Best Non-Japanese Characters In Romance Anime

Key Takeaways

Romance anime breaks convention with central non-Japanese characters like Dino, Rita, and Masha offering unique cultural perspectives.
Characters like Chitoge and Alya from the US and Russia bring a diverse touch to traditional romance anime narratives.
These foreign personas add depth and comedic relief, challenging stereotypes and enhancing the plot’s dynamic personas.

As I delve into these captivating characters, it’s fascinating to observe how their unique backgrounds and experiences shape their personalities and interactions. Let’s take Victorique de Blois from Gosick, for instance. Her European upbringing in Sauville has imbued her with a distinct air of elegance, while her fascination with the supernatural adds an intriguing layer to her character.

With most anime being set in Japan, it’s only natural for these narratives to feature characters solely from the archipelago. While shonen series do tend to feature non-Japanese characters, witnessing foreign characters in romance anime is certainly a rare sight. However, a few series defy this convention by featuring non-Japanese characters who add a foreign touch to the premise with their eccentric personalities and unique cultures.

Historically, romance anime shows often included international characters to provide comic relief, but this practice has evolved significantly. Nowadays, these non-Japanese characters play pivotal roles in their series and are integral to the storylines, highlighting the unique aspects of diverse cultures.

1 Dino (Blend S)

An Otaku From Italy

Best Non-Japanese Characters In Romance Anime

Release Date	Oct 8, 2017
No. Of Episodes	12
Studio	A-1 Pictures

In a Tokyo café, one might assume that an Italian chef like Dino would be stern and assertive, given his profession and nationality. However, what sets Dino apart is his unexpected interest in anime figures and Japanese female characters, which suggests a more laid-back personality than expected.

In the story, the main character Maika resembles Dino’s preferred choice, stirring his emotions towards her. However, Maika seems completely unaware of Dino’s feelings for her. Though Dino may appear peculiar to some, he effectively contributes to the overall narrative with his unique foreign personality.

2 Rita Ainsworth (The Pet Girl Of Sakurasou)

A Chivalrous Englishwoman

Although Rita Ainsworth doesn’t technically live at Sakura-sou dormitory, she feels completely at home among the eccentric residents there. Rita becomes a recurring character in The Pet Girl of Sakurasou, first appearing as Mashiro’s roommate in England. Initially, Rita might seem envious due to her initial jealousy towards Mashiro’s artistic abilities, but she eventually grows past this less appealing trait.

Rita, who is of English descent, surprises people by speaking Japanese fluently, as if she were born there. Just like the other characters in the series, Rita has her own quirks. These peculiarities often come out in her conversations with Ryunosuke and his AI named “Maid,” leading to a variety of humorous situations.

3 Maria “Masha” Kujou (Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings In Russian)

The Quintessential Russian Elder Sister

In the Russian production named “Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings“, Masha plays the role of the loving elder sister, embodying the supportive sibling archetype. However, it’s worth noting that Masha’s character appears to be more complex than her younger sister’s, as her seemingly airheaded demeanor is actually a disguise to shield Alya and prevent herself from being involved in the competition. This suggests that beneath Masha’s carefree exterior lies a deeper understanding of the situation.

Masha’s role is not central in the story so far, meaning she appears infrequently and speaks little Russian. But as the plot unfolds, it seems she could become more significant, possibly revealing herself as Masachika’s childhood friend from Russia. This unexpected twist might dramatically alter the romantic dynamics of our characters.

4 Victorique de Blois (Gosick)

A Native Of Sauville (Fictional European Country)

Release Date	Jan 8, 2011
No. Of Episodes	24
Studio	Bones

Victorique de Blois is as unique as they come, with her persona being a mix of eloquence, grace, and unadulterated tsundere. Despite her sarcastic tone and cunning disposition, Victorique possesses a sort of otherworldly charisma, which largely stems from her interest in all things supernatural.

Victorique hails from Sauville, a fictional nation within Europe, which serves as the backdrop for the story Gosick. Her physical attributes suggest a strong European heritage, with her fair hair, emerald eyes, and a look that hints at early European royalty, giving her an almost porcelain-doll aesthetic.

5 Chitoge Kirisaki (Nisekoi: False Love)

Half-Japanese, Half-American From The United States

At school, Chitoge Kirisaki is commonly referred to as Half-san. This young lady is a mix of Japanese and American heritage, studying at Bonyari High School. She’s infamous for her quick temper and aloofness, which had previously earned her a somewhat negative reputation. However, this perception shifted when she found herself in a predestined relationship with Raku Ichijou.

Originally hailing from the United States, Chitoge enrolled in a Japanese high school as part of an arrangement orchestrated by her father for his criminal organization. However, as the story unfolds in Nisekoi, we witness a significant transformation in Chitoge’s character. Initially known for her hot-tempered nature, she gradually evolves into a compassionate and thoughtful individual over time.

6 Alisa “Alya” Kujou (Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings In Russian)

A Transfer Student From Russia

In Summer 2024, the fresh face not originally from Japan, Alisa Kujou, or Alya as she’s more popularly known, stepped into the spotlight as the main character in “Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings, Russian Edition”. With her charming bilingual skills and endearing Russian tone, Alya quickly attracted a substantial following of fans who were captivated by the enchanting silver-haired princess.

Displaying traits often associated with Russian reservedness, Alya may seem distant and uninterested to many. Yet, Masachika and his associates are privy to a different side of her – the shy, love-struck tsundere character. Alya’s entry into the romantic comedy genre has raised the bar for other anime romances, as her bilingual journey continues to enthrall audiences with each new installment.

2024-08-23 06:34