The best non-Japanese romantic anime characters


Key takeaways

  • Romance anime breaks conventions with non-Japanese central characters like Dino, Rita, and Masha offering unique cultural perspectives.

  • Characters like Chitoge and Alya from the United States and Russia bring a diverse touch to traditional romance anime narratives.

  • These foreign characters add depth and comic relief, challenging stereotypes and enhancing the dynamic characters of the plot.

Since most anime take place in Japan, it is natural that these narratives feature characters only from the archipelago. While shonen series tend to feature non-Japanese characters, witnessing foreign characters in romance anime is certainly a rare occurrence. However, some series challenge this convention by featuring non-Japanese characters who add a foreign touch to the premise with their eccentric personalities and unique cultures.

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Traditionally, romance anime series have incorporated international characters for comedic purposes, although these trends have changed considerably over time. With central roles in their respective series, these non-Japanese characters have established themselves as crucial figures in their narratives, showing the novelty that foreign cultures have to offer.

1

Dino (S Mix)

An otaku from Italy

Blend S Dino

Release date

October 8, 2017

No. of episodes

12

Study

Photos A-1

As an Italian chef in a Tokyo cafe, one would expect Dino to be a stern and assertive young man with a passion for cooking. While the latter remains true, Dino surprises viewers with a completely opposite disposition: an otaku obsessed with anime figures and Japanese waifus.

maika, Mix S’ main character, fits the description of Dino’s choice, making her the object of his affection. Despite her clear feelings for Maika, she remains completely oblivious to her feelings. To some, Dino’s eccentricities may seem a little off-putting, although she still manages to tie the plot of the series together with her foreign character.

2

Rita Ainsworth (Sakurasou’s pet)

A chivalrous Englishwoman

Rita Ainsworth from Sakurasou's Pet

Sakurasou’s pet

Release date

October 9, 2012

Study

JCStaff

Japanese title

Sakura-sou no Pet na Kanojo

Number of episodes

24

Despite not being an official resident of the Sakura-sou dorm, Rita Ainsworth fits right in with the rest of the dorm’s motley members. Rita makes some appearances in Sakurasou’s pet after she is introduced as Mashiro’s roommate in England. Rita may seem like an envious person, considering that she was initially jealous of Mashiro’s artistic talents, but she eventually overcomes this unpleasant trait.

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Rita is ethnically English, but transcends expectations by speaking Japanese fluently, almost at a native level. Like the rest of the show’s cast, Rita has some eccentricities of her own. These quirks tend to shine through in her interactions with Ryunosuke and his artificial intelligence program “Maid”, giving way to all sorts of comedic moments.

3

Maria “Masha” Kujou (Alya sometimes hides her feelings in Russian)

The quintessential Russian older sister

Alya sometimes hides her feelings in Russian

Release date

July 3, 2024

Study

Doga Kobo

Japanese title

Tokidoki Bosotto Russia-go by Dereru Tonari no Aalya-san

Number of episodes

12

Debuting with her sister in Alya sometimes hides her feelings in RussianMasha is the epitome of the caring older sister trope. However, Masha’s character is arguably much more nuanced than her little sister’s, as her airheaded personality is simply a facade to protect Alya and keep herself out of the competition.

Since Masha is merely a supporting character, her screen time is quite limited, consequently leading to minimal scenes of her speaking Russian. However, she could take center stage in the future, as the series continues to hint that Masha is Masachika’s Russian childhood friend, a revelation that could flip the script for these love-struck characters.

4

Victorique de Blois (Gosick)

A native of Sauville (fictitious European country)

Gosick's Kazuya and Victorique on a train

Release date

January 8, 2011

No. of episodes

24

Study

Bones

Victorique de Blois is as unique as they come, and her personality is a mix of eloquence, grace, and pure tsundere. Despite her sarcastic tone and her cunning nature, Victorique possesses a kind of otherworldly charisma, which is largely due to her interest in all things supernatural.

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Victorique is originally from Sauville, a fictional country on the European continent that is used as the setting for sick. Her European features are quite prominent in her appearance, with her blonde hair, green eyes, and almost doll-like appearance reminiscent of early European royalty.

5

Chitoge Kirisaki (Nisekoi: False Love)

Half Japanese, half American from the United States

Nisekoi: false love

Release date

January 11, 2014

Study

Axis

Japanese title

Nisekoi

Number of episodes

32

Known as Half-san at school, Chitoge Kirisaki is a half-Japanese, half-American student at Bonyari High. Known for lashing out at others and being indifferent, Chitoge had initially gained a notorious reputation, although this sentiment changed after he became entangled in an arranged relationship with Raku Ichijou.

Chitoge is originally from the United States, although she transferred to a high school in Japan to be part of an organized scheme for her father’s gang. Chitoge’s character undergoes considerable development throughout Nisekoiand the once short-tempered girl became a kind and considerate character in the future.

6

Alisa “Alya” Kujou (Alya sometimes hides her feelings in Russian)

A transfer student from Russia

The newest non-Japanese character on the block, Alisa Kujou, better known as Alya, made her debut in summer 2024 as the protagonist of Alya sometimes hides her feelings in Russian. With her bilingual digs at Masachika in an adorable Russian voice, Alya immediately gained a sizable fan base of viewers who couldn’t get enough of the silver-haired princess.

Embodying the Russian stereotype of being cold and distant, Alya may seem indifferent and apathetic to most. However, her true tsundere disposition with an awkward crush on her is only apparent to Masachika and company. Alya’s addition to the rom-com scene has set a new benchmark for other romance anime, as her bilingual adventure continues to captivate viewers with each new episode.

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