Director Akitarô Daichi and original author Natsuki Takaya clashed quite often during production of the series. Takaya reportedly wanted a big name actor casted for the lead role, something Daichi usually does not like doing. Takaya also expressed issues with the animation director and character designer.
Laura Bailey (Tohru Honda) wanted to sing the opening song, "For Fruits Basket". That went to Meredith McCoy (Kagura), and Laura was given the ending song "Small Prayer".