New Japanese Cultural Center launches in Redlands with weekend events

REDLANDS, Calif. — A longtime dream is coming to life in Redlands, where the founders of a new Japanese cultural center are inviting the public to experience a weekend of traditional music, martial arts and community spirit.

The Redlands Japanese Cultural Center, located at 542 E. Stuart Ave., will host two events this weekend — a women’s self-defense workshop and a Japanese taiko drum performance — ahead of its planned opening this summer.

The center is being developed by visual and martial artists Sabro Foster and Kevin Seishiro Suzuki to celebrate and preserve Japanese heritage through hands-on classes and cultural events.

Foster and Suzuki have already assembled instructors for classes in judo, karate, kendo, taiko and origami, offering the community a change to learn about Japanese culture and exercise.

They are currently seeking additional teachers for the Japanese art and culture of:

• Ikebana - art of flower arranging
• Bonsai - art of cultivating miniature trees
• Chado - art of tea arranging
• Odori - Japanese dance
• Shodo - Japanese calligraphy
• Traditional instruments, and
• Japanese language instruction for both children and adults.

Their shared vision is more than just a dojo or art studio — it’s a cultural hub. Plans are underway for a Japanese garden and a mural on the side of the building. Foster and Suzuki also hope to feature local Japanese American artists through pop-up galleries and exhibitions.

With a grand opening planned later this summer, the center’s founders are inviting the community to get involved now and help bring the vision to life. The non profit is recruiting board members, volunteers and donors to support its launch and long-term operations.

For more information or to get involved, visit the center at one of this weekend’s events or follow updates at Redlands Japanese Culture Center

Weekend Events

Peaceful Forest - Japanese Taiko Drummer - Takumi Kato
Saturday, June 21
Performance: 11:30 am and 1:30 pm
542 E. Stuart Ave, Redlands, CA

Introduction to Women's Self Defense
Basic level training for women with Kyoshi Maria Evans, 7th degree Black Belt
Sunday, June 22
1pm - 5pm
542 E. Stuart Ave, Redlands, CA

About the founders

Sabro Foster is a third-generation Japanese American (sansei) and a second-degree black belt in Okinawan Shuri Ryu,  under the famous Maria Evans and practices Taiko at Makoto Taiko in Pasadena. He is also known for his paintings and sculptures of robots and enjoys sharing Japanese culture with others.

Kevin Seishiro Suzuki, a fourth-generation Japanese American (yonsei) was inspired by Foster’s dream and brings decades of experience in traditional karate. A sixth-degree black belt in Shito Ryu under the world-renowned Fumio Demura Shihan, Suzuki co-founded the Nikkei Games Karate Committee and creates intricate origami art.