Search - Jun Abe, Seji Mutô :: Fruits Basket: Four Seasons

In Loving Memory of Okazaki Ritsuko

Daniel J. Hamlow | Narita, Japan | 05/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having seen all episodes of the romantic tearjerker anime comedy/drama Fruits Basket, I picked up the two soundtracks released by Geneon Music, which specializes in anime soundtracks distributed in the US. Four Seasons-Song For Ritsuko Okazaki consists of music inspired by the series, and is either emotionally-charged string arrangements by the Emai Music Orchestra, or songs by the late Ritsuko Okazaki, who sang the opening and closing theme songs for Fruits Basket. Her cute calm and dreamy voice is great nevertheless, and indeed is given a face with the cute heroine Tohru Honda on the cover. Oh, and there are English and Romanized Japanese lyrics included.



"Overture" is an orchestral track based on the heart-tugging "Memory" theme used throughout Fruits Basket. Of the variations of "Memory," this is my favourite. Nearly as enchanting is "It Makes Me Want To Cry Without Reason," which the track does with its lead violin accompanied by the orchestra.



As for the songs, all of which are orchestra-accompanied ballads, it is a bit odd to have the closing theme "Aisubeki Ashita" a.k.a. "A Small Prayer" as the first vocal song. There is an orchestral version of this song towards the end. However, the love song "Serenade" with its quiet as a mouse synth keyboards, mirrors the things that Tohru wants to say to Kyo, the frequently angry and aggressive boy who turns into a cat and insults her. Kind understanding, patience, and wanting to ease one's inner pain is thematic here, as the song's highlight lyrics state: /The key that will open your heart is not a strong power/it is made of straightforward feelings/ mirroring Kyo's aggression and need to express oneself honestly. There's a great horn section that precedes the repeat of the chorus. My second favourite song here.



"Lovable Tomorrow" relays the optimism of a better tomorrow present in Tohru's personality. "Even if you are bothered by some trouble you smile like it is nothing" is also Tohru, whose inner pain isn't apparent to her new friends Yuki and Kyo, because she is always smiling. Music-box type keyboards open "Sky Blue" before being accompanied by clavier-type sounds and the orchestra, showing Tohru's determination to overcome hardships and her willingness to embrace both joy and sadness that come to her. A universal acceptance of human nature is embodied with: /Although there us a day we will hurt each other, I'm ok/The truth is that everyone is kind and seeking each other./



Best vocal track for last, and it's the extended version of the haunting opening theme "For Fruits Basket," that tugs at me as much as "The Long And Winding Road," or "Nights In White Satin." How to find that person whose smile will melt the winter in one's heart! It is one of the best opening themes for an anime series I've ever heard due to its optimistic and inspiring lyrics. There is an orchestral string arrangement here not present in the TV-sized version. The orchestral version of this song is nearly as worthy as this extended version. Either version will stay together [with me] itsumo (Japanese for "forever").



The "Epilogue" is a quiet piano track with violin and strings playing the "Memory" theme, serving as a memorial piece for Okazaki. Though released in Japan in 2001, this CD didn't find its way here till 2005. The year before, Okazaki had died of septic shock aged 44. Hearing "Overture" is a tearful tribute to Okazaki, but given that she had died three weeks before my mother, I also think of her whenever I hear this tune. So for those having trouble with a painful past, here's something in closing from "For Fruits Basket":



Even if I have a painful today, even if there's a wound from yesterday, I want to believe that I can open my heart.



I can't be reborn but I can change myself. Let's stay together always.

"

Best FB CD!

Daniel J. Hamlow | 02/19/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD has the prettiest Fruits Basket music. It the music from the last three episodes as well as some other vocal songs that weren't in the series. When I first heard this CD I started crying! They also have the full version of the opening song which is a plus. If you love Fruits Basket music, buy this CD now!"

Fruits Basket music at its best...

J. Morris | Utah, United States | 02/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The music in FB is superb and this soundtrack will have you loving the anime more. Ritsuko Okazaki (RIP) was a genius and expertly pulled off the emotions of the show through her music and lyrics.

I bought this CD mostly for the fact that I fell in love with the song 'Sunlight Sifting Down Through the Trees' when Kyo's Master, in his most intense moment in the show, reflects on Kyo's past life. He picks up the chibi Kyo and holds him above his head. The look on Kyo's youthful face is priceless as he sees through the blossoms of the trees. That song matched the moment to a T.

Another great song is 'Epilogue'. The orchestra gives the song its all and I am always putting that song on repeat.

While the OST 'Memory For You' is the "official" soundtrack to the show, it mostly comprises of the synthesized background songs. This album brings out stirring renditions of many of the classic FB riffs and songs. Also on this CD, Okazaki sings both OP/ED songs in their entirety and no one can beat that.

If you need another additon to your anime OST collection do NOT pass this up. If you are a huge FB fan, by all means get this! If you are just a lush for classical music, this would be great stuff to get a hold of.

Beautiful music and really worth the price!"