Ohio University’s Anime Club (ACOU) provides a welcoming space for students to connect over their shared love of Japanese animation, forging friendships and exploring diverse interests.
Every Friday at 6 p.m., members gather in Scripps Hall to watch anime, learn about new genres, and socialize. President Kaden Papadatos emphasizes that the club’s primary goal is to create a strong sense of community, combating potential feelings of isolation on a college campus.
“I remember my freshman year. I had no idea what to do, I stayed by myself most days because I didn’t know how to make friends. But then I saw a community like this and I thought it was really fun and really awesome,” Papadatos said. “We come here based on a common interest, but we crack jokes, we talk about other things we have in common and I think through that, the university grows a little bit smaller”.
Public Relations Officer Dillon McNerlin highlights the club’s active efforts to foster an inclusive atmosphere. The ACOU aims to be a relaxed environment where members can enjoy each other’s company, play games, and engage in conversation. Previously, screenings were held in Morton Hall, but members found that the setup caused people to sit far apart.
“We always try to make sure new people don’t feel isolated or awkward. Whenever someone comes in, we always wave, say hello and ask them what their name is,” McNerlin explains8. “Most anime fans are kind of shy, so we try to do the work for them. If they want to make some friends, we try to welcome them in”.
Beyond weekly anime screenings, the ACOU organizes convention trips and Saturday events based on member suggestions. These include game nights and presentation nights, where members share their passions outside of anime; one member even gave a presentation on “Impractical Jokers”.
While anime serves as the central connecting point, each member has a unique story of discovering the medium8. Treasurer Bobby Reilly was introduced to anime by his father, who showed him episodes of “Star Blazers.” Reilly later began watching “Inuyasha,” “Seven Deadly Sins,” and “One Piece.
“(ACOU) allows me to broaden my horizons in what is anime. In the West, there’s a perception that anime is shonen (boys’ comics). People think anime is ‘Dragon Ball,’ they’ll think ‘Naruto,’ they’ll think ‘Bleach’ and that’s their perception,” Reilly explained8. “Anime club allows us to break down that barrier and convince people that anime is not a genre. Rather, it is a medium for story telling and you can tell a variety of genres within its scope”.
Papadatos values anime’s unique storytelling perspective from a non-Western culture.
“I feel like a lot of our media is made in a U.S.-centric lens, so it’s really cool to see stories that can be told from people that are outside of the U.S., that have not grown up in the U.S.,” Papadatos said8. “I think having such a different upbringing lets you create such rich and unique stories. And I think that’s what’s so cool about anime: it comes from people that have had a different background”.
Vice President Tyler List values compelling narratives and characters over flashy animation, citing “A Certain Magical Index” as a favorite.
“I always tell my friends, because they’re always like: ‘Why don’t you like a certain anime that we like?’ I like story first and foremost. If it’s just flashy colors and really big animation, I’ll enjoy it, but I need something to keep me there,” List explained8. “I like compelling characters and a compelling story. If it’s not there, why do I watch it?”.
List encourages all students, regardless of their interest in anime, to attend ACOU meetings and experience the welcoming atmosphere. The club strives to offer something for everyone.
“In the past, we’ve turned people who aren’t really into anime into the hardcore fans,” List said. “We take anyone and everyone. We take all kinds of people and we have so many different kinds of events. We do so much stuff because we want to be a fun space for everyone”.
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