Tokyo Godfathers + White Elephant Gift Exchange

Exam season is a busy time, but it's also a time for joy, celebration, and relaxation. Come de-stress with your friends at UTAMA with a very special screening of Satoshi Kon's masterpiece, Tokyo Godfathers, and a special White Elephant Gift Exchange!

What is a White Elephant Gift Exchange, you may ask? Very good question! A White Elephant Gift Exchange is a type of Secret Santa where each player brings a gift to contribute to a pool and players take turns choosing gifts -- either from the pool or they have the option to steal others' gifts until all of them are taken. A full list of rules can be found here: https://www.whiteelephantrules.com/

Gifts purchased MUST be within a price range of $10-20 and it bears mentioning that you do NOT have to play Secret Santa to attend the screening -- you can come out for either the movie, or the Secret Santa, or both.

We know you'll be busy studying for exams, but what better way to de-stress than with a movie and a fun game? Hope to see you there!

For further details and updates, keep up with the Facebook event here.

☆UTAMA's November Sports General Meeting☆

Another month, another GM! And this month, we have for you a very special sports-themed GM!! ˭̡̞(◞⁎˃ᆺ˂)◞*✰

On Friday, November 25, come out to BL313 for some fun sports anime-themed games, refreshments, and maybe even a raffle?! (」゜ロ゜)」

Whether you want to come out to have fun with some friends, to take a break from studying, or to emerge victorious, be sure to come out to our November GM! See you there!!!!! ╭( ･ㅂ･)و ̑̑ ＂

Facebook link here!

Art and Anime Tour!

Come join UTAMA Studio as we tour the area's arts and anime shops! We'll be checking out a ton of local spots you might not have known about, starting with A & C Games at 1PM, so bring your wallet or at least your curiosity. (✧∀✧)

We'll be going for ramen afterwards too, so don't forget to take some money and an appetite~ If you have accessibility concerns, special dietary needs, or other questions, feel free to ask! ╰(*´︶`*)╯

Check out the facebook event page here!

Spooky October 2016 GM!

Happy early Halloween dear members!

We hope you’re getting as into the seasonal spirit as we are preparing for our October GM!
On October 28th from 6-9PM come join your friends at UTAMA for an extra spooky Halloween-themed GM, featuring games, snacks, and maybe even a surprise or two(?!)
Keep in mind that cosplay is welcome and even encouraged so feel free to come dressed up as your favourite characters!!! 
The location will be at Claude T. Bissell Room 313. See you there, friends. And, check out the facebook event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/169762723481236/

UTAMA Karaoke!

Hosted by our very own LMC Director, Jon, we're proud to present the first UTAMA karaoke event of the year! Come out to OISE 4420 on Friday, October 21 from 7-9PM where you can sing along to your favourite anime tunes and show off your vocal talents -- or lack thereof. Whether you want to come out to sing a little or just have fun with friends, be sure to join us this Friday! Hope to see you there!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1673926342924536/

Incoming Office Closures!

Attention all office hours attendees: Office hours for the rest of this week are cancelled!

While unfortunate, it's because the office is finally getting stable and proper Wi-Fi! Deepest apologies to anyone who wanted to drop by on Wednesday or Thursday, but we still hope to see you at Friday's event!

[Oct 14] My Neighbour Totoro + Modular Origami Workshop!

Another week, another UTAMA event. This week, we'll be collaborating with UTFOLD to bring you a screening of Hayao Miyazaki's landmark 1988 film, My Neighbour Totoro, alongside a modular origami workshop where you'll be able to help fold a modular Totoro!

What is modular origami, you may ask? Modular origami is a paper folding technique that uses multiple paper units to create a large, complex structure. Basically, you'll be helping to fold something that looks a little something like this: https://www.flickr.com/photos/utfold/16852704024/in/album-72157652562965245/

Whether you just want to enjoy a great movie with friends or fold a cute Totoro model, be sure to come out to our collaboration with UTFOLD this Friday and have some fun! Hope to see you there! It'll be in SS 1086, from 5pm-7pm!

Make sure to check out the Facebook event here!

[Oct 7] Upcoming Sub-Group Events!

Hey guys! 

On Friday, October 7th, both UTAMA Studio and our Light Music Club will be having their first meetings of the year. To accommodate members with an interest in both subgroups, the events will be held back-to-back, both in Sid Smith -- Art Studio from 3PM-6PM in Room 1088 and LMC from 6-9PM in Room 1072.

Note that anyone can come out to these meetings! No experience is required for UTAMA Studio, and while you're expected to have some musical background for LMC, it's still worthwhile to come out and meet other members with an interest in performing music. For further info and updates -- along with the event pages for each subgroup -- please join UTAMA Studio's Facebook group here (https://www.facebook.com/groups/UTAMAstudio) and LMC's here (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1413062598924642).

Be sure to come out this coming Friday for an introduction to our subgroups and some fun times! Hope to see you there!

[Sept 30] UTAMA's First 2016-2017 GM!

It's that time of year again -- classes have started, you're losing sleep, and Robarts looms tall. What better way to make the most of your university life than with a visit to UTAMA's first GM of the school year?

On September 30th, join us in Room 116 of the Wallberg Building (on the corner of College and St. George) for some anime-themed icebreakers, games, a raffle, and maybe even a surprise visit from our Light Music Club...?! You'll have to drop by to find out what we have in store! Doors open at 5PM and the fun starts at 6PM!

In order to enter, you'll need yourself a membership. A full year will run you $10, which also gets you an adorable keychain featuring our mascot, Utama-chan, and a half year will cost you $7 and will get you a membership card. Your membership is your ticket into all UTAMA events over the course of the school year, so if you want to participate, you'll need one! You can buy at the door at the GM, or visit our office hours starting September 26th to purchase your membership and beat the line.

Stay tuned to our Facebook group for updates, including some sneak previews of some of the fun stuff we have coming up for you at the GM! See you there!

UTAMA at the Club Fair!

Hey guys, are you ready for another great school year of UTAMA hype?!

We're kicking things off tomorrow in the usual fashion - with the UTSU Club's Day Tomorrow at the Hart House Circle! We'll be there from 10AM-2PM at Table #33 letting people know about all the cool stuff we have coming up this year, so drop by and visit us to see our great new poster board and tell your friends and any first years you might know to come join our mailing list! And maybe even get some freebies?

Hope to see you there, it'll be a ton of fun for everyone!

UTAMA STUDIO ✏️ Draw & Drink

Grab your art supplies and join us once again at Moonbean Coffee, this time for doodling, sketching, and coffee! ヽ(・∀・)ﾉ

This will be a nice informal meeting similar to the last one but with MORE DRAWING! Feel free to bring pencils, pencil crayons, paper, sketchbooks, and anything else you like to draw with. However, please no paints or anything else that could mess up the tables. (っ˘ω˘ς )

Regardless of your skill level, it will be fun to draw together! Or you can feel free to just admire other people's art and sip a nice drink! 

Keep up with the event at the Facebook page here!

UTAMA Goes to High Park!

Hope everyone's summer is going swimmingly!

Come join us on July 30th for a potluck at High Park hosted by the UTAMA! 

If you're interested, please click on the provided link to let us know what food you'll be bringing and any allergy concerns you may have. 
Enjoy some fun in the sun, bring blankets or chairs, games, some manga, or anything else to make the day a fun one! 
We hope to see you there! 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1XSYlxCFKJJxeIGipVAlTk52SsAXOURZu3CuCizcuSAA/edit#gid=0

Light Music Club Summer Karaoke!

Hope you've all been having a fun summer!

The LMC is starting off activities with a bang early off this year - with a highly requested event! Come hang out, meet faces old and new, and sing along all together!

 Keep up with the Facebook page for the venue and any news, and hope to see you there!
 https://www.facebook.com/events/1221817181171415/

[Due May 30] Director Applications

Applications for LMC, Art, and Cosplay directors are up!
We look forward to reading your applications and working with the future directors. 

You can view and download a full description of each position and the actual application here.
like emoticon

Mail your completed application to utama.director.applications@gmail.com by May 30th, 11:59PM.

Good luck!

Anime North Survival Panel!

We're aware this is the first AN for a lot of UTAMA members, so what better way to prepare than with a panel on the con? Come out to the fifth floor meeting room in 21 Sussex on Wednesday, May 18th, from 5-7pm to discuss what to expect, what to bring, what to do, and maybe a fun little surprise that I'm sure you guys will enjoy!

Check out the event and check in on the Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/371768932998100/

Hope to see you there!

Your 2016-2017 UTAMA Exec Team!

You had your say, and here are the results! The UTAMA 2016-2017 exec team is as follows:

President
Han Byul Kim

Vice President Internal
Francis Shao

Vice President External
Joseph Fiumara

Secretary
Michelle Zhong

Events Coordinator
Amelia Armstrong

Communication Coordinator
Danielle Cao

Technical Coordinator
Kevin Kang

Treasurer
Richard Zhan

Congratulations to our new exec team, thank you to everyone who ran for a position, and here's to another great year! Stay tuned for summer events!

[April 18] UTAMA Studio: Sakura Kirigami

Need a break from exams? UTAMA Studio has got you covered! On Monday, April 18, at 3PM, come to OISE2198 to make some pretty sakura kirigami! This is a Part 2 of a summer event we hosted, so if you missed out on that one, here's your chance to make up for it! You are encouraged to bring your own scissors, but some will be provided at the event too. Hope to see you there for a fun exam de-stresser!

[April 8] UTAMA's Final 2015-2016 GM

It's finally time for our final GM of the school year! Come out on Friday, April 8th at 6PM to BL313 for a fun game of Family Feud: UTAMA Edition, the Miku raffle you've been so excited for, and most importantly, elections for your next exec team!

Info for the raffle and the elections can be found on the front page of this very website, but don't worry -- we have a few surprises left in store... like maybe some runner-up raffle prizes...? Who knows? You'll just have to come to the GM and find out! See you there!

Your UTAMA 2016-2017 Exec Team Candidates

It's finally time to find out who's running for next year's UTAMA Exec Team! Without further ado, here are the candidates:

President

• Han Byul Kim

Vice President External

•  Joseph Fiumara 

Vice President Internal

• Francis Shao

Communications Coordinator

• Danielle Cao

Events Coordinator

• Aaron Perera
• Amelia Armstrong

Secretary

• Gem Geronimo
• Michael Tan
• Michelle Zhong

Technical Coordinator

• Kevin Kang

Treasurer

• Richard Zhan

Voting will take place at our final GM of the school year, on Friday, April 8th, following each candidate's election speech. In order to vote, you must be a paid member of UTAMA. Come out to this last GM and help decide on your new exec team from this list of amazing candidates! See you there! 

[April 1] UTAMA Studio: Perler Bead Party

Ready to make more adorable Perler Bead creations? On Friday, April 1st, come out to OISE 2289 from 3-6PM to make more bead artwork at our second Perler Bead workshop! Be sure to bring $2 and an idea. See you then!

[March 18] March GM @ Riddle Room + Dinner

For our penultimate GM of the 2015-2016 year, we're trying something a little different -- it's UTAMA: Field Trip Edition! From noon until 2PM-3PM on Friday, March 18, we'll be at Riddle Room at 579 Yonge St. to take advantage of their board games, escape rooms, and TVs for video games! You can view their selection of escape rooms here, and they'll be offered at a heavily discounted price to UTAMA members for this GM -- only $10! To reserve a room, either message Astor on Facebook or shoot us an e-mail at utama.website@gmail.com with a group of five or more people. Additionally, tickets for our Miku figure raffle will be sold at the GM, so remember to pick yours up before it's too late!

After Riddle Room, we'll be heading to Korean Grill House on Yonge -- though this is subject to change, so please keep an eye on the Facebook event page for any updates.

Come out to our March GM for a fun few hours of games and snacks! See you there!

UTAMA's 2016-2017 Elections!

Has it been your dream to join the UTAMA exec team? Well, here's your chance! On Friday, April 8th, we'll be hosting our last GM. In addition to fun games and a big raffle, the most important part of the GM will undoubtedly be the elections for our 2016-2017 Exec Team!

Candidates will be accepted for the following positions:
President
Vice President Internal
Vice President External
Treasurer
Secretary
Communications Coordinator
Events Coordinator
Technical Coordinator

You can view a list of responsibilities for each role here.

In order to apply for candidacy, you must be a registered member of the University of Toronto community (student, staff, faculty, alumni) and you must fill out the following information and send it in an e-mail to utamaapplication2016@gmail.com by midnight on April 1st, 2016. Failure to fill out the document properly may result in disqualification from the election:

Name:
University of Toronto Status: (undergrad/grad/staff/faculty/alumnus)
Year of study (if applicable):
Program of study (if applicable):
Executive position you wish to run for:
Why do you want to run for this position?
If elected, how will you contribute to and help to improve UTAMA?

After April 1st, a list of candidates will be published on the Facebook group. Candidates will be expected to prepare a speech for the GM on April 8th -- presidential candidates will have two minutes and every other candidate will have one, so make every second count! Candidates are encouraged to seek feedback and opinions from the UTAMA community, but explicit campaigning and unethical practices will lead to disqualification. Additionally, Director positions (Art Studio, LMC, Cosplay Community) will be appointed by the new team at a later date.

If you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to Tina or Bianca and be sure to keep up with any updates on the upcoming elections on the Facebook group. Get those public speaking skills ready and help make UTAMA an even better place!

Miku Figure Raffle!

Exciting news! At our final GM on April 8th, we'll be raffling off this lovely Miku figure! Tickets are on sale now and cost $3 each. If you want a chance to win this Miku, purchase your tickets ASAP! Oh, and good luck!

[March 11] Karaoke and Dinner

It's time for some horrible screeching! On Friday, March 11 at 4PM, join your friends at BMB Karaoke at 592 Bloor Street West for a couple of hours of karaoke fun! Around 6PM, we'll be heading to a restaurant in the area (TBA) for dinner. Don't feel obligated to come to both events; just one or the other is fine.

But either way, we hope to see you this Friday for a good time!

UTAMA's Maid+Butler Bios!

Excited for our upcoming maid and butler cafe? Well, here's a little something to whet your appetite -- bios for the lovely ladies and gentlemen who live only to serve you... well, for a short while, at least!

Name: Ami
Favourite dessert: Sugar snap peas
Favourite anime/manga: Kamisama Hajimemashita
Favourite colour: Mauve
Favourite place: A library
Motto: Love looks not with the eyes but with the mind
If you were an animal, which would you be? An owl
If you were a food, what would you be? An omelette
Which character do you identify with? + a short why! Levy from Fairy Tail because of her amicable personality and love of reading!

Name: Bella
Favourite dessert: Macarons
Favourite anime/manga: OreImo
Favourite colour: White
Favourite place: Anywhere with wi-fi!
Motto: "If I can do it tomorrow, I won't do it today! >w<"
If you were an animal, which would you be? A shiba inu
If you were a food, what would you be? A strawberry
Which character do you identify with? + a short why! Rory Mercury, also a dangerous loli

Name: Rin
Favourite dessert: Candied haws
Favourite anime/manga: Digimon and Silver Diamond
Favourite colour: Red, blue, black, and white
Favourite place: Vancouver
Motto: Dreamers may be brave!
If you were an animal, which would you be? I would totally be a dog~ ^v^ One that bites you once in awhile.
If you were a food, what would you be? I'll be an omelette rice because I'll make you feel all warm inside.
Which character do you identify with? + a short why! I identify with Alibaba~~ Because I can't be cool for more than 5 minutes~

Name: Ritsuko
Favourite dessert: Strawberry shortcake or cheesecake
Favourite anime/manga: Shokugeki no Soma
Favourite colour: Rainbow
Favourite place: My bed
Motto: "You can always find the energy!"
If you were an animal, which would you be? A lynx (a big, strong wildcat)
If you were a food, what would you be? Soondubu jjigae (soft and comforting but I can make you sweat)
Which character do you identify with? + a short why! Kagura of Gintama, because I'm essentially a sly little brat with an insatiable appetite :3

Name: Yumemi
Favourite dessert: Green tea mousse cake
Favourite anime/manga: Tsubasa Chronicles & Fruits Basket
Favourite colour: Baby colours
Favourite place: A dance room
Motto: My happiness comes from the kindness around me
If you were an animal, which would you be? An emperor penguin
Which character do you identify with? + a short why! Tohru Honda, the natural airhead who goes with the flow and tries her best. I want to find life's simple pleasures.

Name: Haruka
Favourite dessert: A smile on your face
Favourite anime/manga: Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun
Favourite colour: Pink
Favourite place: In your heart
If you were an animal, which would you be? A unicorn
If you were a food, what would you be? Fondue
Which character do you identify with? + a short why! Tamaki Suoh because I put the Flam in Flamboyant

Name: Jun
Favourite dessert: Rice steeped in genmaicha
Favourite anime/manga: Ran to Haiiro no Sekai
Favourite place: Home. Specifically, bed.
Motto: Que sera, sera.
If you were an animal, which would you be? A cat
If you were a food, what would you be? Rice
Which character do you identify with? + a short why! Masayuki Hori. Someone has to take care of all the mess...

Name: Levi
Favourite dessert: Lemon mousse
Favourite anime/manga: Monogatari Series
Favourite colour: Deep purple
Favourite place: Next to the people I love
Motto: Momantai
If you were an animal, which would you be? A bunny
If you were a food, what would you be? Lemonade
Which character do you identify with? + a short why! Toshinou Kyouko, I like being a boke

Name: Naoki
Favourite dessert: Lemon sorbet
Favourite anime/manga: One Piece
Favourite colour: Sapphire blue
Favourite place: A place where I can be alone
Motto: "It's better to be hated for who you are than loved for who you're not."
If you were an animal, which would you be? A cat
If you were a food, what would you be? Nigiri sushi
Which character do you identify with? + a short why! Hikigaya Hachiman, we have the same outlook on life.

Name: Shiro
Favourite dessert: Vanilla ice cream with red wine
Favourite anime/manga: Angel Beats
Favourite colour: Black (ironic, isn't it?)
Motto: Don't trust me.
If you were an animal, which would you be? A viper
If you were a food, what would you be? Fugu, so if you eat me you might die
Which character do you identify with? + a short why! Emiya Kiritsugu, would sacrifice anything to make the world a better place.

Name: Shu
Favourite dessert: Edamame + cold Sapporo
Favourite anime/manga: Eureka Seven
Favourite colour: Crimson
Favourite place: Rooftop, overlooking the city at night
Motto: "No such thing as spare time. No such thing as free time. No such thing as down time. All you got is life time. Go." -- Henry Rollins
If you were an animal, which would you be? An arctic wolf
If you were a food, what would you be? Tessa (fugu sashimi)
Which character do you identify with? + a short why! Adlet Mayer, similar personality.

Name: Yuu
Favourite dessert: Monaka
Favourite anime/manga: Legend of the Galactic Heroes, Uchoten Kazoku
Favourite colour: Red and black
Favourite place: Whatever suits my mood
Motto: The only thing worse than failing is having never tried.
If you were an animal, which would you be? A Siberian husky
If you were a food, what would you be? Paella (many elements and packs a good punch)
Which character do you identify with? + a short why! Sawada Shin from Gokusen, similar in certain aspects... (I may look like I don't care, but if you mess with things within my circle, consider yourself dead.)

[Feb 26] UTAMA's Maid+Butler Cafe

Have you ever wanted to be pampered and feel like a millionaire? Well, UTAMA's here to help make your dreams come true! Join us on Friday, February 26 from 1PM-4PM at Gyutaro, located at 521 Bloor Street West, for our very own maid and butler cafe! Enjoy snacks, drinks, games, and best of all, cute maids and butlers -- all the ones you see above and even a few more! Admission is free, and a menu with pricing will be posted on the Facebook event page soon.

Be sure to come out to UTAMA's very own maid and butler cafe, where we're sure to make all your dreams come true!

[Feb 12] UTAMA MoMo Presents: Tamako Love Story

After making some mochi, why not come out and enjoy a film all about it? Well, that may be a little inaccurate to say. From 5-7PM in WO30, join us for a very special Valentine's-themed screening of Naoko Yamada's 2014 masterpiece, Tamako Love Story! As always, the film will be preceded by a talk discussing the film's production, and Joey's adoration for KyoAni is sure to make this one extra interesting.

Everybody loves somebody, and we love this movie. Come join the ones you love and watch Tamako Love Story!

[Feb 12] UTAMA Studio: Mochi-Making Workshop

February 12th is gonna be a mochi-themed day for UTAMA! From 3-5PM in OISE2289, come out to make some cute mochi with UTAMA Studio! Don't worry -- they're just plushies, so there's no cooking skill required. Following the workshop will be a screening of Naoko Yamada's Tamako Love Story, so we hope to see you there for a sweet, fun-(and mochi)-filled day!

[Jan 29] UTAMA's January General Meeting

It's finally time for the first GM of 2016! And what better way to start things off than with some anime game shows? Join us on Friday, January 29 at 5:30PM in BL313 for some fun games like Anime Shiritori; Three Truths, One Lie: Anime Edition; and Anime Jeopardy! And, of course, no GM is complete without a raffle!

Additionally, this is your last official chance to pay for your Anime North 2016 ticket if you have purchased one. Be sure to find Han, Bianca, or Joey and give them your outstanding fees.

Here's to the start of another great semester! Hope to see you there!

[Jan 20] UTAMA Cosplay: Preparing Your Cosplay Lineup

The road to convention season has begun, and that means it's time to start planning out your cosplay. On Wednesday, January 20, from 6-8PM in OISE2198, the UTAMA Cosplay Group will be holding a panel discussing the specifics of preparing your cosplay! Bring sketches, pictures, and work-in-progress photos to get some ideas and feedback from your friends -- and, of course, newcomers are encouraged to come out to get the extra help they might need! Let your con hype set in early and come out to this workshop!

[Jan 15] UTAMA Studio Drawing Meetup

Bring your pencils and crayons, because on Friday, January 15 from 3-5PM at OISE2198, UTAMA Studio will be hosting a drawing meetup! Whether you're new to UTAMA Studio for the semester or a storied veteran, come out and draw some anime with your friends!

[Jan 15] UTAMA Marathons: Kyousougiga

On Friday, January 15 from 5-9PM in WO35, come out to a marathon of the 2013 ten episode anime series, Kyousougiga! This is a show that no one's seen, and a work of art at that, so come out to enjoy a great series with your friends -- or to just watch Joey cry! See you there!