Anime Appreciation & Japanese Animation
Study anime as an art form, including animation styles, narrative structures, and cultural context. Engage with Japanese language and culture through this creative medium.
Building your Award:
Find Bronze Award examples to support activity planning
Example SMART Goal: To expand my appreciation of Japanese comics, I’m going to read manga for an hour each week over the next 13 weeks. I’ll explore different genres and authors to learn more about storytelling and art styles.
Example Assessor: Librarian, teacher, or school club advisor
Example Log: Finished volume 1 of “Haikyuu!!” this week. The way the artist captures movement during volleyball matches is incredible. Starting volume 2 next and taking notes on the storytelling techniques.
Example SMART Goal: “Haikyuu!!” got me interested in volleyball! For 13 weeks, I’m spending an hour each week learning the basics and tracking how my serving and movement improve.
Example Assessor: Gym teacher, coach, or recreation center staff
Example Log: Practiced underhand serves and bumps in the backyard. Got 7 out of 10 serves over the net. That’s up from 4 last week! Working on footwork and setting next.
Example SMART Goal: I’m going to create anime fan art each week and donate it to a local gaming shop for their youth fundraiser. I’ll track how my art improves and the impact of my donations over 13 weeks.
Example Assessor: Gaming shop manager or community program coordinator
Example Log: Finished a drawing of Gon from “Hunter x Hunter” and donated it to the shop. They put it by the register and it sold for $10! Trying a more detailed piece with multiple characters next week.
(Completed as a team. Participants will work together to plan and complete their journey.)
Example Activity: Dive into anime culture by visiting local anime stores, gaming shops, or cultural centers. Document the art, merch, and community you discover. Learn how Japanese culture shapes the anime we love.
Example Team Goal: We’re visiting at least 3 anime-related spots, photographing cool finds, interviewing staff about anime culture, and putting together a guide to local anime hotspots.
Example Assessor/Supervisor: Teacher, Award Leader, or community volunteer
