Once dismissed as a weird hobby, anime has slowly become more mainstream, captivating audiences across generations and cultures. From streaming platforms and social media trends to school clubs and everyday conversations, anime’s influence is more visible than ever. For those who aren’t in the know, anime is a form of animation that originated in Japan.
Anna Maria Jack, the anime club advisor, first discovered anime in the fifth grade through Inuyasha which is mostly considered a Shonen. Back then, she mostly kept her interests private and avoided students who did the Naruto Run in the hallways. Years later, she started the anime club to create a space where students could share their love for anime. She points out that anime connects with many people because there is an anime for everything from action and romance to slice-of-life and sports.
Jaden Villanueva, a freshman, agrees saying that its wide variety allows everyone to find something they enjoy.
Not all students consider themselves fans, but many are aware of its popularity. Britana Owen, a senior, said she does not feel left out of the hype. “As much as the guys and girls in the show are strong, with powers, I feel like anime is not my cup of tea. She added that anime only comes up occasionally at school or from friends, and when asked if she’s curious about the hype, she said, “Nah, I’m good.”
Both Britana and Natalia Coatl-Camacho reflected on how they would describe anime in three words. Britana said it is interesting, admirable and intriguing, while Natalia commented on it as confusing, different, and mysterious. The difference in their perspectives, especially between 12th grader Britana and 9th grader Natalia, shows that even students who aren’t regular fans can still recognize the creativity and unique appeal of anime.
Another student, Josh Fratcelli, remains uninterested despite anime’s growing interests. Whether students are longtime fans or simply curious, anime has something to offer. With its growing presence, it is clear that anime is here to stay.
