Summer 2024’s anime lineup features a number of highly-anticipated anime adaptations, and among these brand-new titles is Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian. The light novel-adapted anime is set to air on July 3, 2024, bringing Masachika and Alya’s bilingual romance to screens.

Romcom narratives are a fan-favorite within the anime landscape, yet even within this classic theme, the anime manages to deliver a novel premise that is truly a first. The transition from panels and papers to screens can be a risky endeavor, but with a seasoned staff at the helm, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian is set to become Summer 2024’s highlight.

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A Bilingual Romantic Escapade

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian is a romantic comedy through and through, with a Half-Russian Half-Japanese at the forefront who can’t seem to convey her true feelings in Japanese. The premise is oddly wholesome, as Alya puts up a harsh front for her deadbeat seatmate Masachika, yet her true feelings for him manage to slip out in Russian.

There’s a twist, however, as Masachika isn’t as oblivious as he may seem. The unassuming Japanese high schooler actually has a considerable grasp of the Russian language, and all of Alya’s flirtatious remarks are understood by this crafty student. The banter and witty exchange between Alya and Masachika lends the two an interesting dynamic, one that hooks viewers in right from the beginning.

How Does the Series Differentiate Itself?

The anime landscape is flooded with romantic comedies, and while some are iconic cult-classics, others tend to rebrand the usual tropes for a sub-par viewing experience. As another contender in the romcom industry, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian would need to present a truly innovative narrative, a feat that the series effortlessly accomplishes.

The premise of Alya acting as a tsundere while flirting head-on in Russian is oddly endearing, and Masachika’s bilingual twist further seals the deal. In terms of characters, Masachika deviates from the usual dense protagonist trope that is vehemently used in romcoms. However, the selling point of the anime is Alya herself, as her quirky personality and adorable Russian phrases can easily captivate audiences from the get-go.

The Staff Behind the Series

The author behind the original light novel might be a rookie, yet the staff under studio Doga Kobo’s charge is quite experienced, with several successful projects under their names. Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian will be directed by Ryota Itoh, a veteran in the industry with directing projects such as Psycho-Pass and Oshi no Ko under his belt.

Itoh also served as a key animator for Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, and his experience in animation certainly shines through in this project. Moreover, Hiroaki Tsutsumi has joined the team as the lead music composer, a prominent name in the industry who has worked on projects such as Jujutsu Kaisen, Dr. Stone, and Mushoku Tensei.

The Names Behind the Show’s Character Designs and Art

Yuhei Murota and Risa Wakabayashi have taken charge as the Chief Animation Director and Art Director respectively. With titles such as Love Live! School Idol Project, Fairy Tail, Kaguya-Sama: Love is War, and Cells At Work! under their names, it's safe to say that the series’ art and animation is set to be top-tier.

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Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian has been inspired by Kaguya-Sama: Love is War, and with the two sharing the same Chief Animation Director, it’s likely that the series will resemble its shojo inspiration.

The Voice Acting Cast

The two lead voice actors chosen for the series have an impressive portfolio in the voice acting industry, though most of their projects have been confined to ancillary characters. Masachika Kuze will be voiced by Kohei Amasaki, whose most prominent role in the anime industry is serving as the voice of Neito Monoma in My Hero Academia.

Sumire Uesaka will be lending her voice to Alya, the silver-haired Russian lead. Uesaka has voiced the lead character of Don't Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro, coupled with several other main roles in seasonal anime. Alya’s sister, Maria, is also voiced by a familiar name, Yukiyo Fuji, who is well-known for voicing Ikki Kurogane from Chivalry of a Failed Knightand Sister Ivry from Edens Zero. With two bilingual characters at the forefront, the role of voice actors becomes all the more tedious, though the series’ current lineup is sure to do the characters justice.

Where to Watch Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian

The series is set to hit the screens on July 3, 2024, airing nationally on Tokyo MX and other broadcasting channels. International viewers will need to head over to Crunchyroll, the official licensor of the anime, as the series will be released for streaming on the same day. As the sole licensor of the anime, Crunchyroll is currently the only official source to view the anime, though future licensing partnerships are also likely.

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian

Romance

Comedy

Release Date

July 3, 2024

Studio

Doga Kobo

Japanese Title

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

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll