A look into the event and the Japanese Cultural Center’s critical role in fostering connections and community on campus.

During the historic heat wave last week in which temperatures throughout the Bay Area reached almost 90 degrees, the Japanese Cultural Center opened to the public, providing a cool and shady environment with its three-hour open house event. From 10 am to 1 pm on Wednesday, the Japanese Cultural Center, located in the 6600 building on campus, hosted its open house, offering Japanese snacks, a fun social experience, and an opportunity to view a historic part of the Foothill campus. As Alanna T, the student assistant of the Japanese Cultural Center, explained, “The Japanese Cultural Center is in an area of the campus that not a lot of people know about, and we want more people to stop by and spend time here.”

The Japanese Cultural Center was founded in 1981 by Dr. Michiko Hiramatsu, who introduced the Japanese Language program at Foothill College. Dr. Hiramatsu believed that it was important for Japanese culture to be taught with the Japanese language, and in order to do so, she sought for there to be a dedicated space. In 1981, construction of the Japanese Cultural Center began, and in February 1982, it was dedicated in a ceremony to the Issei or first generation of Japanese people who emigrated from Japan to the US. Since its opening, it’s not only served as a meeting place for classes, student clubs, and visitors but as a space in which Japanese culture is preserved and shared. As Alanna T, observed, “It’s a place for everyone to enjoy.

“My favorite part of this event has been getting to meet my professor and other students,” said Kevin Q, a Foothill student who attended the open house, “Most of the Japanese language courses right now are online, so I haven’t really gotten a chance to talk face-to-face with anyone. That’s why I wanted to come to this event and see if I could get to know some of my classmates.”

This open house event demonstrated how the Japanese Cultural Center plays a critical role in fostering connections and a community on campus. Although online classes may provide a more accessible learning experience, they can also limit the connection between students, as Kevin expressed. So, having this space that allows students to connect in person is crucial and reflects why Dr. Hiramatsu felt it was important to found the Japanese Cultural Center. In Alana’s words: “[Dr. Hiramatsu] wanted to bring people together through culture.”

As the weather continues to get warmer in the coming months, consider visiting the Japanese cultural center and its garden with over 80 types of bamboo and an Azumaya (or meditation pavilion). It’s a beautiful and important part of campus and Foothill’s history that is open to all students and members of the community to experience and enjoy.

The Japanese Cultural Center is building 6600. More information about the Japanese Cultural Center can be found here.

Have you visited the Japanese Cultural Center, yet? Tell us about your visit in the comments below!