For most people, Anime is just a Japanese cartoon where the characters have big eyes, but for a group of students at Tyngsboro High School it has given them a chance to be a part of something bigger.

Started in 2009 by Ashley Maher, the Anime Club meets weekly on Tuesday afternoons with Mr. Justin Maslanka in room 103.

“I helped start the club because I liked Anime and hoped to meet other students who were interested in it too,” Ashley says. “The club is like a retreat for lovers of Anime and Manga, where they can go after school, spend time with other fans, and make some new friends.”

What Ashley enjoys most, she says, “is the fun environment and activities that the club comes up with. During a meeting we either watch Anime, play Dance Dance Revolution, or do any other activities, such as learning dances, songs, and games.”

Last year the students participated in a variety of activities, such as: sampling Japanese soda and snacks, listening to Japanese music and other media, and having a Dance Dance Revolution party.

“The club basically doesn’t have a structure,” says sophomore Samantha Noblett, “We go with the flow. For example, if someone gets a new movie or TV show we’ll watch that during the meeting, and discuss our thoughts on it with each other.”

Not only the students participating think that the club is great, club advisor Mr. Maslanka enjoys it as well.

“I think it's awesome. It's great,” he says, “Good people and good times. I am learning a lot about Anime, its content, roots and purpose. More people should come and experience it. It's a fun way to be exposed to Japanese culture.”

There are no requirements to join Anime Club; however, Ashley suggests that new recruits at least have some idea of what Anime and Manga are to begin with (Anime is animated cartoons, while Manga is graphic novels). However, they are welcome to anyone who is interested in joining.