By Amanda Moses
A new class of Soul Reapers arrived at Anime NYC on August 24th for the 20th Anniversary of BLEACH, but this time these unsung heroes were really members of the Spring Creek Towers’ Department of Public Safety’s Young Adult Program.
The infamous Japanese Anime, BLEACH staring Soul Reapers who try to balance the scales of the dead, has often been a talking point at the Young Adult Program’s discussions along with Demon Slayer, Naruto and other shows. This year, for the first time in the program’s history members took a field trip to Anime NYC at the Jacob Javits Center where they embraced their favorite manga books and animated series.
“I can’t believe I just became a member of this program and already I’m making new connections with people that care about the same things I care about. I can just be myself and to make things even better I’m now getting the opportunity to go Anime NYC for the first time,” DeAndre Polk said.
Anime NYC was held from August 23rd to August 25th at the Jacob Javits Center—a few months ahead of Comic Con—where over 800 exhibitors gathered to showcase the very best in Japanese culture. The convention, which has been held since 2017, saw over 100,000 attendees this year and the Young Adult Program’s members were among the lucky ones to enjoy its splendor.
“I had the best day ever!! I met the English voice actor from Attack on Titan! I’m so happy!” Seani Edwards gushed about his trip to Anime NYC.
From autograph sessions with English and Japanese voice actors, like Ashley Johnson from the video game Last of Us, and the legendary Toshio Furukawa the voice of Piccolo in Dragon Ball Z, there was something for every fan at Anime NYC.
“Since the start of the program I have wanted to take DPS Young Adults Program both camping and to Anime NYC! This summer we managed to do both and it was by far the best thing we could have done for our members because we showed them that when we dream at YAP we dream to make things a reality for them! Attending Anime NYC with our members was a surreal experience for many of us and will remain a lasting memory especially for those that were attending for the first time,” Eileen Level founder of the Young Adults Program said.
Photos by Amanda Moses
