Japanese Cultural Resource Center

NBI Japanese Garden Bridge with CherryWelcome!

The Japanese Cultural Resource Center has been a program of Everett Community College in Everett, Washington since 1987. The primary mission of the JCRC is to help Bridge the Cultural Gap which exists between eastern and western cultures, with a primary focus on Japan.

The JCRC is an international studies program concentrating on the practical aspects and importance of understanding, developing, and maintaining personal and business relationships. The program provides a foundation for achieving awareness and skills in critical areas such as culture, history, business practices and the Japanese language.

With our mission in mind, we promote the study of language, history, culture, social structure, economic issues, communication styles, and business protocols. We also facilitate a wide array of interactions between local businesses and Japanese companies, as well as between members of our community and their Japanese friends and associates.

Upcoming Events

Please click on the event title for more information and to register.

Jan. 13, 2026 & Feb. 26, 2026 - Ikebana Flower Arrangement Workshop

Discover the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging. Our instructor practices Sogetsu Ikebana, a style known for its freedom of individual expression. You’ll learn how to create arrangements in the traditional way and take home the flowers you use. 
Required materials: Small towel and bowl (about the size of a cereal bowl).

February 2026 - Japanese Tea Ceremony

Immerse yourself in the timeless tradition of the Japanese Tea Ceremony, a practice that embodies harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. This course introduces the cultural, historical, and philosophical foundations of the tea ceremony, along with hands-on instruction in its rituals and etiquette. Dress code: Loose-fitted slacks or long skirts covering the knees, white socks, and long hair pulled back. View the flyer for more information. PDF icon

Past Events

  • Sushi Making Class PDF icon
    • Mr. Asao Sakakibara uses Zen cooking principles which emphasizes mindful cooking techniques, attitudes and hygiene
    • Learn how to make sushi: big roll, small roll, chirashi-zushi and inari-zushi
  • Zazen Presentation PDF icon
    • Meet Howard Lazzarini who studied under Soto Zen Master Kosho Uchiyama Roshi at Antaiji Temple
    • Learn about Zazen - a seated meditation practice that is a central part of Zen Buddhism
  • OKK Chijinshuu of WA presents TAIKO PDF icon
    • Join OKK Chijinshuu for a performance of Okinawan fold dancing and drumming
  • Japanese Baseball with Bob Bavasi PDF icon
    • Learn about Japanball.com from Bab Bavasi
  • Japanese Tea Ceremony PDF icon
    • A traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony with a traditional flude performance
    • Enjoy an authentic Japanese Tea Room and Garden
  • Bamboo Fence Building Workshop PDF icon
    • Pete Putnicki will teach the art of constructing a traditional Japanese bamboo fence
  • Pine Pruning Workshop PDF icon
    • Learn the art of Japanese Pine Pruning from horticulturist Keith Kelley

Iwakuni stduents from Japan pose on the bridge in the Japanese Cultural Resource Center's Nishiyama Japanese Garden

 

EvCC welcomed 13 students and 2 chaperones from our sister city Iwakuni, Japan, to campus in July 2024. The group posed in the EvCC Japanese Cultural Resource Center's Nishiyama Japanese Garden, on the bridge donated by Iwakuni city to EvCC decades ago.