giving them a common interest. A handful of viewers were hopeful that Shigure and Mayuko would mend their bond and become happy lovers, but this never materialized.
7
Kagura and Kyo
Kagura was very obsessed with Kyo, but fans argue that their bond could have evolved after Kagura changed
Kagura x Kyo is a ship that Kagura herself undoubtedly wanted to become canon, but never did. Kagura Sohma, who represented the Boar Zodiac, was absolutely in love with Kyo, the Cat Zodiac. Kyo was very irritated by Kagura’s antics and clinginess, but some fans have reimagined a different potential dynamic for the duo’s relationship.
Kagura was aggressive and needy, but these aspects of her personality became less present towards the end of Fruit basket. She even genuinely apologized to Kyo, revealing her maturity and understanding of the harmfulness of her past behavior. Because of this positive change, many viewers can’t help but imagine a romance between the two frank and stubborn characters.
6
Tohru and Hatsuharu
Close friends Tohru and Hatsuharu bring out the best sides of each other, making them a cute potential couple
One of the Sohma family members that Tohru has become closest to is Hatsuharu Sohma, the Zodiac Ox. Haru and Tohru are very different; Tohru is kind-hearted and outgoing, while Haru is a more reserved and reserved person, that is, until he gets angry. That Fruit basket Potential pairing could serve as Another example of the “opposites attract” phenomenon however.
He and Tohru shared many personal conversations, and Tohru helped Haru process the struggles that the Zodiac Curse brought. Although they are different in many ways, the ship makes a lot of sense due to the how freely they trust and communicate with each other in the series. In all of their on-screen interactions, Tohru and Haru seem to bring out the best in each other, and it’s easy to see how the two could enjoy a romantic relationship built on a foundation of unconditional support and honesty.
5
Hiro and Kisa
Fans are still unhappy because this inseparable best friend duo never became an official couple
Hiro and Kisa were never officially confirmed as a couple, although a scene at the end of Fruit basket Depicting them with their arms linked has generated some debate. Since both were introduced, Hiro and Kisa were inseparabledoing everything together. Hiro is more direct and outspoken, while Kisa is kind and shy, and their personalities seem to mesh well.
Kisa encourages Hiro to calm down and think before acting, while Hiro encourages Kisa to be adventurous and speak up for herself when necessary. The more time they spend together, the better and more complete they both become. It’s really a shame that this couple was never officially canon after Hiro and Kisa grew up, because they would have been one of Fruit basket best couples.
4
Hatori and Kana
Akito forced Hatori and Kana to break up, and they never found a way back together, much to fans’ disappointment.
Hatori and Kana’s past relationship was filled with suffering, through no fault of their own. They dated for two happy months, but Akito, the Sohmas’ abusive head of the family, attacked them both, hurting Hatori and terrifying Kana. Akito’s cruelty terrified Kana to the point of leaving Hatori, as she felt she had no other choice, and Hatori erased his memories to avoid further pain.
Fans were hopeful that once the Zodiac Curse was lifted, Hatori and Kana could return to their previous adoring relationship before Akito ruined everything. This optimistic dream never came true. Kana married someone different, while Hatori married Shigure’s ex, Mayuko. Fortunately, both sides of the couple found happiness in the end, but some fans still fantasize about what could have happened without Akito’s negative interference.
3
Kyo and Arisa
Kyo and Arisa could have been a perfect example of the enemies to lovers trope
One of Tohru’s two best friends, Arisa Uotani and Kyo Sohma, have very similar attitudes and behaviors. Because they are so similar, the pair are often at odds with each otherarguing and shouting constantly. One of the most popular maritime tropes is “enemies to lovers,” and Arisa and Kyo fit that dynamic perfectly.
Their fiery and passionate personalities could blend adorably as long as their love for each other was as powerful as their arguments. Both Arisa and Kyo are headstrong, bold, and fiercely dedicated to those they care for, showing that they value the same things. Fans of the pairing status think they could have made a perfect match, getting into flirty fights.
2
Tohru and Yuki
Tohru ended up with Kyo instead, but Yuki X Tohru shippers still think this pairing was the best choice
Fans weren’t sure who in the main love triangle Tohru would end up with: Kyo or Yuki. Both seemed likely options, as Tohru had loyal friendships with both Sohmas. When it was revealed that Tohru and Kyo were in love, some Yuki x Tohru shippers were very disappointed.
Yuki explained to Tohru that he saw her more as a caring mother figure than a potential loverbut fans still felt romantic tension between Yuki and Tohru at times. Even though they didn’t end up romantically, Yuki and Tohru’s bond is beautiful, supportive, and full of laughter and love. It’s easy to imagine the two together, as they have always been very affectionate and close.
1
Tohru and Momiji
Momiji had a huge crush on Tohru, but respected her and Kyo’s relationship
One of the biggest missed opportunities for a Fruit basket ship was Tohru and Momiji. From their initial meeting, Tohru and Momiji hit it off, sharing similar feelings of humor and love for others. They have two of the most generous and selfless hearts in the seriesalways putting others first.
These two sweet characters seem like a nice combination, and Momiji even had a crush on Tohru. However, his love for his friend was so deep that he didn’t want to unintentionally destroy her and Kyo’s happiness. Momiji kept his feelings a secret and wholeheartedly supported Kyo and Tohru, but fans still wonder what could have happened between the two if he had confessed to Tohru.