The start of a new school year brought renewal to the Marshall Anime Club. Designed to provide a friendly environment for students interested in the unique styles of Japanese animation, the club has undergone major “revisions” this year according to club Vice-President Alexis Benjamin, senior.
Anime, unlike western animation, is characterized by its exaggerated physical features, stylized facial expressions, and outrageous actions. Much of the art style of anime is influenced by traditional Japanese calligraphy and painting.
This artistic connection to culture has led to an expansion in the focus of Anime Club. The club is expanding its horizons, discussing not only Japanese animation, but Japanese culture as a whole.
“[Anime Club] is a crossover of Japanese culture and an appreciation of anime,” club sponsor Wanlace Yates said.
Recently, the club started raising money through bake sales to attend anime conventions in Nov. and Feb.
“This has never been done before,” Benjamin said.
So far only one sale has been held, but more are planned in the coming weeks.
The club also hosted a speaker, Ruka Kato, on Oct. 4. Kato talked about various modern and historic practices and beliefs in Japanese culture, and provided snacks for the attendants.
Anime Club holds weekly meetings, held in room 238. Meetings are open to anyone interested in attending.