The best non-Japanese characters in romantic anime

Key findings

• Romance anime breaks conventions by having central non-Japanese characters such as Dino, Rita, and Masha and offering unique cultural perspectives.
• Characters like Chitoge and Alya from the US and Russia add a varied twist to traditional anime romance narratives.
• These alien personalities add depth and comedic elements, challenge stereotypes, and enhance the dynamics of the plot’s personalities.

Since most anime are set in Japan, it’s only natural that these narratives exclusively feature characters from the archipelago. While shonen series tend to feature non-Japanese characters, it’s certainly a rare sight to see foreign characters in romance anime. However, some series defy this convention by featuring non-Japanese characters who add a foreign twist to the premise with their eccentric personalities and unique cultures.

Traditionally, romance anime series have used international characters for comic relief, although this trend has changed considerably over time. With central roles in their respective series, these non-Japanese characters have established themselves as key figures in their narratives, showing the new appeal that foreign cultures have to offer.

1 Dino (Mix S)

An Otaku from Italy

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

Maika, Mixture S’ Main character, suits Dino’s choice and makes her the object of his affection. Despite his clear feelings for Maika, she remains completely oblivious to his feelings. Dino’s eccentricities may seem a little uncomfortable to some, but he still manages to tie the series’ plot to his foreign personality.

2 Rita Ainsworth (Sakurasou’s pet girl)

A chivalrous Englishwoman

Although she is not an official resident of the Sakura-sou dorm, Rita Ainsworth fits in well with the other ragtag members of the dorm. Rita makes a few appearances in The Pet Girl of Sakurasou after she is introduced as Mashiro’s roommate in England. Rita may seem jealous, as she was initially jealous of Mashiro’s artistic talent, but she gradually gets rid of this unpleasant trait.

Rita is English, but she subverts expectations by speaking Japanese fluently, almost to a native level. Much like the rest of the cast of the series, Rita has her own quirks. These quirks come to the fore in her interactions with Ryunosuke and his AI program “Maid,” leading to all sorts of comical moments.

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

The typical Russian older sister

Debut alongside her sister in Alya sometimes hides her feelings in RussianMasha is the epitome of the supportive older sister cliche. However, Masha’s character is arguably much more nuanced than her little sister’s, as her goofy personality is just a facade to protect Alya and stay out of the competition.

Since Masha is only a minor character, her screen time is rather limited, resulting in her speaking Russian in very few scenes. However, she could become the focus later on, as the series keeps hinting that Masha is Masachika’s Russian childhood friend, a revelation that could flip the script for these lovestruck characters.

4 Victorique de Blois (Gosick)

A native of Sauville (fictional European country)

Victorique de Blois is unique because her personality is a mixture of eloquence, grace, and pure tsundere. Despite her sarcastic tone and sly nature, Victorique possesses a sort of otherworldly charisma, which is largely due to her interest in all things supernatural.

Victorique comes from Sauville, a fictional country on the European continent that serves as the setting for Gosick. Her European features are quite pronounced in her appearance: her blonde hair, green eyes and almost doll-like appearance are reminiscent of early European royalty.

5 Chitoge Kirisaki (Nisekoi: False Love)

Half Japanese, half American from the United States

Chitoge Kirisaki, known as Half-san at school, is a half-Japanese, half-American student at Bonyari High. Notorious for attacking others and being indifferent, Chitoge had initially earned a rather bad reputation, though this attitude changed after she became involved in an arranged relationship with Raku Ichijou.

Chitoge is originally from the United States, but transferred to a high school in Japan to become part of an arranged organization for her father’s gang. Chitoge’s character undergoes considerable development throughout the story. NisekoiThe once hot-tempered girl transforms over time into a soft-hearted, considerate character.

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

A transfer student from Russia

The newest non-Japanese character on the market, Alisa Kujou, better known as Alya, made her debut in summer 2024 as the main protagonist of Alya sometimes hides her feelings in RussianWith her bilingual advances towards Masachika with a charming Russian voice, Alya immediately gained a considerable fan base of viewers who couldn’t get enough of the silver-haired princess.

Alya embodies the Russian stereotype of being cold and distant, and can come across as indifferent and apathetic to most. However, her true nature as an awkward lovestruck tsundere is only known to Masachika and co. Alya’s appearance on the romcom scene has set a new benchmark for other romantic anime, as her bilingual adventure continues to captivate viewers with each new episode.