JACL reorganization, civil rights and the San Jose convention in 1968

Vol. 66, No. 8, February 23, 1968. 16 pages. View this issue

A draft plan to reorganize JACL was the lead subject of this 16-page issue. National President Jerry Enomoto explained that the proposal sought to streamline the organization’s administrative machinery, with chapters reviewing it through March before a final version went to the San Jose convention. Civil rights ran through the issue too: Chizu Iiyama linked the movement to the Nisei experience, Don Hayashi urged JACL to find a larger role, and William Hohri asked the organization to start a serious dialogue about Vietnam.

Elsewhere, Bill Hosokawa wrote about Little Tokyo in Los Angeles, and Phil Matsumura described San Jose’s Nihonmachi for convention visitors. The National JACL bowling tournament in Seattle drew 92 teams, and Rep. Patsy Mink spoke at the Detroit JACL installation. A look back at 1943 appeared in the 25-years-ago column.

What’s in this issue

JACL

• Reorganization Plan to Streamline JACL Administration Under Review, by Jerry Enomoto, page 1. National JACL President Jerry Enomoto discusses the draft reorganization proposal designed to streamline JACL’s administrative machinery, developed by the National Planning Commission under Kaz Horita and staff consultant Harry Honda. The draft will be reviewed by chapters and officers through March, with a final version expected for discussion at the San Jose convention.
• 92 Teams Sign Up for National JACL Bowling Tournament in Seattle, page 1. After a 10-year absence, the National JACL Nisei bowling tournament returns to the Pacific Northwest with about 600 bowlers expected at Imperial Lanes in Seattle March 3-9. Eight teams are entered from Hawaii, and top bowlers include Art Moniz with a 206 average and Lois Yut as the highest-averaged woman bowler at 189.
• IDC Ponders Expansion of 5-Cent Per Mile Travel Allowance to Committeemen, page 1. The Intermountain District Council is considering reimbursing committee chairmen and other officers 5 cents per mile for travel, funded by a proposed 25-cent increase in per capita dues. A committee led by IDC Governor Ron Yokota is reviewing the proposed changes ahead of the April quarterly meeting.
• Rep. Matsunaga to Address Philadelphia JACL Installation, page 1. Rep. Spark M. Matsunaga (D-Hawaii) will be the principal speaker at the Philadelphia JACL installation dinner-dance March 9 at Forrest Inn, Ambler. William Marutani will serve as toastmaster for the event.
• JACL Slogan Shows Cynical World Triumph of American Democracy, Says Shimasaki, page 1. National JACL first vice-president Tom T. Shimasaki told the PSWDC quarterly session in Imperial Valley that JACL’s motto demonstrates American democracy’s triumph, praising pioneering Issei values and Nisei WWII volunteers from camps. District officers were also appointed including Jim Okazaki as legal counsel and Betty Yumori as nominations chairman.
• Accent on Youth: Snow and Know at Big Bear, by Alan Kumamoto, page 5. The PSWDYC leadership workshop and quarterly meeting combined snow activities with leadership discussions for about 110 youth participants at Big Bear. Evaluation sheets showed positive feedback about gained understanding of JACL and new friendships despite some sessions running long.
• Thousand Club Notes: Magic Number Still ‘2’, by Dr. Frank Sakamoto, page 6. The 1000 Club membership drive reports Berkeley and San Jose chapters leading with sizeable increases, while Chicago, Downtown L.A., Sacramento and San Francisco continue to lead in total current membership. The column lists numerous new and renewing members by years of service across various chapters.

Community

• San Jose Councilman Mineta Urges JACL to Endorse Political Candidates, page 1. At the San Mateo JACL installation dinner, San Jose Councilman Norman Mineta urged Nisei to become more politically involved and suggested JACL should recommend qualified candidates for office. Dr. Mitch Wakasa was installed as the new San Mateo JACL president.
• Colorado Governor Appoints Dr. Kayo Sunada to Head State Home and Training School, page 1. Colorado Governor John Love appointed Dr. Kayo Sunada, 40, as director of the State Home and Training School at Wheat Ridge, succeeding the late Merlin Zier. Sunada graduated from the University of Wyoming and Jefferson Medical College before joining the State Home in 1961.
• Idaho Falls JACL Hosts Annual Winter Carnival, page 1. The Idaho Falls JACL chapter is hosting its annual Winter Carnival at the Armory featuring concessions, Oriental food, barbecue, bazaar and prizes. Eli Kobayashi, Sam Yamasaki, George Nukaya and John Jordin are co-chairmen of the event.
• Banners Ordered for San Francisco Cherry Blossom Parade, page 2. San Francisco’s Nihonmachi area will be decorated with banners and flags designed by Hatsuro Aizawa for the Cherry Blossom Festival March 29-31, with a grand parade on the final day. Naoji Harada of Bank of Tokyo was named honorary chairman of the festival.
• BCA to Select New Bishop, page 3. A selection committee of ministers and laymen from the Buddhist Churches of America is meeting in Oakland to choose a successor to retiring Bishop Shinsho Hanayama. During his tenure since 1961, several new Buddhist temples were founded and the San Jose and Sacramento churches were raised to Betsuin status.
• 15 NC-WNDC Chapters Invite JACLers to Enroll in Health Plan by Feb. 29, page 3. A low-cost JACL-California Blue Shield group health plan is available without health statements to residents of 14 Northern California communities and Reno during a special open enrollment period ending February 29. The plan, established two years ago, has paid close to $400,000 in medical bills for JACL members.
• Puyallup Valley JACL President Kosai Heads Tacoma City Traffic Department, page 6. Yoshio Kosai, 1968 Puyallup Valley JACL president, has served as Tacoma’s city traffic engineer for 15 years, becoming the first person of Japanese ancestry to work for the city. Born in Tacoma in 1925, he graduated from Washington State and completed post-graduate courses at Yale before becoming traffic engineer in 1953.
• Cultural Center Official to Address S.F. Auxiliary, by Sue Sumida, page 6. Franklin Tokioka of National Braemar, Inc. will discuss San Francisco’s Japanese Cultural Center project at a San Francisco JACL Women’s Auxiliary meeting, covering the three-block complex including the Miyako Hotel and Kabuki theater-restaurant. The center is due for completion in late March, timed with a Cherry Blossom Festival.
• 40 Philadelphia Issei Attend JACL Keirokai, by Kuniko Okamoto, page 6. A Japanese film titled ‘They Who Tread On The Tiger’s Tail’ was shown to about 40 Issei and 80 Nisei at the annual Issei Appreciation Night in Philadelphia. The chapter also conducted its final general meeting under outgoing chairman Howard Okamoto, with new board members to be installed March 9.
• Minister-Scholar Sees Strong Family Tie as Antidote to Minority Problem, page 7. Rev. Isao Horinouchi of the Japanese Seventh-day Adventist Church argues that Negroes should strengthen family structures rather than rely on government subsidies, based on his published thesis on Japanese American assimilation and cultural values. He traces Japanese educational success to strong family organization and Confucian principles valuing education.
• Juvenile Hall Counselor to Speak at Fowler JACL Dinner, page 7. The Fowler JACL will feature Emanuel Diel, chief counselor of the Fresno County Juvenile Hall, as speaker at a dinner program at Bruce’s Lodge. President Dick Iwamoto announced the event is open to the public.
• San Jose Nihonmachi: A Complete and Convenient Community, by Phil Matsumura, page 8. This detailed guide describes San Jose’s compact and complete Nihonmachi district ahead of the National JACL Convention, listing numerous restaurants, shops, and professional services available to visitors. The article also highlights the Buddhist temple complex and JACL headquarters near Wesley Methodist Church.

Incarceration & Redress

• Civil Rights at Local Level Relate to Nisei Experience, Iiyama Tells NC-WNDC, by Chizu Iiyama, page 1. Contra Costa JACL’s Chizu Iiyama recounts personal family incidents of violence related to civil rights activism and discusses how Japanese Americans are affected by the broader civil rights movement. She traces the psychological impact of the civil rights movement since the 1954 Supreme Court desegregation decision.
• 25 Years Ago in the Pacific Citizen, page 4. This historical retrospective from February 1943 covers Nisei citizenship rights upheld by federal appellate court, the beating of Saburo Kido at Poston camp, and various wartime controversies including Army reopening to Nisei soldiers. It also notes anti-Japanese political activity in California and Washington state during the war.
• Civil Rights at Level for Nisei Related (continued), by Chizu Iiyama, page 5. This continuation of Iiyama’s speech details statistics on Black poverty and discrimination, discusses her personal experience in Chicago housing discrimination, and calls for Japanese Americans to actively support civil rights through political action and volunteer work. She warns against complacency given Japanese Americans’ own history of wartime persecution.

National

• Inouye Co-Sponsors Fair Housing Amendment, page 1. Senator Daniel K. Inouye cosponsored a Fair Housing Amendment to HR 2516, incorporating features of the Fair Housing Act of 1967 to prohibit housing discrimination based on race, color, religion or national origin. The amendment would place enforcement responsibility with the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• Japanese Canadians Earn Centennial Medals, page 1. Thirteen Japanese Canadians have been awarded the Centennial Medal from the Canadian government for outstanding contributions, including JCCA national president Edward Ide and several others nominated by the Japanese Canadian Citizens Association. Previous honorees included karate and judo instructors and civic servants.
• 59 Japanese Trading Firms in No. Calif., page 8. A Japanese consulate investigation found 339 employees from Japan associated with 59 Japanese trading firms in Northern California, down from 63 firms the previous year. This compares to 54 firms with 619 employees recorded in 1939.
• Converting Garbage into Building Bricks for Jetport Studied, page 8. New York City Councilman Robert A. Low is exploring using a Japanese-invented Tezuka processing apparatus that converts garbage into building blocks for constructing an artificial island jetport. The hydraulic pressure technology, invented by Kumitoshi Tezuka, is significantly cheaper than incineration and eliminates smoke and fumes.
• L.A. Police Testing Japan-Made Motorcycle, page 8. The Los Angeles Police Department is testing a fully equipped Japanese motorcycle that costs half the price of well-known U.S. makes for its traffic enforcement division. Initial tests showed better speed capability, improved mileage of 33 MPG versus 25 MPG, and half the weight of comparable American models.

Commentary

• The Nisei Image, by Roger Nikaido, page 2. Washington Newsletter columnist Roger Nikaido discusses national discontent over Vietnam, racial unrest, and finance issues, noting that few Japanese Americans contact their representatives on these matters. He urges Japanese Americans to either stay informed about Japan’s image or actively work on JACL’s public relations rather than remaining indifferent.
• Ye Editor’s Desk: The Peace of Munich, by Harry Honda, page 4. The editorial responds to criticism of a prior column comparing a negotiated Vietnam peace to the 1938 Peace of Munich, discussing various peace organizations and the risks of appeasement historically. It examines questions about U.S. options if negotiations fail and references scholarly arguments about America’s role in Southeast Asia.
• Letters from Our Readers: Vietnam and the JACL, by William Hohri, page 4. William Hohri argues that JACL should begin serious dialogue about Vietnam, presenting facts about bombing tonnage, refugees, and defoliation while criticizing American apathy toward the war’s human costs. He proposes JACL chapters host speakers and discussion groups on the topic.
• Letters from Our Readers: Nisei Speaks Out, by Berry Suzukida, page 4. A letter describes a Hawaiian Nisei woman’s emotional radio testimony about being bullied as a child after Pearl Harbor and her anger that Japanese Americans had to prove loyalty while other ethnic groups did not. The writer praises her candor on a Chicago radio talk show.
• Letters from Our Readers: Godsend, by Dr. Frank F. Sakamoto, page 4. The National 1000 Club Chairman explains how the 1000 Club has been essential to funding JACL’s budget, covering about 85% of total costs last year. He details how reserve funds covered the Miscegenation Test Case and other legal expenses, urging support for the 2000 Thousanders campaign.
• By the Board, by Lily Okura, page 4. Lily Okura writes about her trip to Japan, meeting Foreign Minister Takeo Miki whom her family knew since he was a young student, and visiting relatives including an abstract artist and a former NHK board member. She also discusses National JACL nominations procedures and her consideration of a new position as Director of Volunteers at the University of Nebraska.
• Charisma, by Yosh Hotta, page 5. Columnist Yosh Hotta reflects on New York experiences and poverty issues, arguing that poor people understand their own conditions better than those who control anti-poverty funds. He suggests JACL’s stodgy image might benefit from more imagination rather than just efficiency.
• Sounding Board: Nisei Politician, by Jeffrey Matsui, page 5. Jeffrey Matsui discusses the historical absence of Nisei in political office during the evacuation era and argues that despite increased Nisei affluence and education today, very few Nisei have run for state office. He calls on JACL to encourage and assist Nisei candidates for political positions.
• Civil Rights Commentary: Providing Opportunity, by Don Hayashi, page 5. Don Hayashi urges JACL to evaluate its role in the civil rights movement and embark on new approaches including tutorial programs and the Urban League’s Operation Equality housing initiative. He suggests JACL members with teaching backgrounds could help develop new educational methods for disadvantaged children.

Military & Veterans

• News Capsules: Military, Education, and Community Updates, page 2. This roundup covers various Nisei achievements including Maj. Shigeo Okuma’s Bronze Star in Vietnam, Lt. William Sakahara’s dramatic rescue after being shot down, and Kanemitsu Ito’s work defending the Colt M-16 rifle. Additional items cover education, science, sports, and medicine news briefs about notable Japanese Americans.
• Rep. Patsy Mink Gives Views on Micronesia at Detroit JACL Inaugural, by James Shimoura, page 3. Rep. Patsy T. Mink addressed the Detroit JACL’s 22nd annual installation banquet about her tour of Micronesia and the United States’ unfulfilled WWII-era commitments there. MDC Governor Henry Tanaka installed new chapter board members led by Mary Kamidoi and the Jr. JACL cabinet led by Connie Abe.

Arts & Entertainment

• Little Tokyo, U.S.A., by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Columnist Bill Hosokawa reflects on the declining physical state of Little Tokyo in Los Angeles compared to its historic significance, noting the new Kajima building as one sign of progress amid talk of urban renewal. He also recounts meeting veteran Linotype operator John Yamamoto and visiting a Los Angeles County Museum exhibit on early Japanese American history.
• Aloha from Hawaii: Mail by Air, by Richard Gima, page 7. This Hawaii news roundup covers Senator Fong’s assurance about airmail service, the opening of Paradise Park in Manoa Valley, and various military casualties and appointments including MIS Club officers. It also reports on Mike Masaoka’s visit to discuss Okinawan community issues and extensive Hawaii political and social news.
• Sakura Script: Two Young Men with Problems, by Jim Henry, page 7. This column profiles Joji Hama, a Los Angeles-born singer in Japan facing a draft dilemma due to dual citizenship, and Jin Kusaba, a mixed-blood young man navigating identity issues in postwar Japan. Both stories explore themes of belonging and difficult choices facing young men with complex American-Japanese backgrounds.

Sports

• Official Team Rosters of JACL Bowling Meet Announced, page 6. Complete team rosters for the 1968 National JACL Nisei Bowling Tournament are listed, covering women’s and men’s teams from Hawaii, Seattle, San Jose, Denver, Portland, and other cities. Amy Hayashi of Los Angeles returns to defend her women’s all-events championship title with a 173 average.

In-Depth

• Book Shelf: Alien Land Law, page 8. A review of Dr. Roger Daniel’s book ‘The Politics of Prejudice’ covers the anti-Japanese movement in California through the 1924 Japanese Exclusion Act, focusing on how the alien land law was enacted. The book is now available in a new softcover college edition from Atheneum.

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