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: Bring Your Own Anime (BYOA)/Bring the anime that got you hooked on anime; Movie Showings; and videos we receive from our sponsors. 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.

Anime Swap Meet
A swap meet is where people 'meet' to 'swap' their unwanted items for something else they may want - without paying for anything. The focus will be on anime, manga, comic, and video game related items.

Yu Gi Oh Card Gathering
It's time to D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-DUEL!!!!! During each Video Game Day DC Anime Club host a Yu-Gi-Oh Gathering. All duelists welcome.

Banned limit list is in effect.

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 special DC Anime Club meetings (see Meeting Schedule for details) we teach 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. Contact: bettydcac@hotmail.com

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 Melissa Williams at ldyvenna@yahoo.com

DCAC Dancers
Our newest group, The DC Anime Club (DCAC) Dancers is a group of performers who not only dance to jpop/rock music, but wear costumes (cosplay) created by the performers themselves. DCAC Dancers have performed at Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan and Smithsonian Freer and Sackler Gallery. To find out how to book DC Anime Club dancers at your next event please contact DC Anime Club Dance Coordinator Blythe Gomze-Cruz at bettydcac@hotmail.com. Be sure to check out the Official group of the DCAC Dancers on facebook.

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/Club Photographer): 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.

Mellisa Williams (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.

Nai Young(Cosplay Model): Helps with Cosplay Corner, Assists the the Administrative Assistant, dresses club mascot Mimia-chan.

Cheyenne Lewis (Club Artist): Designs flyers for various DC Anime Club events, club mascot and webmanga.

Edward Jones III (Treasurer): In charge of club finances.

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