Frequently Asked Questions




What does JCS stand for?
JCS is an abbreviation for the full title of our organization: The Pennsylvania State University Japanese Culture Society.

Japan is all about anime, ninjas, and sushi isn't it?
Although it may often be perceived that way in more Western countries, Japan is a nation that encompasses much more than just what is depicted through popular culture. Japan is a fascinating land steeped in ancient traditions and reverence for nature, and it has grown to become a global superpower spearheading trends in technology and culture all without losing sight of its traditional roots. While many people are attracted to elements of Japanese culture such as anime, ninjas, sushi, karaoke, and video games, JCS tries to go beyond this cursory view of Japan and attempts to introduce students to both traditional and modern elements covering topics such as daily life in Japan, Japanese philosophy, traditional arts, customs and holidays, Japanese language, sports, business culture, fashion, and East Asian international relations.

How is JCS different from other Penn State Japanese-themed organizations?
The Japanese Culture Society differs from other similar Japanese interest groups in that our mission is primarily to introduce to and share Japanese culture with Penn State students. Related groups such as the Japanese Friendship Association (JFA) and the Penn State Anime and Manga Organization (PSAO) are geared more toward social activities for the Japanese community in State College and Japanese animation, respectively. Other interest groups at Penn State such as Japanese martial arts groups or the Penn State Bonsai Group are each focused on a specific Japanese activity. The JCS is a diverse group of students interested in all aspects of Japan and East Asia.

Is JCS only for Japanese students?
No. Although Japanese students do make up a portion of our group, the JCS is not geared toward just Japanese students or students of other Asian heritage. All Penn State students and members of the Penn State community are welcome to JCS events, and we encourage cultural diversity and interaction within our organization. Anyone in the Penn State community can become a member of JCS; please see the section on membership for more information.

Is JCS only for Penn State students?
It depends. Because the JCS is registered as an undergraduate, professional organization, we limit official club membership to Penn State University undergraduate and graduate students. For most larger events however all Penn State students, faculty, and staff may participate as well. There are rare occasions when JCS hosts public events that incorporate the surrounding community, and in these cases priority seating/participation is given to JCS members, then all other members of the Penn State community, and then finally to the public and friends and family of those in the Penn State community. Public access status will always be mentioned at these types of events.

What does JCS actually do?
What don't we do?! We try our hardest to host a variety of activities throughout the year. While our main focus is on cultural activities such as traditional and modern Japanese games and crafts, calligraphy, bonsai, music and dance, films, food, and trips to various Japanese-themed places, we also hold social activities such as eating out, themed parties, and seasonal activities for our members to get to know each other, meet new people, and help international students meet American students. Members also take part in fund-raising and publicity/outreach activities that help with the workings of our organization. We welcome anyone interested in learning more about Japan, wanting to meet new people, or just have fun!

When are meetings?
We usually hold regular meetings every other week where we either have a cultural activity or a general club organizational meeting. Preceding these bi-weekly meeting are executive meetings for the officers and chairs of the club; these are not open meetings as we have limited time each week and a lot to cover, but we are more than open to suggestions and regularly discuss ideas brought to us by our members (just email us!). Occasionally other events (held jointly with other clubs, departments, or businesses) arise and we may end up having more than one meeting per two weeks. Notification of all meetings will be sent out over the club listserv and will be posted on the club website on the "events" page.

How can I join; does it cost money?
You can join by showing up at any of our regular weekly meetings and talking to any of the club officers about joining. You may participate in most general club activities without becoming a JCS member, but if you pay the semester dues and chose to become a member, you are entitled to a host of benefits that are outlined in the membership section of the website.

What do officers do and how can I become one?
The JCS Executive Board (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Public Relations, and Webmaster) and Committee Chairs (Social, Publicity, and Fund-Raising) all work together to help run the organization. Terms of office are usually one year (from the spring semester to the following fall semester) with a review period at the end of each semester. When a position becomes available, it will be announced to the members of the club, and the officers will hold interviews and vote to see who will be asked to fill the position. Each position comes with different responsibilities and time commitments and we try to match up members with skills and experience best related to the position.

How can I become more involved?
If it seems like too big of a time commitment for your schedule, there are a number of other ways to get more involved in the JCS without being an officer such as attending club activities or serving on a committee. We currently have three committees (Social, Publicity, and Fund-Raising) that each focus on a different aspect of the JCS. If you feel that you would be able to contribute to one of these areas, you can sign up for a committee and help create events that help the group and make your ideas heard -- we strongly encourage each member of JCS to take part in a committee. Another way to get involved is to share Japan/East Asia-related activities going on around campus or in the area so that we can pass on the information to our members. We would also like to cater to members who have special talents or knowledge/experience in a certain area of either Japanese culture or club management by letting you use your abilities through the club (for example, helping to plan or run a kendo workshop if you have had previous experience with kendo). Email the club or talk to any of the officers if you have any ideas or feel that you have anything to contribute to the JCS!

How do I study abroad in Japan/learn Japanese?
This is one of our most common questions. Usually in the fall semester we have an interactive talk and Q&A with representatives from the Study Abroad department and from students who have studied abroad in the past in Japan. While we love to assist you however we can if you have an interest in studying abroad in Japan, we are not the primary contact for Penn State students. Please see the International Student Services website for all information about studying abroad or contact the Japanese department for more information about Japanese courses at Penn State.

Will you please send out this message to your club members?
We also get a lot of these kinds of messages from various people and groups, but while some of them may be sincere, we have a strict policy of only sending out messages to our members that deal directly with Japan/East Asia. This prevents the sending of messages that our members may not wish to receive just because they are on our mailing list.

Who can I contact for questions and comments?
Please send all questions/comments/concerns to our club email: jcs.psu@gmail.com -- you may contact any member of the Executive Board as well as any Committee Chair via this email address, and we check it regularly.