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Natsuki Takaya

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Takaya Natsuki)

Natsuki Takaya
Native name
高屋奈月
Born (1973-07-07) July 7, 1973 (age 53)
Shizuoka, Japan
OccupationManga artist
Years active1992–present
Notable worksFruits Basket
Notable awards

Natsuki Takaya (Japanese: 高屋奈月, Hepburn: Takaya Natsuki; born July 7, 1973) is a Japanese manga artist. She is known for creating the manga series Fruits Basket, which received the Kodansha Manga Award and is one of the best-selling shōjo manga works of all time.

Fruits Basket was adapted into an anime television series in 2001 and again in 2019, with Tayaka serving as supervisor and executive producer for the latter adaptation. Tayaka has also published several other series, including Tsubasa: Those with Wings, Twinkle Stars, and multiple Fruits Basket spin-off works.

Early life

[edit]

Takaya was born in Shizuoka, Japan, on July 7, 1973, and raised in Tokyo.[1][2] As a child, she often read manga works, which eventually led her to pursue drawing manga as a career.[3] She mentioned that she decided to become a manga artist when she was in first grade; her sister also wanted to be a manga artist during that time, which ended up influencing her. She drew her first manga when she was in grade school.[4]

Career

[edit]

Early works

[edit]

Prior to her debut in the manga scene, Takaya had never formally worked as an assistant nor drawn doujinshi (self-published manga).[3] In 1991, her short story "Sickly Boy wa Hi ni Yowai" (Sickly Boyは陽に弱い, lit. 'Sickly boy is weak in the sun') received an Honorable Mention in the 178th Hana to Yume Manga Artist Course. Later that year, it was published in Hakusensha's Bessatsu Hana to Yume as her first professional work.[5] In 1992, she published the story "Born Free" in Hana to Yume Planet Zōkan.[6]

Shortly after the publication of "Born Free", she began serializing Phantom Dream in Hana to Yume; its chapters were later collected into five tankōbon volumes that were released from February 1996 to December 1997.[7] She also serialized Tsubasa: Those with Wings in the same magazine; its chapters were collected into six tankōbon volumes that were released from November 1996 to August 1998.[8]

Between 1993 and 1998, Takaya released several short stories in Hana to Yume and related magazines published by Hakusensha. These short stories were compiled into a collection titled Songs to Make You Smile, which was released in November 1999.[9]

Fruits Basket

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In March 1998, Takaya began serializing Fruits Basket in Hana to Yume.[10] An anime adaptation of Fruits Basket aired from July to December 2001,[11] covering the first six volumes of the manga.[12] In the same year, Takaya received the Kodansha Manga Award for shōjo manga for Fruits Basket.[13] Takaya published the final chapter of Fruits Basket in November 2006.[14]

In total, Fruits Basket spanned twenty-three tankōbon volumes. The final volume reached the fifteenth position on the USA Today Best-Selling Books list, the highest rank ever reached by a manga work.[15] By May 2007, the series had sold over 18 million copies in Japan and 3 million copies overseas.[10] In the same year, it won the American Anime Awards in the Best Manga category,[16] while in 2008 it was nominated for the Seiun Awards in the Comic category.[17]

Between 2001 and 2007, Takaya released several accompanying Fruits Basket works, including two fan books,[18][19] an artbook,[20] and a character book.[21]

Twinkle Stars

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Following the completion of Fruits Basket, Takaya described herself as exhausted both physically and mentally; at one point, she even considered quitting her career. As she felt that she would not be able to create a series surpassing Fruits Basket, she decided to focus on making her future works true to her own style and voice, which began with Twinkle Stars.[22] Takaya published the series in Hana to Yume from June 2007[23] to January 2011.[24] Its chapters were collected into eleven tankōbon volumes.[25] Following its completion, she called it a work that she was very fond of.[22]

In May 2011, Takaya began serializing Liselotte & Witch's Forest in Hana to Yume. Its chapters have been compiled into five tankōbon volumes, with the most recent being released in November 2013. In December 2013, Takaya announced that the series would be going into extended hiatus so that she could recover from an illness.[26] In July 2015, Takaya stated that she had no plans to resume the series yet, but would try to slowly return.[27] In a December 2015 interview with Comic Natalie, Takaya said that due to her health and various circumstances, she could not work on it simultaneously with another series, but intended to eventually come back to it.[22]

Fruits Basket Another and other works

[edit]

In September 2015, Takaya launched a sequel to Fruits Basket titled Fruits Basket Another on Hakusensha's HanaLaLa Online website. The series' twelfth chapter was released in December 2018,[28] with its third volume being released in March 2019 as the planned final one.[29][28] However, a thirteenth chapter of Fruits Basket Another was released in April 2020 as a "tentative" ending.[30]

Between April and July 2019, Takaya published three chapters of a spin-off series, Fruits Basket: Three Musketeers Arc, in Hana to Yume.[31] She published a three-chapter continuation, styled as a "second season", in the same magazine between April[32] and August 2020.[33] These chapters, along with the thirteenth chapter of Fruits Basket Another, were subsequently compiled into the latter series's fourth and concluding volume.[30][34]

In April 2019, an second anime adaptation of Fruits Basket began airing. Three seasons were produced in total, with the final season concluding in June 2021.[35][36] Takaya served as supervisor and executive producer for the series;[37] she requested that the adaptation be done with a different team from the first one and use an animation style that did not "look too much like [her] art".[38] She mentioned being "happy and honored" that new fans were discovering Fruits Basket through the anime.[39]

In September 2023, Takaya started publishing a new series, In Such a Small World, on Hakusensha's Manga Park [ja] website. The series ended in July 2025 with a total of eleven chapters along with a prologue and epilogue.[40]

Style and views

[edit]

Takaya has said that manga does not have a "firm definition" for her; instead, she prefers to freely interpret the medium. She has also stated that she most enjoys the process of planning and storyboarding a manga series.[3] During this process, she described the pacing, dialogue, and emotional interest to the reader as the most important aspects to focus on.[41] In a 2006 interview with Time magazine, she mentioned that she had two assistants. Although she did not teach them any particular style, she described them as a "great help" to her.[3]

In a Q&A in the third volume of Fruits Basket, Takaya said that she mostly worked "all day long" except for meals. She felt her greatest challenge was conveying the story within a limited page count, and she would talk with her editor or take a break when she got stuck.[42]

Takaya has stated that she enjoys "work that [she] could never draw [her]self", such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. She felt that her ideas generally come from her doubts and desires rather than any specific inspirations. For Fruits Basket, she said that the storyline was simply "something that occurs to me, through the process of living for myself".[3] She also stated that when she creates a character, she focuses on what they care about, their convictions, and their upbringing, with every character she makes being based on herself to some extent.[39]

Takaya typically tries to include a message in her works, saying that she prefers providing "conclusions" over ending with "questions".[3] For particularly heavy topics, she aims to simply depict them "as they are."[39] She prefers not to comment on this message outside of what is shown in the story; in her opinion, each reader's unique interpretation is "part of the pleasure" of enjoying a work.[3]

Influence

[edit]

Fruits Basket is one of the best-selling shōjo manga series of all time.[43][44] By November 2018, it had sold over 30 million copies worldwide.[45]

Akiko Sugawa-Shimada, a professor researching anime and manga at Yokohama National University,[46] wrote that Fruits Basket made a "significant cultural impact" and contributed to the popularity of shōjo manga in the United States, particularly as existing American comics were typically targeted towards male readers.[43] Heidi MacDonald, a writer working in the comics industry, described it as "one of the greatest hits of the First Manga Era".[47]

Domee Shi, director of the movie Turning Red, credited Fruits Basket as one of her inspirations.[48]

Personal life

[edit]

Takaya has mentioned liking game music as well as the movies Field of Dreams and Laputa: Castle in the Sky. She enjoys playing video games, naming Sakura Wars as one of her favorites.[49]

During Fruits Basket's serialization, Takaya developed occupational dystonia, which she received surgery to treat. Following a hiatus of one year, she returned to working on the series, though she noted that her art style had changed.[50] Later, when announcing her hiatus from Liselotte & Witch's Forest for health reasons, she clarified that it was not a recurrence of the issue.[51]

Works

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All works were originally published in Japanese by Hakusensha.

Manga

[edit]

All dates are for the publication of the original tankōbon volumes unless otherwise specified.

Other titles

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  • Takaya Natsuki "Furūtsu Basuketto" Kyarakutā Bukku (高屋奈月『フルーツバスケット』キャラクターブック, lit. 'Takaya Natsuki "Fruits Basket" Character Book') (2001)[21]
  • Takaya Natsuki Gashū Furūtsu Basuketto (高屋奈月画集フルーツバスケット, lit. 'Takaya Natsuki Illustration Collection Fruits Basket') (2004)[20]
  • Fruits Basket Fan Book - Cat (フルーツバスケットファンブック〈猫〉, Furūtsu Basuketto Fan Bukku (Neko)) (2005)[18]
  • Fruits Basket Fan Book - Banquet (フルーツバスケットファンブック/宴, Furūtsu Basuketto Fan Bukku /En) (2007)[19]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ↑ On extended hiatus.[26]
  2. ↑ The series' chapters were included in Fruits Basket Another's final volume.[34]

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ 高屋奈月：プロフィール・作品情報・最新ニュース. Eiga.com (in Japanese). Retrieved July 18, 2026.
  2. ↑ Takaya, Natsuki (June 8, 2004). Fruits Basket, Vol 3. Tokyopop. p. 194. ISBN 978-1591826057.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Something About Shojo". Time. August 10, 2006. Archived from the original on February 25, 2025. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  4. ↑ Takaya, Natsuki (June 8, 2004). Fruits Basket, Vol 3. Tokyopop. p. 196. ISBN 978-1591826057.
  5. ↑ 高屋 奈月. Mangapedia (in Japanese). Archived from the original on January 19, 2026. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  6. ↑ 高屋奈月のプロフィール・作品情報. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Archived from the original on September 3, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  7. 1 2 幻影夢想（漫画）. Mangapedia (in Japanese). Archived from the original on May 14, 2026. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  8. 1 2 翼を持つ者（漫画）. Mangapedia (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 12, 2026. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  9. 1 2 Takaya, Natsuki (2007). "Works by Natsuki Takaya". Fruits Basket: Fanbasket – Cat –. Tokyopop. p. 189. ISBN 978-1-4278-0293-4.
  10. 1 2 3 "Fruits Basket's Final Tally in Japan: 18 Million Sold". Anime News Network. May 7, 2007. Archived from the original on December 2, 2020. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  11. ↑ メディア芸術データベース. Media Arts Database. Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved July 14, 2026.
  12. ↑ "Une nouvelle adaptation animée du manga « Fruits Basket » prévue en 2019". Le Monde (in French). November 20, 2018. ISSN 1950-6244. Archived from the original on August 22, 2025. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  13. ↑ Joel Hahn. "Kodansha Manga Awards". Comic Book Awards Almanac. Archived from the original on August 16, 2007. Retrieved August 21, 2007.
  14. ↑ "Fruits Basket Episodes 9 & 10 Delayed Due To French Open". Anime Feminist. May 31, 2019. Archived from the original on November 25, 2020. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  15. ↑ "'Fruits Basket' Tally Over 18 Million". ICv2. May 8, 2007. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved December 12, 2007.
  16. ↑ "American Anime Award Winners". ICv2. November 27, 2007. Archived from the original on April 26, 2013. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  17. ↑ Loo, Egan (August 24, 2008). "Library War, Dennō Coil, 20th Century Boys Win Seiun Awards (Updated)". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on May 5, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  18. 1 2 フルーツバスケットファンブック「猫」. Media Arts Database. Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  19. 1 2 フルーツバスケットファンブック「宴」. Media Arts Database. Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  20. 1 2 高屋奈月画集フルーツバスケット. Media Arts Database. Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  21. 1 2 高屋奈月『フルーツバスケット』キャラクターブック. Media Arts Database. Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  22. 1 2 3 「フルーツバスケット」愛蔵版発売記念、高屋奈月インタビュー＆名ゼリフ満載の「今日のおことば」 (2/3) - コミックナタリー 特集・インタビュー. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. Archived from the original on September 1, 2025. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  23. ↑ Koulikov, Mikhail (May 20, 2007). "New Manga from Fruits Basket Creator Set to Debut". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on August 25, 2025. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  24. ↑ 「声優かっ！」「王子と魔女と」ドラマCDが花ゆめ付録に. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Archived from the original on January 21, 2025. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  25. ↑ 星は歌う - Media Arts Database. Media Arts Database. Agency for Cultural Affairs. Archived from the original on January 11, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  26. 1 2 3 Hodgkins, Crystalyn (December 3, 2012). "Fruits Basket's Natsuki Takaya to Go on Extended Hiatus". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 16, 2024. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  27. ↑ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (July 17, 2015). "Natsuki Takaya Launches Fruits Basket another Sequel Web Manga (Updated)". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on April 20, 2026. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  28. 1 2 Pineda, Rafael Antonio (March 19, 2020). "Fruits Basket Another Manga Returns on April 6". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on March 28, 2020. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  29. ↑ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (September 21, 2017). "Fruits Basket another Sequel Manga Ends With 3rd Volume". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on April 5, 2025. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  30. 1 2 3 4 Pineda, Rafael Antonio (December 19, 2021). "Fruits Basket Another Manga Ends With 4th Volume in February". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on April 8, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  31. ↑ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (April 4, 2019). "Fruits Basket Manga Gets 3 New Short Chapters Focusing on Mabudachi Trio". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on June 11, 2019. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  32. ↑ 「フルバ」ネタバレ＆メタ発言満載のマブダチ特別編が花ゆめに、「フルバナ」最新話配信も. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. April 20, 2020. Archived from the original on June 29, 2020. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  33. ↑ Sherman, Jennifer (August 14, 2020). "Fruits Basket: The Three Musketeers Arc 2 Manga Publishes 3rd Chapter". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on August 15, 2020. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  34. 1 2 3 "Fruits Basket spin-off manga released in 2025; Here's where to read and watch". The Times of India. April 17, 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  35. ↑ Sherman, Jennifer (September 21, 2020). "Fruits Basket Anime Gets 'Final' Season in 2021". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on September 22, 2020. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  36. ↑ Orsini, Lauren (June 30, 2021). "Fruits Basket the Final ‒ SERIES FINALE". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 20, 2025. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  37. ↑ Stevens, Colin (November 19, 2018). "New Fruits Basket Anime Coming in 2019". IGN. Archived from the original on June 30, 2026. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  38. ↑ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (November 19, 2018). "Natsuki Takaya's Full Comments for New Fruits Basket Anime". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on February 20, 2026. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  39. 1 2 3 "Fruits Basket: Natsuki Takaya on Compelling Characters, Surprise Success". Funimation. September 18, 2020. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  40. 1 2 "Fruits Basket's Natsuki Takaya Ends In Such a Small World Manga (Updated)". Anime News Network. July 13, 2026. Archived from the original on July 23, 2025. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  41. ↑ Takaya, Natsuki (August 10, 2004). Fruits Basket, Vol 4. Tokyopop. p. 200. ISBN 978-1591826057.
  42. ↑ Takaya, Natsuki (June 8, 2004). Fruits Basket, Vol 3. Tokyopop. p. 195-196. ISBN 978-1591826064.
  43. 1 2 "Fruits Basket | Literature and Writing | Research Starters | EBSCO Research". EBSCO. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  44. ↑ ギネス認定!!世界で最も売れてる少女漫画「フルーツバスケット」が全編アニメ化で復活！. Web The Television (in Japanese). Archived from the original on September 12, 2020. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  45. ↑ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (December 2, 2018). "Roundup of Newly Revealed Print Counts for Manga, Light Novel Series - November 2018". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on December 3, 2018. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  46. ↑ de Guzman, Chad (December 14, 2023). "The Story Behind Netflix's Yu Yu Hakusho". Time. Archived from the original on July 23, 2025. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  47. ↑ MacDonald, Heidi (December 4, 2015). "Fruits Basket is coming back from Yen Press, along with lots more from Natsuki Takaya". The Beat. Archived from the original on April 14, 2024. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  48. ↑ Egan, Toussaint (March 8, 2022). "The anime that inspired Turning Red, according to director Domee Shi". Polygon. Archived from the original on February 25, 2026. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  49. ↑ Takaya, Natsuki (August 10, 2004). Fruits Basket, Vol 4. Tokyopop. p. 198-199. ISBN 978-1591826057.
  50. ↑ 高屋奈月. Da Vinci Web (in Japanese). Archived from the original on July 18, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  51. ↑ Takaya, Natsuki (December 3, 2013). 長期療養しております: 猫とネズミと星と月. 猫とネズミと星と月. Archived from the original on December 6, 2013. Retrieved July 18, 2026.
  52. ↑ フルーツバスケット 1 (in Japanese). Hakusensha. Archived from the original on July 2, 2020. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  53. ↑ 星は歌う（漫画）. Mangapedia (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 20, 2025. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  54. ↑ リーゼロッテと魔女の森. Mangapedia. Archived from the original on January 17, 2026. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  55. ↑ フルーツバスケットanother（漫画）. Mangapedia (in Japanese). Archived from the original on January 2, 2026. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
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