DC Anime Club was established in 2003 to introduce and educate people in the Washington, DC area about East Asian culture, through viewing and discussion of Japanese animation (also known as anime) and Japanese comics (manga).

We also work to provide a positive, alternative activity to the youth in the area by exposing them to foreign culture, encouraging artistic expression and creativity, and providing opportunities for participation in community activities and leadership.

DC Anime Club is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. Contributions to DC Anime Club are tax deductible to the extent allowable under the law.

DC Anime Club has been featured in many newspapers and publications .

In addition to our meetings, the club holds an Art Show, a Cosplay Party fundraising event, and anime lectures at local schools . Our club works with the Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan, Smithsonian Freer Gallery and DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival on their anime screenings. Our Marketing Team has helped promote performances for several Japanese bands such as Puffy Ami Yumi, Pine am, The Slants, The Captains and Ayabie.

DC Anime Club was founded by Chris Wanamaker (President), Jules Chang (former Vice President) and Craig Vaughn (Vice President) on Saturday June 5, 2003. We have a strong membership that continues to grow.

DC Anime Club's activities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Anime/LiveAction Screenings
This is when we learn Japanese /East Asian Culture and Japanese Language by watching East Asian Cinema with English Subtitles. The Anime/East Asian screenings are split into three major screening events: The Regular Line-Up, Bring Your Own Anime (BYOA) and Movie Showings. Please read the DC Anime Club Viewing Guidelines if you are interested in submitting Anime/East Asian cinema for DC Anime Club to watch.

Video Gaming
Like Gaming? Have a PlayStation, Wii or Xbox? Then start attending our monthly Video Game Day. Club members are encouraged to bring their games and systems for Video Gaming and cards for Collectible Card Gaming.

Cosplay Corner
"Cosplay" is short for "Costume Play", in which fans of Anime and Manga dress up as their favorite Anime, Manga and Video Game Characters. The word was coined by Nov Takahashi of the Japanese Studio, "Studio Hard". During each Video Game Day, DC Anime Club teaches members how to create their own costumes: everything from making cosplay props, to places where materials can be purchased, to even acting as their characters. DC Anime Club has also given Cosplay Presentations at the Smithsoanian Anime Marathon and the Fiesta Asia Parade.

Photo Shoots
Members of DC Anime Club are encouraged to come in their best Cosplay outfits and have their pictures taken by professional photographers. J-Fashion such as Lolita, Gothic Lolita, and Harujuku is also welcomed for photo shoots. Currently held on Weekends at national Mall in Washington, DC unless other wise noted the Photo Shoots is a fun new activitiy and all are welcomed to attend. For all upcoming photo shoots Please e-mail Admin Assist Betty at bettydcac@hotmail.com.

Chris Wanamaker (President): Conducts the DC Anime Club Meetings, contacts Copyright holders for screening permissions and informs members of upcoming meetings.

Craig Vaughn (Vice President): presides at all club meetings, in the absence of the President. Club photographer, multimedia, logistics.

Blythe Gomez-Cruz (Administrative Assistant/Dance Chorographer): Helps with all DC Anime Club duties (newsletters, official documents, etc.). Choreographs Dance routines for upcoming performances and organizes DC Anime Club Dancers.

Janeia Prentiss (Marketing Dept): Promotion, Publicity, Sales, Distribution, Street Team.

Jonny Gross (Cosplay Coordinator): Conducts the Cosplay (Costume Play) Corner, which teaches members of DC Anime Club how to create their own costumes based upon their favorite Anime Characters.

Michaelangelo Bostic (Treasurer): In charge of club finances.

Terrence Briggs (Webmaster): Maintains DC Anime Club's Website and Web forums.