An article titled “Why are Russian girls so popular in anime?” has sparked intense debate among Japanese Internet users. The popularity of animeAlya sometimes hides her feelings in Russian“This season has brought the issue to the forefront.

The article discusses how anime portrays people from different countries in a caricatured way. Americans, for example, are portrayed as tall, big-hearted characters, and if they are women, with exaggerated physical attributes, always positive and hamburger lovers. The English, on the other hand, are often portrayed as blond and well-born, drinking tea and speaking Japanese with extreme politeness to reflect their nobility.

Among the nationalities that most fascinate anime creators are Russian characters. The article raises the question: why are there so many lovely Russian girls in anime? For many, Russian characters, especially girls, are attractive for a variety of reasons, ranging from their physical appearance to the aura of mystery that surrounds them.

This representation in anime often includes stereotypical elements, such as fair skin and blond or silver hair, which contrast with the Japanese environment and stand out visually. Furthermore, the historical and cultural context between Japan and Russia adds an additional layer of fascination and complexity. Geographical proximity and shared, sometimes conflicting, history also influence how these characters are perceived.

Netizens were quick to share their opinions:

• «Because they are beautiful, end of debate».
• «Because of his Russian genes».
• «Russians tend not to complain, even when they are portrayed negatively in American films.».
• «They are our neighbors».
• «They are simply a symbol, any target is fine».
• «In Europe, they are viewed with discriminatory eyes due to their past under Mongol rule.».
• «They are the enemies of humanity».
• «Germans are also popular, such as in Evangelion, Attack on Titan, Hetalia and Girls und Panzer».
• «Only until age 20».
• «The image of fair skin and fair hair is most associated with Russians, although this is not always true.».
• «Because they have fair skin and big breasts».
• «It's funny, otakus also like Russian girls».
• «Soviet 'honey trap' units were popular, as was the maid uniform».
• «The image of a Russian girl in anime is disconnected from reality».

Examples of Russian female characters in anime include:

• Sanya V. Litvyak from “Attack Witches“.
• Gina Voyd from “How heavy are the dumbbells you lift?“.
• Irina Vladimirovna Putina from “My girlfriend is the president“.
• Katyusha from “Girls and Panzer“.
• Hibiki from “Kantai Collection“.
• Chaika Trabant from “Chaika: The Coffin Princess“.
• Kudryavka Noumi from “Little Busters“.
• Alisa Mikhailovna Kujou from “Alya sometimes hides her feelings in Russian“.
• Alisa Suzumura from “Katainaka ni Totsuidekita ○-ssia Musume for H Shimakuru Ohanashi“.

The discussion highlights not only the perceptions and stereotypes of Russians in anime, but also how these characters become symbols of certain physical and cultural attributes that capture the imagination of the Japanese public.

Source: Yaraon!