“Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian” is a heartwarming romantic comedy about Alya, a Russian high school girl who constantly blushes and stutters sweet nothings in Russian, and her neighbour, Kuze Masachika, whose Russian listening skills are on par with a native speaker.
The original novel, written by SunSunSun, is published by KADOKAWA Sneaker Bunko and illustrated by Momoco. With eight volumes currently available, the series, commonly referred to as “Roshidere,” has gained immense popularity and inspired a TV anime adaptation that began airing in July 2024.
In this adaptation, Sumire Uesaka voices Alya, and Kohei Amasaki voices Kuze, reprising their roles from the original promotional video. The series has also been generating buzz for its unique concept of featuring a different ending theme song and animation for each episode.
To celebrate the start of the TV anime, a character popularity contest was held on BOOK☆WALKER in July, allowing fans to cast a single vote for their favourite character from a pool of 13. The first and second place characters would have the privilege of starring in a newly written short story for the upcoming “Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian – Side Story” and the 10th volume’s BOOK☆WALKER-exclusive author-written short story.
With the TV anime nearing its finale, the results have finally been revealed. To the surprise of many, Yuki Suou, Kuze’s childhood friend, claimed the top spot, beating out the main heroine, Alisa Mikhailovna Kujou (Alya). Yuki will be the star of the BOOK☆WALKER-exclusive short story in “Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian – Side Story.”
Known for her impeccable manners and noble upbringing as a former member of the aristocracy, Yuki also possesses a more unexpected side when she’s around her childhood friend, Kuze.
Alya came in a close second, making her the protagonist of the 10th volume’s BOOK☆WALKER-exclusive short story. Fans can look forward to seeing more of her adorable teasing of Kuze in Russian, as well as a glimpse into the private life of this academically gifted beauty often referred to as the “Princess of the Academy.”
In third place was Maria Mikhailovna Kujou (Masha), Alya’s older sister and the student council secretary. Renowned for her stunning figure and gentle beauty, she’s affectionately called the “Saintress of the Academy” by her peers.
Rounding out the top five were Ayano Kimishima in fourth place, Kuze Masachika in fifth, and Elena Narahashi in sixth. Be sure to check out the comments from all the characters who made the top six!
The remaining results are as follows: 7th place, Nonoa Miyamae; 8th place, Sumire Kiriyuuin; 9th place, Hikaru Kiyomiya; 10th place, Sayaka Taniyama; 11th place, Chisaki Sarashina; 12th place, Touya Kenzaki; and 13th place, Takeshi Maruyama.
The TV anime Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian is currently airing on TOKYO MX and other networks and will soon be reaching its finale. The special short stories featuring the top two characters, Alya and Yuki Suou, are scheduled for release on BOOK☆WALKER in 2025.
A message from the author, SunSunSun: Thank you to everyone who voted in the first-ever official Roshidere popularity contest. Alya has consistently ranked first in various polls, but it seems that thanks to the anime, Yuki has managed to take the top spot this time. As the author, I’m a little disappointed that the main heroine didn’t win first place, but… Well, I guess it can’t be helped. If it’s Yuki, then it’s fine. She’s already in a ridiculously overpowered position as a lady, otaku friend, younger sister, little devil, angel, rival, and final boss. And with the added voice and movement from the anime, her over-the-top personality has become even more endearing. Next time, do your best, Alya. It’s okay, you just have to win before the popularity poll happens!! As for Kuze… Well, good job. It’s impressive for a male character to rank so high. It’s both impressive and gratifying. As an author, I’m really happy to see that the male protagonist is so popular. By the way, why is Elena-senpai so high up when she’s only appeared in two volumes? You’re the biggest surprise of all.
Light Novel: Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian
Author: SunSunSun
Illustrator: Momoko
Publisher: KADOKAWA (Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko)
TV Anime: Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian
Premiere date: July 3, 2024, on TOKYO MX, BS Nippon Television, and 22 other stations nationwide.
Series finale scheduled for September 18, 2024.
Please note that broadcast start dates may vary in some areas, and the schedule is subject to change.
Streaming:
Available on various streaming platforms starting from 11:30 PM on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.
Please note that the start date may vary depending on the service.
Comments from the Characters:
1st place – Yuki Suou (861 votes)
Thank you for your many votes. Thanks to all of you, I was able to come in first place. Hehe! I guess everyone really likes me, huh?
2nd place – Alisa Mikhailovna Kujou (Alya) (816 votes)
Mmn, so the current me still can’t beat Yuki-san yet… But I definitely won’t lose in the upcoming student council election!
3rd place – Maria Mikhailovna Kujou (Masha) (413 votes)
Ooh? I got this many votes? Thank you! But sorry~ I have no intention to become the student council president… Wait? It’s not for that? Huh?
4th place – Ayano Kimishima (143 votes)
According to Yuki-sama, coming in 4th place is really cool… From now on, I will strive not to disgrace this ranking number I got.
5th place – Kuze Masachika (90 votes)
No, Yuki… I don’t think everyone voted for you in that “young lady” mode… Plus, isn’t Masha-san misunderstanding something?
6th place – Elena Narahashi (75 votes)
Huh, why am I so high up? Oh… Ah…! Mmn! Geez, everyone, you guys like the “sexy, older woman” type way too much ☆