While stuck in traffic, Sabro Foster, a third-generation Japanese American, had an idea.

In the middle of his commute from his Arrowbear Lake residence to Riverside for karate and taiko classes, Foster was inspired to create a Japanese cultural space closer to home.

On Saturday, Oct. 25, Foster and Kevin Seichiro Suzuki, a fourth-generation Japanese American, celebrated the grand opening of the Redlands Japanese Cultural Center.

Kevin Seichiro Suzuki raises his fist in celebration as Sabro Foster introduces the grand opening of the Redlands Japanese Cultural Center on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. Both Suzuki and Foster are co-founders. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)

According to Suzuki, an origami artist, it was Foster’s aha moment and his desire to shorten his drive time that

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