Vol. 70, No. 21, May 29, 1970. 8 pages. View this issue
A photographic record of the 1942 Evacuation and life in the wartime relocation centers, compiled by photographer Richard Conrat, was headed for the Oakland Museum, after the museum commission first turned the exhibit down and then reversed itself. The same front page named four 1970 JACL-Japan Air Lines fellows, listed candidates for national JACL offices and followed House hearings on repealing Title II of the Internal Security Act of 1950. Memorial Day services for Nisei war dead were announced, including Rev. Sentoku Mayeda’s 25th annual trip to Manzanar.
Page 6 carried the argument over S.I. Hayakawa as Nisei of the Biennium, with letters from Paul Takagi, Steven J. Doi and Jerry Enomoto, plus a debate over a Cambodia resolution voted down at a district council meeting. Page 3 previewed the Chicago national convention, and Bill Hosokawa and Jim Henry wrote about Expo ’70 in Osaka. Allan Beekman reviewed a book of Japanese poetic diaries.
What’s in this issue
National
- Museum to Premiere Photographic Record of Japanese Evacuation, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Oakland Museum will exhibit a photographic record of the 1942 Evacuation and wartime relocation centers, compiled by photographer Richard Conrat. The museum commission initially rejected the exhibit before reversing its decision after strong support from Oakland JACL and museum staff.
JACL
- 4 Men Named Recipients of 1970 JACL-Japan Air Lines Fellowships, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Howard Henjyoji, Wayne Maeda, Hubert Dafoe, and Minoru Yasui were selected as the four 1970 JACL-Japan Air Lines summer fellows, the first all-male group since the program began. They will study at Sophia University in Tokyo for six weeks starting July 5.
Community
- Over 500 Attend Youth-Sponsored Teach-In on War, by P.C. Staff, page 1. More than 500 people attended a community meeting in San Francisco organized by Bay Area college students and JACL field directors to voice concern over the Cambodia incursion. Speakers included two Vietnam veterans, and no resolutions were passed at the informational session.
- Rose Hills Site of Two May 30 Rites, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Japanese American community members will gather at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier for two Memorial Day programs in the Japanese Garden area. The East Los Angeles Nisei Memorial VFW Post and the Los Angeles Buddhist Federation will conduct the services.
- Canada Offers Up to $1,500 to Immigrants, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Canada announced that starting April 1, immigrants from any part of the world, not only Europe, may qualify for passage assistance of up to $1,500. The immigration minister stated the maximum assistance per immigrant is $300.
- Pulse on the Chapters: ‘Sansei Speaks’ Night at Wilshire, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Wilshire JACL hosted a Sansei Speaks panel discussing youth concerns following a recent UCLA demonstration that turned confrontational. Panelists including Fred Watanabe, Ray Tasaki, and Linda Iwataki addressed the war, community services, and identity issues.
Military & Veterans
- Nisei Memorial Day Service Scheduled, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Chief Warrant Officer Melvin C. Amerman will speak at the annual Nisei Memorial Day Service at Golden Gate National Cemetery on May 30. The program is co-sponsored by the Golden Gate Nisei VFW Post, MIS Veterans, San Francisco JACL, and NC-WNDC JACL.
- JACL Remembers Nisei War Dead at Arlington, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Members of the Washington D.C. JACL chapter will hold services at Arlington National Cemetery on May 31 to honor Nisei war dead from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. The JACL is the only non-veteran organization participating in these services, having done so for 23 years.
Incarceration & Redress
- Title II Hearings Expected to Conclude by Next Week, by P.C. Staff, page 1. House Internal Security Committee hearings on repealing Title II of the Internal Security Act of 1950 are nearing their end, with witnesses including Yale Professor Joseph Bishop and ACLU Washington Director Lawrence Speiser. Speiser argued the Act is unconstitutional and noted its dangerous potential for mass detention of citizens.
- Rev. Mayeda Making 25th Annual Trek for Memorial Day Rites at Manzanar, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Rev. Sentoku Mayeda of Gardena Buddhist Church will lead his 25th annual pilgrimage to the former Manzanar war relocation site for Memorial Day services. Both Buddhist and Christian ceremonies will honor the roughly 250 persons who died at Manzanar.
Arts & Entertainment
- Light Opera Prefers White ‘Sakini’, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Ethnic Minorities Committee of Actors’ Equity voted to boycott auditions for the musical Lovely Ladies, Kind Gentlemen after producers cast a white actor in the Asian role of Sakini. The committee cited the offensiveness of white actors playing Orientals, comparing it to past minstrel show practices.
- Japanese Poetic Diaries Reviewed, by Allan Beekman, page 4. Beekman reviews Earl Miner’s translation collection of four Japanese poetic diaries, including works by Ki no Tsurayuki and Matsuo Basho. He describes the genre’s blend of verse and prose and its importance as a form of Japanese literature.
In-Depth
- Revved-up Format Slated for 21st Biennial Confab, by Jean Sakamoto, page 3. Sakamoto previews the 21st National JACL Convention in Chicago, describing streamlined events and innovations planned for the 1970 gathering. The convention will feature a Mike Masaoka testimonial, Oratorical and Essay contests, and a theme of Understanding.
- Touring Expo ’70, by Jim Henry, page 5. Henry offers practical tips for visiting Expo ’70 in Osaka, including estimated costs ranging from $10 to $50 per day and recommended must-see pavilions. He also advises visitors to plan for at least two days and to reserve accommodations in advance.
Commentary
- Shades of Homecoming, by Kumeo Yoshinari, page 3. Yoshinari recalls memorable moments from the 1950 National JACL Convention held in Chicago, including the opening mixer, the air derby, and the queen coronation. He invites former attendees to return for the 1970 convention, which he links to the theme of understanding.
- Another Terrific Milestone Due, by Jerry Enomoto, page 3. National President Enomoto previews the 1970 Chicago convention, emphasizing the significance of decisions to be made and calling for active delegate participation. He defends the social events as a legitimate part of JACL tradition and highlights the Masaoka tribute.
- From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa reflects on rural Japan’s changing outlook through a visit with his cousin near Hiroshima and observations about Expo ’70. He suggests Expo may have a lasting influence on the thinking of country people exposed to the wider world.
- Have We Forgotten JACL’s Goals?, by Ray Okamura, page 6. Okamura criticizes the Northern California-Western Nevada District Council for voting down a telegram protesting the Cambodia invasion on procedural grounds. He argues JACL has drifted from its original political purpose and urges new leaders to restore its role as an effective political force.
- Nisei of the Biennium Controversy, by Paul Takagi, page 6. Takagi writes an open letter criticizing the potential selection of S.I. Hayakawa as Nisei of the Biennium, arguing his public statements have harmed the image of Japanese Americans. He urges the committee and Nisei educators to consider the concerns of Third World communities.
- Salvo No. 2, by Steven J. Doi, page 6. Doi writes an open letter to JACL National President Jerry Enomoto criticizing his communication to the Nisei of the Biennium committee regarding Hayakawa’s candidacy. He argues the national president should maintain strict neutrality and that the public airing of the matter was inappropriate.
- Jerry’s Retort, by Jerry Enomoto, page 6. Enomoto responds to Steven Doi’s criticism, defending his right to express a personal opinion to the committee chairman and objecting to the public airing of the dispute. He characterizes Doi’s tactics as unproductive and suggests the matter be left to fellow JACLers.
- Cambodia Resolution, by Mary Anna Takagi, page 6. Takagi corrects a Pacific Citizen report on the Cambodia resolution defeated at the NCWNDC meeting, clarifying that delegates voted on the merits rather than on procedural grounds. She explains the motion was conceived the morning of the meeting, leaving no time to poll chapters.
- Acceptance, by P.C. Staff, page 8. A guest column reflects on what it means for Americans of Japanese ancestry to be accepted in America, distinguishing acceptance from mere toleration. The author argues that Japanese Americans must not become complacent in believing they have fully achieved acceptance.
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