Vol. 65, No. 25, December 22, 1967. 68 pages. View this issue
Supreme Court decisions and what they meant for Japanese Americans ran through the front pages of this holiday issue. Mike Masaoka surveyed rulings from the Chinese Exclusion cases through the Evacuation cases, and Bill Hosokawa asked what changed Earl Warren’s views after he urged the evacuation as California attorney general. The ACLU’s brief in the Korematsu case was reprinted with the Korematsu and Endo opinions, alongside Warren’s own lecture on the Bill of Rights and the military. JACL National President Jerry Enomoto wrote of understanding and motivation within the organization.
Also in this issue: Allan Beekman on the Takao Ozawa naturalization case, Richard Gima on the Tokushige case, and Kinjiro Tajima’s short story in translation. Five JAL-JACL fellowship writers described their summer in Japan, and Phil Matsumura previewed the 1968 national convention in San Jose. Season’s greetings fill 31 of the issue’s 68 pages.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- For Understanding and Motivation, by Jerry Enomoto, page 1. JACL National President Jerry Enomoto argues that understanding between generations and motivation at the chapter level are JACL’s most needed qualities. He calls for adults to listen to youth, for JACL to embrace political engagement, and for chapter officers to revitalize programs.
- The Bill of Rights and the Military, by Chief Justice Earl Warren, page 2. Chief Justice Earl Warren’s James Madison Lecture at NYU examines the relationship between the Bill of Rights and military power. He argues civilian supremacy must be preserved and that courts must scrutinize claims of military necessity.
- Thoughts for Christmas, page 13. A reflective holiday essay asserts that Christmas endures regardless of disbelief, and that cards and letters carry warmth to distant friends and loved ones. It also notes the loneliness of separation, including for servicemen in Vietnam.
- Camp Disturbance, by Kinjiro Tajima, page 13. Kinjiro Tajima’s short story, translated by Toke and Allan Beekman, follows a picture bride whose marriage is disrupted by an affair and a violent incident in Honolulu. It depicts the hardships and moral complexities of Japanese immigrant life.
- Adventures in Learning, by Kennon H. Nakamura, page 13. Kennon Nakamura describes his JACL-JAL summer fellowship study at Sophia University and tours across Japan. He reflects on the academic and cultural lessons gained from the program.
- Nihon Suki Desu, by Edward Y. Kakita, page 13. Edward Kakita recounts his JAL-JACL fellowship trip, including first-class travel and the Sophia University program. He describes the fellowship’s purpose and his experience of Japan.
- Tokyo After Classes, by Shirley Matsumura, page 13. Shirley Matsumura describes her social life in Tokyo, including reactions to looking Japanese, nightlife, and student friendships. She recounts the experience as a highlight of her summer.
- Japan: a treasure trove for kindergarten teacher, by Mary Sabusawa, page 13. Mary Sabusawa describes her Japan fellowship and how she has applied what she learned to her Chicago kindergarten teaching and community work. She outlines art exchanges and programs inspired by her trip.
Incarceration & Redress
- ‘Equal Justice Under Law’ nearer reality for Japanese Americans, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. Mike Masaoka surveys Supreme Court decisions affecting persons of Japanese ancestry, from the Chinese Exclusion cases through the Evacuation cases and alien land law rulings. He concludes that equal justice is closer for Japanese Americans but still incomplete for minorities generally.
- Earl Warren sketch: Is Warren’s legal tone today due to Evacuation?, by Bill Hosokawa, page 1. Bill Hosokawa examines Earl Warren’s record, contrasting his role as California attorney general in urging Japanese American evacuation with his later civil rights decisions. He asks what drove the change in Warren’s views.
- The Korematsu Case: ACLU’s brief and the Supreme Court’s decisions, by American Civil Liberties Union, page 3. The ACLU’s amicus brief in the Korematsu case argues that military exclusion and detention of citizens based on ancestry violates due process and equal protection. The reprinted brief also includes the majority, dissenting, and concurring opinions in Korematsu and Endo.
- Preeminence of civil over military power important, page 4. Excerpts from the Warren lecture discuss the principle of civilian control of the military and the Girard and Trop cases. The Court’s role in reviewing military action against citizens is examined.
- Supreme Court decision recalls Korematsu-Army sequence, page 8. Excerpts from the Korematsu opinions debate whether military orders can be constitutional and whether detention of citizens is lawful. The dissents of Justices Murphy and Roberts condemn racial exclusion as unsupported by military necessity.
- Redress and the Nisei: JACL’s Bosworth book and history project, page 23. A chronology lists major 1966-1967 Pacific Citizen events, including court decisions, legislative actions, and JACL activities. It records developments on alien land laws, naturalization, and civil rights.
In-Depth
- Takao Ozawa case imbeds Issei to ‘ineligible for citizenship’ predicament, by Allan Beekman, page 2. Allan Beekman recounts Takao Ozawa’s effort to win naturalization as a free white person, his assimilationist self-presentation, and the 1922 Supreme Court ruling denying him citizenship. The case shaped the racial bar to naturalization for Japanese immigrants.
- Tokushige case: Gakuen era far from over, by Richard Gima, page 11. Richard Gima reviews the Supreme Court’s 1927 decision striking down Hawaii’s foreign language school restrictions and the territorial efforts to suppress Japanese language schools. He traces the schools’ survival through postwar revival.
Arts & Entertainment
- Human Challenge: The Joe Pyne, Alan Burke Shows, by Todd Endo, page 10. Todd Endo critiques talk shows hosted by Joe Pyne and Alan Burke, arguing they reward audience prejudice and ridicule rather than honest dialogue. He compares their format to a ‘sound of silence’ in public discourse.
Military & Veterans
- Nisei as Americans, by Mike Masaoka, page 12. JACL’s history is traced from its founding through wartime service of the 442nd and MIS, and postwar civil rights gains. The article presents the Nisei as citizens who fought for acceptance in America.
- JACL Reference: Nisei military and civil rights history, by P.C. Staff, page 16. This reference section recounts JACL history, honors, scholarships, and bowling records. It lists national officers, district governors, and chapter recognitions across the organization.
Community
- Japanese Friendship Garden and San Jose convention preparations, by Phil Matsumura, page 14. The 1968 National JACL Convention in San Jose is previewed, covering committee planning, family programs, and the Japanese Friendship Garden. The city’s facilities and nearby attractions are highlighted for delegates.
- Dr. Kawamura’s second term adds variety in Oakland programs, by Roy Endo, page 14. Roy Endo summarizes the Oakland JACL board’s 1967 activities, including scholarship changes, social welfare visits, and civil rights speakers. The chapter also distributed the Bosworth book to local schools.
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