For the past four years, Student LIFE, the EvCC Foundation, the Nippon Business Institute and EvCC’s Japanese Club have hosted the Japanese Anime and Manga Arts Festival (JAMAF) at EvCC. This year, the two-day event will be May 18 and 19.

Guest presenters include award-winning manga artist Yoshimi Kurata, the illustrator of Aji Ichi Monme, and his colleague, manga artist, and illustrator Yukiko Yamagishi. “They will share with festival attendees about what it’s like to work in the manga industry,” said Heather Jean Uhl, the Japanese Club advisor.

Okinawa Kenjin Club of Washington State, a traditional Japanese folk dance and drum group that formed in 1980, will also attend the event. The club hopes to “become the cultural bridge between Japan and the United States.”

Lynn Shiori Miyauchi, Specialist for Cultural Affairs at Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle, will provide information to students about study abroad opportunities in Japan, including the Japanese Exchange Teaching (JET) Program. Miyauchi will also demonstrate traditional samurai armor.

JAMAF guests can also expect to see Jet City Saber Guild, a Star Wars costuming and performance non-profit organization, at the event. They will perform a lightsaber battle and hold a saber workshop.

Additionally, two local food trucks specializing in Asian cuisine will keep JAMAF guests’ stomachs happy. The first is Beanfish, a Seattle-based truck, that specializes in taiyaki, Japanese fish-shaped waffles stuffed with sweet or savory red bean paste.

The second option for food is Yummy Box Food Truck. This truck blends traditional Asian cuisine with fresh, local ingredients to create their diverse menu, including Taiwanese pork stew, fried noodles, and more.

“Our goal is to make connections to current, new, and returning students interested in studying Japanese language, history, and culture,” Uhl explained. “JAMAF’s objective is to engage our entire community in academically grounded programming that invites reflection and dialogue around global perspectives involving anime, manga, and Japanese cultural arts.”

JAMAF includes free admission to offer “to offer cultural and language learning experiences to underserved populations and welcome participants of all socioeconomic backgrounds,” said Uhl.

For information about the events, visit the event page at www.everettcc.edu/JAMAF.