In real life, "The Great Race" is exactly as Tohru says it is: a folk tale that has been used for generations to explain the origins of the Chinese Zodiac.

Source: https://www.cbr.com/anime-characters-inspired-by-fairy-tales/

It follows Tohru Honda, a girl rendered homeless by cruel relatives after her mother's tragic death, and how she comes to know the Sohma family, who are cursed to transform into different creatures from the Chinese Zodiac when stressed.

Source: https://screenrant.com/10-best-anime-series-shouldnt-have-been-cancelled/

Kyo and Tohru have great chemistry, but they need to work on getting well before they enter into a romantic relationship.

Source: https://www.cbr.com/flawed-anime-couples/

Many Japanese people are fascinated by the aurora because it is rarely visible there and people think it is a sign of good luck, said Tohru Saito of the International Arctic Research Center, a colleague of Akasofu’s.

Source: https://www.thecordovatimes.com/2023/04/28/aurora-expert-helped-expand-alaska-tourism/

Tohru and Kyo may have one of the most fan-favorite romances ever in anime, but there are several compelling relationships in the romantic comedy.

Source: https://www.cbr.com/fan-favorite-contemporary-romance-anime-ranked/