Introducing Sem’s Japanese Anime Club
By Cosette Zhou ‘21
Anime (アニメ) refers to hand-drawn and computer animation originating from or associated with Japan. Since the 21st century, the wave of Japanese anime has never subsided. Nowadays, most people believe that anime is just an entertainment tool. However, it has a more profound significance.
Anime finally entered the Wyoming Seminary Upper School campus in 2019. Yuwei (Emily) Chen, a sophomore, has established a new club at Sem called Japanese Anime Club. Because Emily Chen is such an anime enthusiast, she stated during the first club meeting on September 19, 2019, “I establish this club because of interest.” Nonetheless, interest is not the only reason for this club.
“I feel like I am in a different world when I watch a good anime. I get lost in what I am watching,” said Emily. “I am not the one who usually dabbles in escapism. I love living in the moment, but it is just something about anime that makes it okay to get away mentally.” Many students, having tons of schoolwork and not being mature enough to digest all the pressure, can feel that life at Sem is stressful, but anime enables them to view the world differently. The aesthetic, natural, and fresh style can convey the harmony of heaven, earth, and man. The philosophies behind some anime can touch the depth of the human soul and can inspire students to think about life honestly. After watching an excellent piece of anime, one will feel oneself out of squalor and noise and regain the impetus to move forward. Just as Spirited Away, a popular anime worldwide, says, “No matter how hard the road is ahead, just go in the right direction. No matter how rough it is, it is closer to happiness than standing there.” Many people love anime because the plot and the lines are always inspirational. Emily also told The Opinator, “Something that can relieve our minds and encourage us at the same time is exactly what we need.”
The Opinator hopes that Japanese Anime Club will be a successful club at Sem and that it will convey life lessons and Japanese culture to Sem students!