On June 1, Crunchyroll announced there will be a limited theatrical release for the prequel and conclusion of the award winning anime Fruits Basket titled Fruits Basket-prelude-.
Distributed by Crunchyroll, Fruits Basket-Prelude- is scheduled to be released in select movie theaters in the United States and Canada, subtitled and English dubbed, on June 25, 28, and 29 with tickets on sale Friday, June 3. In addition, Fruits Basket-Prelude- will debut in the United Kingdom, dubbed only, on July 20 with tickets going on sale June 24.
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Debuting for the first time outside of Japan, Fruits Basket -prelude- is the prequel film to the award-winning 2019 anime series Fruits Basket. It is a standalone story that will take Fruits Basket fans back before Tohru became involved with the Soma family – who can turn into animals of the Zodiac when hugged by the opposite sex.
Fruits Basket -prelude- dives into the life of her parents, Kyoto and Katsuya Honda, before their tragic death.
The official synopsis for Fruits Basket -prelude- provided by Crunchyroll states, “Before there was Tohru and Kyo – there was Katsuya and Kyoko. Discover the turbulent beginning of Tohru’s mom’s dark past, and the man who breathed new hope into her. Watch the evolution of their love story and the birth of the Honda family, as this chapter completes the full adaptation of the heartwarming Fruits Basket story.”
Fruits Basket -prelude- is directed by Yoshihide Ibata (Fruits Basket; Attack on Titan: Junior High). Studio animation is provided by TMS Entertainment and 8PAN.
The duo are known for producing several popular anime including 2019’s Fruits Basket, Dr. STONE, Bakuon!!, and more.
The production staff for Fruits Basket -prelude- includes a screenplay written by Taku Kishimoto (Fruits Basket; Haikyu!!; 91 Days; Erased), character designs drawn by Masaru Shindō (Fruits Basket; My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU), art direction by Tamako Kamiyama, and music composed by Masaru Yokoyama (Fruits Basket; Horimiya; Your Lie in April).
The movie’s theme song, “Niji to Kite” (“Rainbow and Kite”), performed by Ohashi Trio. The total running time for Fruits Basket -prelude- is 88 minutes.
The film is based on the award-winning shoujo manga Fruits Basket, written and illustrated by Natsuki Takaya (Phantom Dream; Twinkle Stars; Fruits Basket Another) and published by Hakusensha from 1998 to 2006.
The manga was licensed in English in North America and the United Kingdom by Tokyopop. In 2016, after Tokyopop ceased publication, the Collector’s Edition series was re-licensed in North America by Yen Press.
The synopsis provided by Yen Press reads, “After a family tragedy turns her life upside down, plucky high schooler Tohru Honda takes matters into her own hands and moves out…into a tent! Unfortunately for her, she pitches her new home on private land belonging to the mysterious Sohma clan, and it isn’t long before the owners discover her secret. But, as Tohru quickly finds out when the family offers to take her in, the Sohmas have a secret of their own–when touched by the opposite sex, they turn into the animals of the Chinese Zodiac!”
The 2019 anime adaptation of Fruits Basket, is currently available to stream on Crunchyroll.
The synopsis provided by Crunchyroll says, “Tohru Honda thought her life was headed for misfortune when a family tragedy left her living in a tent. When her small home is discovered by the mysterious Soma clan, she suddenly finds herself living with Yuki, Kyo, and Shigure Soma. But she quickly learns their family has a bizarre secret of their own: when hugged by the opposite sex, they turn into the animals of the Zodiac!”
Are you excited for the final chapter of the Fruits Basket franchise? Do you plan to see it in theaters? Let us know your thoughts on social media or in the comments down below!
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