Redlands Japanese Cultural Center to host grand opening Oct. 25
“Karate Kid” actor among special guests for new community hub
REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands Japanese Cultural Center will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, Oct. 25, with an afternoon of performances, martial arts demonstrations, and community festivities at its new facility at 542 E. Stuart Ave.
The celebration will run from noon to 4 p.m. and will feature live entertainment including Japanese dance, taiko drumming, and demonstrations of karate, kendo, judo, and jujitsu. Food and drinks will be available from local vendors such as 4Tino’s Tacos, The Chan Smokers, Harusha Coffee, The Donut Cart, J. Riley Distillery, and Escape Brewery.
Ron Thomas, best known for his role as Cobra Kai’s “Reverend Bobby” in The Karate Kid franchise, will attend the opening ceremony. Organizers said additional celebrity guests may also make appearances.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 17, at noon, ahead of the main event.
The Redlands Japanese Cultural Center recently began offering a range of classes in karate, kendo, odori (traditional Japanese dance), judo, jujitsu, taiko drumming, and Japanese language. The new center aims to promote cultural exchange, education, and community connection through arts and heritage programming.
Visitors to Saturday’s event can also enter a raffle and participate in family-friendly activities throughout the day.
For more information, visit redlandsjapaneseculturalcenter.org.
