A dream of a new Japanese cultural center in the Inland Empire could soon come true.
Sabro Foster and Kevin Seishiro Suzuki are working on establishing the Redlands Japanese Cultural Center, 542 E. Stuart Ave., Redlands, CA 92374. Their mission is to bring the community together to celebrate and embrace Japanese arts and culture.
Foster, a Sansei, has always wanted to create a Japanese cultural center. He is a nidan (second-degree black belt) in Okinawan Shuri Ryu under the famous Maria Evans and practices taiko with Makoto Taiko in Pasadena.
He creates art and is known for his paintings and sculptures of robots. He enjoys having Japanese culture in his life and likes to share it with others.
Suzuki, a Yonsei, was approached by Foster about fulfilling the dream. Suzuki was one of the founding members of the Nikkei Games Karate Committee (2003-2022), which organized an annual event to preserve and promote traditional Japanese karate in the spirit of budowithin the community, free from politics.
Suzuki is a rokudan (sixth-degree black belt) in Shito Ryu Karate under the world-renowned Fumio Demura Shihan. He is also an artist who creates origami art.
Together, Foster and Suzuki have found a beautiful location and have accumulated instructors for judo, karate, kendo, taiko, and origami. These classes are a terrific way for the community to learn about Japanese culture, traditions and language while getting exercise.
They are still seeking individuals to teach ikebana, bonsai, chado (tea ceremony), odori, koto, shakuhachi, shamisen, and shodo (calligraphy) as well as Japanese language for children and adults.
Since Foster and Suzuki are both artists, they hope to able to showcase and promote Japanese American artists through temporary galleries or events at the center.
The Redlands Japanese Cultural Center is fortunate to have the property owners’ permission to create a mural on the side of the building and create a Japanese garden. They hope these additions will help make the center spectacular.
The Redlands Japanese Cultural Center is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. They are looking for individuals to be board members and people, businesses and organizations who are interested in volunteering and financially donating to this nonprofit. The community’s support is essential to the success of the center and your help will ensure the growth and the ability for the center to reach its potential.
Foster, Suzuki and others at the center hope to have their doors open this summer. Come visit and participate in the events and activities at the brand new Redlands Japanese Cultural Center.
Upcoming Events
“Peaceful Forest,” featuring taiko drummer Takumi Kato, will be presented on Saturday, June 21, at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
“Introduction to Women’s Self-Defense,” for women and girls age 14+, will be held on Sunday, June 22, from 1 to 5 p.m.
This is basic-level training that can benefit any woman. It could change your future and allow you to move on from the past.
Highlights: Preventing or avoiding attacks; easy-to-remember techniques; legal aspects of self-defense; awareness training (how to create a safe room).
Instructor: Kyoshi Maria Evans, seventh-degree black belt with 60 years of training, weapons instructor and meditation instructor.
Wear loose and comfortable clothing. Information/registration: www.RedlandsJapaneseCultureCenter.org