Hatsuharu Sohma

Hatsuharu Sohma (often called Haru) is a supporting character in the Fruits Basket anime (both the 2001 version and the 2019 reboot), cursed as the Ox of the Chinese zodiac. He transforms into a black-and-white spotted ox when hugged by the opposite sex.

In appearance, he's a tall, slender, and very handsome high school student with distinctive shaggy, two-toned hair—snowy white on top with black roots—and sharp, somewhat droopy dark eyes. He often wears jewelry, leather accessories (which he makes himself), and has a cool, edgy style that stands out.

Personality-wise, Haru has a classic yin-yang duality tied to the Ox zodiac traits: Normally, he's calm, placid, laid-back, kind-hearted, and gentle (referred to as "White Haru"), acting as a steady, protective older-brother figure—especially toward characters like Yuki, Momiji, Kisa, and his girlfriend Rin (Isuzu). However, when provoked, teased about his hair, or pushed too far, he flips into "Black Haru" (or "Dark Haru") mode—becoming aggressive, edgy, intense, and sometimes provocatively flirtatious or mean before calming down again. He also has a notoriously terrible sense of direction.

Overall, he's a fan-favorite for his loyalty, quiet strength, and that unpredictable switch that adds depth and humor to his scenes.