UP's Anime Club brings together enthusiasts with an off-beat passion
By Gao Na Yang
"Ushio and Tora!" "Geshiken!" "Jing: King of Bandits!" "Mai-HiME!" These aren't words someone would shout from atop a milk crate in the middle of the quad, nor or are they words strange guys would yell while sword-fighting. They're actually titles of anime series that were shown in UP's Tengokuno Anime club.
Twice a week, several UP students gather in Franz Hall to experience the Japanese culture through discussion, anime series, anime movies and even Japanese food.
"The purpose of the club is to experience Japanese culture through anime," senior Ryan Young, president of two years, said. "We have Japanese-style food and we watch and talk about anime."
The club, which was founded in fall 2005, "provides an opportunity for students to learn about the Japanese culture through Japanese animation," Jillian Smith, assistant director for student clubs, said. "It provides a multicultural opportunity for UP students who are interested in anime to get together and be with people who are interested as well."
Even though the club only has eight active members, including Young, the small group has lively discussions on anime series like "Geshiken," which can be found in UP's library.
"Our members are very expressive about how much they like anime," Young said. "Generally, the first half-hour of meetings is spent watching anime, but we end up just talking about anime."
According to Adviser Kitty Harmon, engineers are notorious for liking anime. Young, too, is a mechanical engineering major. However, the general fan base of anime extends to people of all backgrounds and interests.
"There are a lot of interests in the club," Young said. "The only thing we have in common is that we like anime."
Young recalls that anime fans had many labels in high school.
"Back in high school, we were 'nerds,'" Young said. "Most of my friends in high school liked anime, so we were probably all 'geeks,' or maybe 'outcasts,' but definitely not 'jocks.'"
Call anime fans "geeks," "outcasts" or "nerds," but they're simply coming together for their interests like any other club or group. There isn't one specific label that can be attributed to anime fans.
"We're all adults here, so labeling isn't as easy anymore," Young said. "I can't describe us. We're indescribable."
Harmon admits that she has her own collection of anime DVDs. "Ranma 1/2" and "Kimagure Orange Road" are at the top of her list.
"I like the sense of humor and the big hair," Harmon said. "Even the guys have big hair swirling everywhere."
For Young, giant robots and titans clashing are the real deal. He admits that he may or may not use his privileges as president to watch series like "Gundam," which features said robots and titans, during the club meetings.
When people read books they really enjoy, they understand the concept and can easily recap the story for someone. Anime is the same for Young.
"I like anime and understand it," he said. "I can retell it easily like a good book or story."
Newcomers may feel a little out of the loop with the jargon and inside jokes, but Young is committed to making everyone feel included in the discussions.
Anime is its own culture, he said. But the members will work to make everyone feel included.
"I'm willing to set time aside to explain a series to someone if they're interested," Young said.
Young encourages those not familiar with anime to walk in asking questions.
Not many UP students know about the club, but Harmon thinks it could benefit students to experience a different cultural perspective.
From an underground gathering to recognition as a club, the Tengokuno Anime Club has provided UP students with a place to experience a new media culture without cost.
"We'd love to have new members," Young said. "Anyone is welcome, anytime."
Club meetings take place on Sundays and Wednesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. in Franz Hall 026.
