Sun Tzu and Anime: Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian Character Analysis

Mon May 11 2026

Sun Tzu and Anime: Tokidoki Bosotto Russia-go de Dereru Tonari no Alya-san Character Analysis

May is here, so let's welcome the harbinger of summer with more of Sun Tzu's exceptional wisdom rating anime's legends.

As a quick refresher, here's how the rating system works. Sun Tzu cited Five Essential Factors to be Mastered for Victory: Morality, Weather, Terrain, Good Leadership, and Preparation. All under consideration can receive 0-10 points in each category. However, he also cited Five Fatal Failings of Leadership: Recklessness, Cowardice, A Hasty Temper (Anger for simplicity), Delicacy of Honor (DOH), and Caring Too Much About the Troops (Over-caring). All under consideration can lose 0-10 points in each category. At the end, the scores are tallied, and the results reveal how effective a character is in Sun Tzu's eyes, with the best aiming for 40 or better.

This time, we're looking at a modern gem: the Student Council members from Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian. As always, to keep things fair, we'll analyze them in the order they were formally introduced, and keep things limited to the first season to avoid spoilers.

Character Analysis: Alisa Mikhailovna Kujo

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: Alisa Mikhailovna Kujo

Victory Factors

Factor	Score	Reasoning
Morality	8	She's a tad icy at first, and can be caustic when Masachika slacks off, but ultimately is a wonderful person, forgiving companion, and great sister.
Weather	10	Thanks to her keen senses, athleticism, and resilience, this isn't an issue.
Terrain	5	She's observant, yet often gets caught off-guard, like when she got splashed by a bus on the way to school, then got caught spying on Masachika and Yuki at the mall.
Good Leadership	4	She's highly driven, yet her tendency to do things alone often leaves her dangerously vulnerable, particularly in stressful moments like the baseball-soccer team dispute.
Preparation	5	She's a phenomenal student and athlete, plus a great cook, but usually wings everything else.
Total	32

Fatal Failings

Failing	Score	Reasoning
Recklessness	-10	Epic red flag. She constantly underestimates others, namely Yuki and Masachika, and is extremely careless, most infamously while teasing the latter in Russian…not knowing he can understand her.
Cowardice	-8	Serious red flag. Despite her bluster, she's very insecure and tends to freeze under pressure; she's also terrified of horror movies.
Anger	-7	Slight red flag. She's a hothead, plus easily triggered, most often by Yuki, although Masachika is a close second.
Delicacy of Honor	-7	Slight red flag. She's very proud, something that perpetually costs her, such as when Yuki baited her into going to the spicy ramen restaurant…then trying the hottest dish.
Over-caring	-7	Slight red flag. Despite her denials, she's in love with Masachika, as well as very protective of her sister Masha.
Total	-39

Final Assessment

Score: -7 (Nightmare scenario)

Character Analysis: Masachika Kuze

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: Masachika Kuze

Victory Factors

Factor	Score	Reasoning
Morality	8	He's a tad awkward at times, but is ultimately a wonderful person, loyal friend, and great brother…even when Yuki drives him crazy.
Weather	8	He's pretty good, yet isn't always very effective at night, especially when walking with Alya.
Terrain	5	He's capable, yet tends to be clumsy, like when he got beaned by a volleyball in gym class; he's also not very observant, particularly with Yuki's drop-ins at his apartment.
Good Leadership	7	He's a great orator, organizer, and strategist, yet often goes rogue to protect Alya or placate Yuki.
Preparation	7	He's got a photographic memory, knows conversational Russian, and has a keen grasp of school politics, but doesn't really study for exams and sometimes forgets his textbooks.
Total	35

Fatal Failings

Failing	Score	Reasoning
Recklessness	-8	Serious red flag. He constantly underestimates others, namely Yuki and Alya, and is very careless, something that badly cost him when he got sick.
Cowardice	-5	He's a tad insecure around Alya, a feeling that remains pretty steady throughout the season.
Anger	-5	He's got a temper, yet rarely snaps, even when Yuki and Alya push his buttons.
Delicacy of Honor	-4	He's pretty cocky here and there, but not enough to really worry.
Over-caring	-7	Slight red flag. He's in love with Alya, although he can't quite articulate it; he's also very protective of Yuki, and is growing steadily closer to Masha.
Total	-29

Final Assessment

Score: 6 (Nightmare scenario)

Character Analysis: Mariya Mikhailovna Kujo

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: Mariya Mikhailovna Kujo

Victory Factors

Factor	Score	Reasoning
Morality	9	She's sweet, compassionate, and a wonderful sister, but can be selfish when it comes to cute things.
Weather	10	Due to her hardiness, outdoors experience, and keen senses, this isn't an issue.
Terrain	9	She's very capable, considering she could detect Ayano's movements, yet sometimes gets distracted, like when she went over to chat with Masachika in gym.
Good Leadership	6	She's charismatic and dedicated, but tends to go rogue over random things, most infamously when she wanted to try out a hypnosis manual.
Preparation	7	She's great at cooking, making tea, and her classes, yet can be clumsy with paperwork, such as when Masachika had to correct several issues with a form.
Total	41

Fatal Failings

Failing	Score	Reasoning
Recklessness	-8	Serious red flag. She completely underestimated Masachika, and is very impulsive when shopping, especially when she finds new plushies.
Cowardice	-3	She freezes around Masachika here and there, but not enough to worry.
Anger	-1	She only gets angry once, and it took a lot to make her snap.
Delicacy of Honor	-3	She's a tad vain, yet not enough to worry here either.
Over-caring	-8	Serious red flag. She's very protective of Alya, and has deep feelings for Masachika, although just why isn't completely clear yet.
Total	-23

Final Assessment

Score: 18 (Great potential, yet deeply flawed)

Character Analysis: Yuki Suoh

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: Yuki Suoh

Victory Factors

Factor	Score	Reasoning
Morality	1	She's not all bad, but has a deep twisted streak with all the mind games she plays…so much so Masachika said, "She's a gremlin, through and through."
Weather	10	Thanks to her keen sense, athletic ability, and observation, this isn't an issue.
Terrain	8	She's got great ambush skills, yet occasionally gets clumsy, like when she got stuck under Masachika's bed trying to surprise him.
Good Leadership	4	She's driven and charismatic, but lacks focus during speeches and often misuses her charm to push people's buttons.
Preparation	5	She's a great student and athlete, yet tends to wing everything else, especially her drop-ins on Masachika.
Total	28

Fatal Failings

Failing	Score	Reasoning
Recklessness	-10	Epic red flag. She badly underestimated Alya and Masachika, and is extremely impulsive, particularly when trying to win the latter for herself; she's also very careless, most infamously when she mentioned BDSM around Ayano…and tried to claim it was a compliment that meant "Best Damn Suoh Maid."
Cowardice	-9	Major red flag. She's got a vicious mean streak, her most constant target being Alya, although she also perpetually harangues Masachika.
Anger	-7	Slight red flag. She's a hothead, plus easily triggered when she's annoyed or frustrated, a flaw that remains pretty constant throughout the season.
Delicacy of Honor	-8	Serious red flag. She's very cocky and extremely vain, flaws that badly cost her when Masachika called her out prior to the end-of-semester speeches.
Over-caring	-10	Epic red flag. Her obsession with Masachika is beyond creepy, so much so he famously told her, "You need some serious therapy."
Total	-44

Final Assessment

Score: -16 (Nightmare scenario)

Character Analysis: Touya Kenzaki

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: Touya Kenzaki

Victory Factors

Factor	Score	Reasoning
Morality	9	He's a great person, always smiling and gracious, although he's a tad selfish when it comes to his girlfriend, Chisaki.
Weather	10	Thanks to his keen senses and knowledge of the area, this isn't an issue.
Terrain	8	He's very capable and observant, although he's a tad clumsy, most famously when he and Chisaki got stuck under his desk trying to spy on Alya and Masachika.
Good Leadership	7	He's assertive and great at delegation, although he sometimes goes rogue around Chisaki.
Preparation	7	He's well-organized and good at anticipating problems, like when he sent Masachika with Masha to keep her from overspending on Student Council supplies, yet wasn't the least bit ready for Ayano's stealthiness.
Total	41

Fatal Failings

Failing	Score	Reasoning
Recklessness	-8	Serious red flag. He often underestimates others, especially Masachika and Yuki, and is very careless about the latter's manipulative nature.
Cowardice	-2	He's a tad jumpy at times, but not enough to worry.
Anger	0	He barely gets angry at all, so no worries here.
Delicacy of Honor	-3	He's a tad vain, yet not enough to worry here either.
Over-caring	-8	Serious red flag. He's devoted to Chisaki, so much so he reformed himself from the ground up to win her over.
Total	-21

Final Assessment

Score: 20 (Capable, yet moderately flawed)

Character Analysis: Chisaki Sarashina

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: Chisaki Sarashina

Victory Factors

Factor	Score	Reasoning
Morality	7	She's a great person and loyal friend, but can sometimes get caustic when she encounters trouble, especially when she's got her kendo stick in hand.
Weather	10	Thanks to her strength, keen senses, and athleticism, this isn't an issue.
Terrain	5	She's pretty quick, yet extremely clumsy, like when she knocked several books off a shelf while trying to organize them.
Good Leadership	4	She's very assertive with troublemakers, but ultimately is more follower than leader.
Preparation	4	She's a good student and kendo practitioner, yet mostly wings everything else.
Total	30

Fatal Failings

Failing	Score	Reasoning
Recklessness	-9	Major red flag. She constantly underestimates others, particularly Masachika and Ayano, and is extremely impulsive when she's angry or embarrassed, such as when she kept punching Touya after an awkward moment.
Cowardice	-4	She's a tad jumpy, but not enough to really worry.
Anger	-8	Serious red flag. She's a hothead, plus easily triggered, something that cost the baseball and soccer teams dearly when she learned what they did to Alya during their debate.
Delicacy of Honor	-3	She's a tad cocky, yet not enough to worry here either.
Over-caring	-8	Serious red flag. She's infatuated with Touya, so much so Masachika even jokingly commented that, the moment they look into each other's eyes, the entire world falls away.
Total	-32

Final Assessment

Score: -2 (Nightmare scenario)

Character Analysis: Ayano Kimishima

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian: Ayano Kimishima

Victory Factors

Factor	Score	Reasoning
Morality	5	She's got a good heart, but can get very selfish around Masachika. She also does many awful things out of loyalty to Yuki, hence the former's famed comment, "There is something seriously wrong with you two!"
Weather	10	Due to her training, keen eye, and experience, this isn't an issue.
Terrain	8	She's quick and stealthy, although she had a few clumsy moments during her training.
Good Leadership	2	She's got potential, particularly when acting as Yuki's running mate, yet is ultimately a consummate follower, not a leader.
Preparation	5	She's well-trained and a good cook, but her naivete badly cost her when she told Masachika his grandfather's demands.
Total	30

Fatal Failings

Failing	Score	Reasoning
Recklessness	-10	Epic red flag. She completely underestimated Masachika and Yuki, and tends to impulsively blurt out the craziest things, her most infamous being this (said in response to the former's rebuking his grandfather): "It was such a masculine statement I was afraid my ovaries might explode."
Cowardice	0	She's very bold, so no worries here.
Anger	0	She doesn't really get angry, so no worries here either.
Delicacy of Honor	-4	She's a tad cocky, yet not enough to worry.
Over-caring	-10	Epic red flag. Despite claiming otherwise, she's obsessed with Masachika; furthermore, her devotion to the Suoh household leads to a lot of trouble for the latter and Alya.
Total	-24

Final Assessment

Score: 6 (Nightmare scenario)

Reviewing the Results

This cast was pretty messy: great skills either ruined or squashed by pride, arrogance, and some of the craziest antics of recent memory. Sadly, a lot of those flaws are still ongoing at the end of the season, meaning we can only expect these problems to keep recurring. Still, that harkens back to what's been said all along: follow Sun Tzu, and you'll win; ignore him, and you'll lose.

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian Characters: Victory Factors Analysis

Character	Morality	Weather	Terrain	Leadership	Preparation	Final Score
Alisa	8	10	5	4	5	32
Masachika	8	8	5	7	7	35
Mariya	9	10	9	6	7	41
Yuki	1	10	8	4	5	28
Touya	9	10	8	7	7	41
Chisaki	7	10	5	4	4	30
Ayano	5	10	8	2	5	30

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian Characters: Fatal Failings Analysis

Character	Recklessness	Cowardice	Anger	DOH	Over-caring	Final Score
Alisa	-10	-8	-7	-7	-7	-39
Masachika	-8	-5	-5	-4	-7	-29
Mariya	-8	-3	-1	-3	-8	-23
Yuki	-10	-9	-7	-8	-10	-44
Touya	-8	-2	0	-3	-8	-21
Chisaki	-9	-4	-8	-3	-8	-32
Ayano	-10	0	0	-4	-10	-24

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian Characters: Final Scores

Character	Final Score	Assessment
Alisa	-7	Nightmare scenario
Masachika	6	Nightmare scenario
Mariya	18	Great potential, yet deeply flawed
Yuki	-16	Nightmare scenario
Touya	20	Capable, yet moderately flawed
Chisaki	-2	Nightmare scenario
Ayano	6	Nightmare scenario

Article by:Andrew Nickerson

Andrew's originally from Massachusetts, and has studied military history/tactics/strategy for almost 30 years. He has a BA in History (English minor) from UMASS Lowell and JD from Mass. School of Law. He can be found on Twitter (@AndrewNickers19) daily, analyzing characters via Sun Tzu.

Fun Fact: Andrew's a huge fan of anime music. He particularly recommends Crescent Love (Brighter than the Dawning Blue), Dream Riser (Girls Und Panzer), and the fight theme to Zoids: New Century.