JACL leadership changes, trouble at L.A. High and a Manzanar pilgrimage

Vol. 74, No. 6, February 18, 1972. 6 pages. View this issue

Changes at the top of the JACL and a push to make chapters work for their communities filled the front of this six-page issue. Mike Masaoka announced he would end his service as Washington representative effective July 1, 1972, with David Ushio taking over. Cherry Tsutsumida wrote that retiring National Director Mas Satow would be honored at the 1972 convention in Washington, D.C. Jerry Enomoto’s column took up violence at Los Angeles High School, where JACL joined a call for long-range solutions.

Inside are a notice of the March 25 pilgrimage to Manzanar, tied to its approval as a state historical landmark, and the exhibit Months of Waiting at the California Historical Society. A book notice describes a photographic study of the incarceration of 110,000 Japanese Americans, Executive Order 9066. Page 3 reports on Canadian Cabinet papers about Japanese Canadians. Warren Furutani, Kiyoshi Iwamoto and Allan Beekman also contribute columns and reviews.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Chapter Organization: Making Your JACL Chapter Work for the Community, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The article offers guidance on organizing JACL chapter committees, membership recruitment through geographic district mapping, and fundraising through an annual community appeal. It also urges chapters to engage in community educational, economic, and social concerns.
• Trouble Brews at Room 222, by Jerry Enomoto, page 2. The author describes violence, extortion, and assaults by students and non-students at Los Angeles High School and criticizes the principal and school district for relying on inadequate security and proper channels. He argues that swift, direct action and punishment are needed to protect students and faculty.
• Roots: An Asian American Reader, by Warren Furutani, page 2. The columnist reviews the UCLA Asian American Studies Center anthology Roots, praising it as a valuable beginning for communicating Asian American thought. He also responds to a critical review of Bill Hosokawa’s book Nisei, defending the value of understanding Nisei history.
• Year-End Report, by Warren Furutani, page 2. The author reflects on the first year of the CIP program, arguing that staff have shifted focus from outreach to non-JACL members toward JACL politics and public relations. He urges the Convention leadership to resolve the funding question and decide whether to establish real programs or discontinue CIP.
• Asia After Vietnam, by Kiyoshi Iwamoto, page 3. The author argues that after Vietnam the United States should pursue economic development in Asia, with Japan as a partner, rather than military or ideological confrontation. He contends that raising living standards is the best path to free and stable Asian societies.
• Executive Order 9066 Book Announcement, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A book notice describes a photographic study of the internment of 110,000 Japanese Americans during World War II, featuring photographs by Dorothea Lange and others, an introduction by Edison Uno, and an epilogue by Justice Tom Clark. The volume is offered in deluxe and soft-cover editions.
• Sounding Board: Purpose in Life, by Jeffry Matsui, page 4. The columnist reflects on the value of personal human qualities and the efforts of individuals and groups within the Asian community to expand opportunities and satisfaction. He concludes that people must work together to achieve greater overall fulfillment.
• Nakagama Joins Business Ticker, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Business Week profiles economist Nakagama, a Japanese American who moved from Argus Research to become the first economist for Kidder Peabody, influencing Wall Street with his commentary. The article describes his rapid rise and influence in financial circles.
• Japan Recognizes New Nation of Bangladesh, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Japan recognized the State of Bangladesh and announced it would establish an embassy in Dacca. Foreign Minister Takeo Fukuda said the decision reflected overwhelming support from the Bengali people.
• Book Notice: Almanac of American Politics, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Grant Ujifusa, a Sansei from Worland, Wyoming, co-authored The Almanac of American Politics, a reference work detailing political history and voting patterns for every state and congressional district. Ujifusa is completing a doctorate in American Civilization at Brown University.

National

• Seattle Fire Fighter Magazine Column Draws Racism Charges, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Seattle firefighters union magazine column by John Flood mocked Asian and Chicano applicants after a proposed height reduction, prompting complaints from the Seattle Human Rights Department and the Asian Coalition for Equality. The union president said the magazine did not represent administration views and that disciplinary action would be taken against Flood.
• L.A. High Tensions Still Unabated; JACL Joins Appeal, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Over 350 people attended a Citizens Advisory Committee meeting at Los Angeles High School to address violence and unrest, with students, parents, and faculty presenting proposals for improved security and due process. JACL representatives joined the broader call for positive, long-range solutions.
• Kelji Kawakami Represents Hawaii at White House Business Conference, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Hawaiian manufacturer Kelji Kawakami attended the White House conference on the Industrial World Ahead, addressing business social responsibility, technology, and the structure of the private enterprise system. The conference focused on business outlook for 1990.

Community

• ICYC Gets $53,744 for School Project, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Japanese Community Youth Council and the Western Addition Project Action Committee received a $53,744 HEW grant to support San Francisco school integration programs. The grant was one of eight made locally to community groups.
• Seattle Human Rights Has Book on Asians, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Seattle Human Rights Department published a 24-page brochure, Asian Experience in America, covering the Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino communities. It briefly describes the historical background and experiences of each group in white America.
• NC-WNDC First Quarterly Session Report, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Northern California-Western Nevada District Council held its first quarterly session, passing a $4,300 district budget and new expenditures for junior JACL convention travel and clerical support. The council also discussed the nomination process for national offices and the controversial relocation of JACL National Headquarters from San Francisco.
• Monterey Re-elects Kageyama; Mayor Mineta Addresses Installation Dinner, by P.C. Staff, page 4. San Jose Mayor Norman Mineta spoke at the Monterey Chapter JACL installation dinner, urging Japanese Americans to become involved in community affairs. Isaac Kelly Kageyama was installed for a second term as president of the chapter.
• Japanese Farms Along Arkansas River in Southeast Colorado Fading Away, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Japanese American families in the Arkansas Valley are gradually giving up small farms as younger generations enter professions or move to cities. The article notes the community’s shifting demographics and the decline of traditional farming in the area.
• Sen. Cranston Meets with Gardena Residents, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Gardena Valley JACL hosted an informal gathering for Sen. Alan Cranston at Kyoto Sukiyaki so community members could describe Japanese American problems. The event was planned for February 17.
• San Benito County Installs Kamimoto, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Kay Kamimoto was installed as 1972 president of the San Benito County JACL at its annual dinner, succeeding Charles Tony Boch. Guest speaker Judge Charles Franich spoke on humorous legal incidents and praised the Nisei citizenship record.

JACL

• Director Mas Satow to Be Honored at 1972 JACL Convention, by Cherry Tsutsumida, page 1. Retiring JACL National Director Mas Satow will receive a testimonial luncheon at the 1972 National JACL Convention in Washington, D.C. Satow is remembered for building an organization reflecting the collective Nisei view and for his long service to JACL.
• Mike Masaoka Hands in Notice to Terminate, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Mike Masaoka announced he will end his professional relationship as Washington representative for the JACL effective July 1, 1972, with David Ushio taking over. Masaoka said he wished to pursue opportunities including work bridging the United States and Japan.

Incarceration & Redress

• Canadian Cabinet Papers Show No Serious Risk Posed by Japanese Canadians, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Newly released Canadian Cabinet minutes from 1940 to 1941 show the Government did not believe British Columbia’s Japanese population posed a serious subversion risk, while officials feared anti-Japanese violence. The minutes also trace the registration and eventual wartime removal of Japanese Canadians from the coast.
• Spring Pilgrimage to Manzanar on Mar. 25 Prelude to Dedication, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Manzanar was approved for a state historical landmark plaque, and the Manzanar Committee is organizing a March 25 pilgrimage to clean the old entrance and guardhouse area and tour the camp. The walking tour is intended to provide an educational, personal look at the wartime camp experience.
• Evacuee Art on Display at CHS, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The California Historical Society in San Francisco is exhibiting Months of Waiting, a collection of artwork produced by Japanese American evacuees during their confinement. The exhibit includes murals, watercolors, paintings, and sketches by several artists through March 18.

Arts & Entertainment

• Book Review: The Temple of the Golden Pavilion by Yukio Mishima, by Allan Beekman, page 4. The reviewer examines Yukio Mishima’s novel based on the 1950 arson of Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion by a disturbed acolyte. He finds the prose and imagery striking but criticizes the wooden characters and anticlimactic plot.
• Denise Amemiya Hired as First Woman Attendant at Sacramento Zoo, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Denise Amemiya became the first woman attendant hired at the Sacramento Zoo’s reptile building, selected from 900 applicants. A UC Davis biological sciences graduate, she works with snakes, turtles, lizards, and alligators.
• Kazuyoshi Akiyama’s S.F. Symphony Debut Praised, by Robert Commanday, page 6. Tokyo Symphony conductor Kazuyoshi Akiyama made a well-received debut with the San Francisco Symphony as a substitute for Paul Kletzki. The critic praised his musicianship and style, noting his upcoming post as music director of the Vancouver Symphony.

Military & Veterans

• Summer Exchange Student Addresses Selma JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 4. David Masumoto, an American Field Service exchange student, spoke to the Selma JACL about his experiences attending school in Brazil. He is a senior at Sanger High School and student body vice president.

Sports

• Mid-Columbia Nisei Handicap Bowling Tournament, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The 8th Annual Mid-Columbia Nisei Handicap Bowling Tournament took place in Hood River, Oregon, with results listed for men’s, women’s, and mixed divisions. Winners and scores were reported for each category.
• Japanese Sweep Medals in 70-Meter Ski Jump at Sapporo, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Japanese ski jumpers swept the medals in the 70-meter event at the Sapporo Winter Olympics, with Yukio Kasaya taking gold, Akitsugu Konno silver, and Seiji Aochi bronze. The article also notes Henry Kashiwa’s performance in alpine skiing.

Obituaries

• Ray Kinney, Veteran Hawaiian Entertainer, Dies, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Veteran Hawaiian entertainer Ray Kinney died at 71 in Hawaii after 65 years of performing warm, personal Hawaiian music. He was the first singing voice on the radio program Hawaii Calls in the 1930s and toured the mainland numerous times since 1924.

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