The Anime Club of Central Oregon Community College is all about being themselves and making a social network of friends.

The club’s main focus is Japanese animation – more commonly known as anime – and also Japan’s culture. Not only people that are fond of anime can join the club, but people that enjoy meeting others and hanging out are welcome.

The Anime Club meets in Ponderosa, Room 101, in a place they like to call “the dungeon.” Their dungeon consists of a large room with a whiteboard and a projector. They use the projector to watch assortments of anime films or shows that the president of the club decides upon.

The club has a small system of government that consists of a president and four officers. The president, Carrie Hull coordinates meeting times and activities. “Normally I leave it up to suggestion,” said Hull, referring to what anime films and shows to watch. The four officers are Patrick Tasa, Seth Bean, Tanner Schild and Anthony Forrer. The officer’s usual duties are doing the president’s bidding, according to Hull. A typical Anime Club meeting consists of:

* Discussing business topics

* Handing out food and drink

* Watching anime

* Chatting with one another

“I enjoy spending time with people that have similar interests. It’s a great way to hang out with people that are similarly different from you.” said Nick Ishida about his favorite thing about the club.

Anthony Forrer spoke about the funds they receive for their club, “If were going on a trip to something we can ask for funds from them [student government] and student government gives us money for advertising but we don’t always use it.”

The club is going to the Sakura-Con convention, in Seattle, Washington, this April; they have been doing this for three years in a row. Each club member pays their own expenses to the convention. The Sakura-Con convention is compiled of Japanese dances, singers, anime cosplay and public speakers. Cosplay is a shortened term for “costume role-play”.

At the last convention the Amabassador of Japan spoke on anime and the connection it makes between the western and Japanese culture.

According to the Ambassador of Japan, anime is one of Japan’s biggest exports. There is anime, live-action anime, and manga. Manga is Japanese cartons and graphic novels. “It’s one of the fastest growing things in America.” According to Daniel Baycroft.

You may contact Brynn Kiesow at [email protected]