Kakeru Manabe is one of the more memorable minor characters in the romantic comedy-drama anime series Fruits Basket. While he’s not part of the central love triangle, Kakeru Manabe still leaves a lasting impression with his vibrant personality and layered emotional journey. He’s a high school student attending the same school as the protagonist, Tohru Honda, and over time, they develop a warm and genuine friendship. Right from the start, Kakeru Manabe stands out thanks to his outgoing, playful nature — he’s always cracking jokes, pulling pranks, and bringing energy wherever he goes. Of course, this mischievous side often lands him in trouble, especially when he teases Yuki Sohma, which leads to some of the show’s funniest moments.

Now, Kakeru Manabe first appears in the second season of Fruits Basket, where he joins the student council alongside Tohru and Yuki. It doesn’t take long for him to be drawn to Tohru’s gentle kindness — something that clearly resonates with him on a deeper level. At first glance, Kakeru Manabe seems like the typical class clown, used mostly for comic relief. But as the story unfolds, viewers begin to see there’s much more beneath the surface. His lighthearted attitude? It turns out to be a mask — a way to cope with a painful past he hasn’t fully processed.

Even though Kakeru Manabe isn’t a main character, his personal arc adds real emotional depth to the series. As we get to know him better, it becomes clear that his aloofness and constant joking are defense mechanisms. He avoids serious conversations about feelings, preferring humor or distraction instead. Yet, despite his struggles, Kakeru Manabe proves time and again that he’s a loyal and caring friend. He genuinely wants to support those around him, especially Tohru, showing empathy and warmth when it matters most.

What makes Kakeru Manabe so compelling is how his story emphasizes the importance of honesty — not just with others, but with oneself. His journey is ultimately about learning to face inner pain rather than running from it. And while he takes some missteps along the way, his growth feels authentic and heartfelt. Through Kakeru Manabe, Fruits Basket delivers a quiet but powerful message about friendship, self-acceptance, and the courage it takes to confront your emotions.

In terms of personality typing, Kakeru Manabe fits the ESFP profile quite well — that’s Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving, for those familiar with the Myers-Briggs system. He’s definitely an extrovert who thrives in social settings, loves being the center of attention, and brings joy to others through his spontaneity. Kakeru Manabe tends to act on impulse, chasing new experiences without overthinking them. He’s also deeply in tune with people’s emotions, often going out of his way to cheer someone up. That said, long-term planning isn’t really his strong suit. He prefers to go with the flow, adapting as things change — which speaks to the “Perceiving” aspect of his type.

And then there’s the Enneagram angle. Kakeru Manabe strongly aligns with Type 7: The Enthusiast. This type is all about seeking joy, avoiding discomfort, and staying busy to escape negative feelings. Sound familiar? That’s Kakeru Manabe in a nutshell. He’s always looking for the next fun activity, the next laugh, the next distraction. It’s not that he doesn’t feel pain — he does — but he’d rather make a joke than sit with sadness. Underneath his energetic exterior, though, there’s restlessness, even fear: fear of missing out, fear of being trapped by emotion or responsibility.

This duality is what makes Kakeru Manabe such a nuanced character. On one hand, he’s impulsive and occasionally thoughtless, especially when his need for freedom overrides consideration for others. On the other hand, his heart is in the right place. He cares deeply, even if he doesn’t always express it in healthy ways.

All in all, Kakeru Manabe may not be at the forefront of Fruits Basket, but his presence enriches the narrative in meaningful ways. He brings laughter, yes, but also a touching exploration of how people deal with hidden pain. With his mix of charm, humor, and vulnerability, Kakeru Manabe reminds us that even the most cheerful among us can be fighting silent battles — and that healing begins with facing them head-on.