Family is a complicated thing. Sometimes, family isn’t blood. It is the bonds we form with those around us. A common trope in anime is found family.
Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke: While Tanjiro and Nezuko ARE siblings by blood, Inosuke and Zenitsu quickly become like siblings to Tanjiro and Nezuko. The fabulous four grow close in a very short amount of time due to the trials and tribulations that they experience together.
Tohru, Yuki, Kyo, and Shigure: The Sohma family takes Tohru in after finding her living in a tent. Eventually, she becomes a part of their family unit with Tohru going as far as becoming the romantic interest of Kyo.
If you haven’t seen this series, you need to take the time to watch it. It follows the young and adorable Kotaro that is wise beyond his years and the adults that look after him as he navigates the world alone. The lonely adults that surround him become his support system.
What is the importance in found family? In short, the importance in found family in anime is that people choose you when they don’t necessarily have to. And, to me, that is profound. Your blood relatives often feel an obligation to you. There is that underlying connection to you. That obligation to reach out. That obligation to help. That obligation to be there for you. But, found family? You CHOOSE to be there for that person. You CHOOSE to be family. The choice is yours.
Don’t get me wrong. Just because you have a choice doesn’t mean that your feelings are any less. Chosen family doesn’t mean that your bond is lesser. I’d go toe-to-toe for my chosen family just as I would for my family by blood. Found family bonds can be just as strong, if not stronger.
It is important to note that found family is not any less important or any less significant than relation by blood.
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