Within the four walls of room E7, Japanese Pop Club (J-Pop) strives to spread their culture among Carlmont students by performing traditional Japanese dances at school assemblies, as well as providing presentations on the origin of J-Pop culture.
J-Pop Club began at Carlmont in 2012 and is currently being led by President Nina Chung, who shares her heritage with her club members.
“I have always felt like Japanese culture isn’t represented enough, so that motivated me to take over this club and revive it with more modern lessons about the social aspects of Japan,” Chung said. “This club is a wonderful outlet for me to embrace my heritage with people who share the same interests as me.”
During their lunchtime meetings, the club provides a presentation topic on a particular aspect of Japanese culture, followed by a group discussion and lastly, a video on a new style of anime.
The club’s presentation topics include the comparison of traditional and popular Japanese music, new fashion trends, the meanings behind different animes, exploration of ancient Japanese values, and so much more.
Club Vice President Anna Marcos said, “J-Pop Club has become a family where students can learn about the traditional and modern aspects of Japan’s culture, beyond the stereotypes from the media. The club serves as an amazing opportunity to learn about the differences between American and Japanese culture.”
Along with providing presentations about Japanese values, the club participates in a wide array of school events, such as the Heritage Fair Assembly and Fortifying Bridges where they perform traditional J-Pop dances to further spread their heritage within the Carlmont community.
Sophomore Ekaterina Mcleod said, “J-Pop Club is so much more than simply watching anime episodes. It is its own community where students come together to explore the traditions of Japanese culture and truly embrace it through participation in school events.”
The club currently has 10 active members and are looking to further expand their community with people interested in learning about their heritage.
“Carlmont Japanese Pop Club is ultimately a safe place where students interested can delve into the development of Japanese culture and learn about the differences between American and Japanese society,” Chung said.
To get involved in J-Pop Club, attend one of their lunch meetings held every Thursday in room E7.
