DBHS’ Japan Club
In the 110 hallway, the Japan Club meets with students of all ethnic backgrounds to expand their knowledge of a different culture. Fun activities and games make up only a small portion of what the Japan Club offers.
Students will have a chance to hear from one of the club presidents, Stanley Liang, and Japanese Language teacher, William Collazo, to find out if this club is a right fit for those interested in joining. Sensei Collazo, meaning “teacher Collazo”, and club representatives are eager to enlighten new members through exciting activities and create bonds in the process. Meetings provide a safe space for others to share interests, curiosity, and understanding of all aspects of Japanese culture.
When students learn about other societies, they can become impacted. Japan Club promotes an open-minded interpretation of the way of life with not only Japan but future opportunities of learning about other cultures. It also reveals a new way of thinking and overcoming ethnic and racial divisions that were not previously apparent.
“Japan is the third-largest economy,” Japanese language teacher William Collazo said, “…contributing significantly to technological advances, humanitarian aid/social justice, and popular culture, through manga and anime.”
The Japan Club was started by the students of Deerfield Beach High School in 2004. Collazo knew the importance of student-led activities and wanted to support his motivated students. The fascination of these students was furthered by his willingness to foster the club and share his interest.
“It is important for DBHS students to learn about this culture because this knowledge helps them understand the Japanese influences and interests in their lives,” Collazo said.
He has been studying Japanese for 30 years and teaching it for 24. After studying Japanese for so long and living in Japan for two years, he believes he has become a more intriguing and relatable individual. Collazo allows members to engage with and understand this prominent Eastern culture in experiences that can widen possibilities and the ability to connect with others.
Stanley Liang, one of Japan Club’s co-presidents, has studied Japanese for five years. Liang was also able to experience their culture first-hand in Japan. He and Collazo have found that exposure to a different part of the world has changed their lives in positive ways.
“Immersing myself in Japanese culture affects how I perceive other cultures due to its extensive differences from American and Chinese culture, which I am more familiar with,” Japan Club Co-President and senior Stanley Liang said.
The Japan Club has many activities for students to involve themselves with the intricate and fascinating country. Examples include writing haikus (a traditional Japanese three-line poem), playing Janken, (or Rock, Paper, Scissors), hosting Japanese movie nights, game nights, etc. The club provides a community for people with similar interests to discuss, appreciate, and invite an understanding conversation.
Japan Club stresses the importance of establishing a meaningful connection with a distinct culture. Through sharing and experiencing a different lifestyle, the club greets new members with open arms. Students are welcome to invigorate DBHS with positivity through meetings held in room 116 every other Monday.
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