The character we'll be introducing today is Honda Kyoko, the mother of the protagonist of "Fruits Basket." In contrast to the gentle and kind-hearted Tohru, Koniko was a former delinquent in middle school. What kind of person is she?
About Honda Kyoko, the mother who raised Tohru
Honda Kyoko is the mother of Tohru, the protagonist of "Fruits Basket." Tohru's words and thoughts are so deeply influenced by Honda that they almost always contain words and ideas she taught him. While Koniko may seem like a model mother, she grew up in a cold household and was incredibly rebellious during her middle school years. She was so feared among the delinquents of the time that she was nicknamed "Red Butterfly," and rarely attended school.
Meeting the "Strange Teacher" Honda Katsuya
When Kyoko was in junior high school, she met her future husband, Honda Katsuya. She was called in by her teachers after causing trouble outside of school. Present there was Honda Katsuya, a student teacher. He asked the irritated Kyoko, "What are you so angry about?" Katsuya's words helped Kyoko realize her frustration with her own rough behavior and her true desire to be accepted and loved.
The sudden proposal that saved Kyoko
Thanks to Katsuya, Kyoko started going to school. However, her change in behavior drew resentment from her peers, and she was subjected to violence just before her high school entrance exams. Kyoko was unable to take the exam and was disowned by her parents. At that moment, Honda Katsuya appeared. Katsuya told Kyoko he wanted to marry her, but Kyoko suspected he was only doing it out of pity. However, Katsuya proposed to her out of no sympathy, but because he felt a deep affection for her when she cried and said she was lonely.
Toru is Born
At first, Kyoko was upset about the birth of a child. This was because she felt that she was not qualified to raise a child, having hurt people and become a troubled person in the past. However, with Katsuya's support, she decided to give birth, and Toru was born. Katsuya gave her the name Toru. The meaning of Toru is, "Just as adding salt to sweet things gives them a nice flavor, I hope that Toru will become a girl like that."
Farewell to her beloved husband, Honda Katsuya
Katsuya passed away after catching a cold. Kyoko was so shocked by his loss that she was powerless to do anything. She also neglected Tohru, unable to care for him. Unable to bear it any longer, Kyoko tried to follow Katsuya by jumping off a bridge, but at that moment she heard her child's voice calling out "Mommy," and Tohru came to mind, so she rushed home. There she found Tohru, who had been waiting for her.
You can't find your answer unless you get lost at least once.
Kyoko lost her irreplaceable friend, Katsuya. With Katsuya gone, she once again fell into despair, feeling like she was no longer needed. However, seeing Toru, who waited for her unconditionally, she decided, "Even if the world doesn't need me, I will live for those who are needed." She found meaning in her life and moved forward. However, Kyoko was killed in a traffic accident during Toru's first year of high school.
Honda Kyoko's voice actor is Miyuki Sawashiro
Honda Kyoko is voiced by voice actress Miyuki Sawashiro. Miyuki Sawashiro's career includes awards for Best Supporting Actress, Best Actress, and the Overseas Fan Award three years in a row from 2009 to 2011. Sawashiro's distinctive voice and acting ability allow her to play a wide range of characters, from young boys to adult women. In addition to her role as Honda Kyoko, she also plays Kurapika in "HUNTER x HUNTER" and Fujiko Mine in "Lupin the Third."
(Summary) Perhaps it was precisely because I made a mistake that I was able to move forward
Kyoko Honda once hurt others and decided she was useless. However, this was a flipside of wanting others to notice her. It was her husband, Katsuya Honda, who noticed her loneliness and accepted her. When Katsuya saw her crying and expressing her loneliness, he said, "I loved how human she was when she cried so honestly," and married her. Just when they thought their happiness would continue after the birth of Toru, Katsuya passed away. Kyoko fell into despair, but thanks to Toru, she was able to recover and try to live again. Although there were difficult times, perhaps Kyoko can teach us that it is precisely because we have gotten lost so many times that we can realize something.
