Natsuki Takaya is a Japanese manga artist best known for her popular series, Fruits Basket. Born on July 7, 1973, in the city of Kōchi, she began her career in the 1990s. Takaya's work often explores themes of love, friendship, and personal growth, resonating with a wide audience. Fruits Basket, first serialized in 1998, tells the story of a high school girl who becomes involved with a family cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac. The series has received critical acclaim and has been adapted into multiple anime series, further solidifying Takaya's influence in the manga and anime industry.