Vol. 73, No. 5, July 30, 1971. 6 pages. View this issue
The push to repeal Title II of the Internal Security Act ran through this six-page issue. The Senate Judiciary Committee favorably reported Sen. Hiram Fong’s bill, and David Ushio urged members to contact their congressmen during the August recess. National JACL President Raymond Uno described a tour of Los Angeles community programs, and Harry K. Honda reported on the National JACL Board’s long debate over the farm labor crisis and its statement on secret-ballot elections.
The opinion pages ran from Bill Hosokawa’s profiles of Minoru Yamasaki and Bob Fujioka to Robert Sone’s reply to S.I. Hayakawa and Yuji Ichioka’s look at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, 26 years on. Paul Sagami wrote on the future of JACL. Also inside: Larry Tajiri’s 1944 essay on leaving Little Tokyo, and reports on how the West Coast longshoremen’s strike hit Nisei importers in Los Angeles.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- U-No Bar: Grand Tour of Los Angeles Community Programs, by Raymond Uno, page 1. National JACL President Raymond Uno describes a tour of Los Angeles Japanese American community programs, including JACS, Asian American Studies Central, and a proposed Asian-Black store front. He reflects on the difficulties of organizing services in the densely populated Southern California JA community.
- Shapes and Designs, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Bill Hosokawa profiles Minoru Yamasaki, whose Dhahran airport terminal is praised in Aramco World for creating a new Arab architecture, and Bob Fujioka, whose Design West firm designs Samsonite luggage. Both Nisei are described as shaping American and global design.
- Thoughts of a Hitch-Hiker While Waiting, by Ronald Taniguchi, page 5. Ronald Taniguchi reflects on hitchhiking, the unwritten code of kindness among drivers, and the risks of picking up strangers. He concludes that kindness is worth the risk.
- Nisei Psychologist Questions Hayakawa’s View of Nisei Virtues, by Robert Sone, page 5. Dr. Robert Sone, a Hawaii state prison psychologist, responds to S.I. Hayakawa’s column praising Nisei acceptance. He argues that Japanese Americans’ wartime incarceration was a mistake and that Hayakawa misreads their passive endurance.
- Hiroshima-Nagasaki: 26 Years Ago, by Yuji Ichioka, page 6. Yuji Ichioka examines the decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, noting that military leaders like Admiral Leahy believed Japan was already near surrender. He links the American ‘overkill’ mentality to present-day conduct in Vietnam.
- On Racial Slur, by M.M.H., page 6. A letter writer argues that the word ‘Jap’ will become part of history and that Japan can earn respect over time through its conduct in world affairs. The writer compares Japan’s future standing to that of the Jewish people.
- Influence of Haji, by Toru Miyoshi, page 6. Toru Miyoshi reflects on the concept of haji (shame) in his youth and its influence on his identity. He criticizes the Elks’ white-only membership policy and the shallowness of the model-minority image.
- Paranoia, by P.C. Staff, page 6. A commentary responds to Dr. S.I. Hayakawa’s column on militancy and argues that the grievances of minorities are real rather than paranoid. The writer urges more attention to correcting social injustices.
- JACL’s Future: Willingness to Take Risks, by Paul Sagami, page 6. Paul Sagami argues that the JACL has a future but must broaden its willingness to address current issues rather than avoid controversy. He contends that the organization needs to engage Sansei concerns.
National
- West Coast Longshoremen’s Strike Whittles Nisei Importers, by Kashu Mainichi, page 1. A longshoremen’s strike has shut down 24 West Coast ports since July 1, affecting importers, distributors and truckers. Nisei-operated firms in Los Angeles report frozen fish, electronics and food shipments stranded and mounting financial pressure.
- Senate Judiciary Committee OKs Bill to Repeal Title II, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Senate Judiciary Committee favorably reported Sen. Hiram Fong’s bill to repeal the detention provisions of the Internal Security Act of 1950. Sen. Daniel Inouye praised the action and recounted the wartime incarceration of Japanese Americans.
- Farm Labor Stand Evolved at National JACL Board Session, by Harry K. Honda, page 1. The National JACL Board spent extended hours debating the farm labor crisis facing Central California growers and the UFWOC. After tabled motions and tied votes, the board adopted a statement stressing free secret-ballot elections and condemning violence.
- Time for Final Push on Title II Repeal, by David Ushio, page 2. The Title II repeal bills are moving toward final floor votes in both chambers, and JACL members are urged to contact their congressmen during the August recess. Specific steps include securing commitments for floor votes and encouraging media support.
Community
- Harry Nishisaka Appointed Asian American Education Director, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Harry E. Nishisaka, vice-principal of Arlington Heights Elementary School, was appointed by the Los Angeles Board of Education to direct the new 30-member Asian American Education Commission. The commission held its first conference July 17-18.
- Seattle Baptists Dedicate New Chapel, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The former social room of the Japanese Baptist Church in Seattle was converted into an Issei chapel and dedicated May 23. The chapel honors past pastors of the congregation.
- Oakland Asian American Festival Participation, by Ray Okamura, page 3. The Bay Area Community JACL participated in the Oakland Asian American Festival July 17-18 with characterizations of Asian American historic persons and contributions. A photo accompanies the report.
- Nisei Importers in L.A. Feel Dock Strike Pinch, by Kashu Mainichi, page 3. Los Angeles Nisei-operated importers such as Japan Food Corp. and Yamko Truck Lines report heavy losses from the longshoremen’s strike. Owners describe shipments held up and staff reductions.
In-Depth
- Farewell to Little Tokyo: Larry Tajiri’s 1944 Essay, by Yoshiko Tajiri, page 3. The Walking History feature reprints Larry Tajiri’s 1944 essay written for Common Ground about the wartime removal of Japanese Americans from Little Tokyo. The piece addresses racial attitudes and the hope for democratic recognition.
Military & Veterans
- Japanese Teen Champion Sets Women’s Bowling Record, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Ritsuko Nakayama of Japan rolled an 824 series, the highest women’s series in WIBC history, during a Kanto tournament. The report notes her 268-game as the first perfect-range score by a Japanese woman.
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