Repealing the Cooly Trade Laws, and a bowling tribute to Masao Satow

Vol. 74, No. 10, March 17, 1972. 6 pages. View this issue

The House voted to repeal the Cooly Trade Laws of 1862 and 1875, which allowed contract labor of Chinese and Japanese immigrants resembling slavery. Rep. Spark Matsunaga, who introduced the bill, hoped the Senate would agree that year. The front page also covered the JACL National bowling tournament in Long Beach, where over 600 bowlers and friends honored JACL Director Masao Satow for building the event over 26 years. Another story reported that more than 219,000 people had viewed the California exhibit on the incarceration under Executive Order 9066 in February.

Columns on page 2 came from Miyo Morikawa, Bill Marutani, Bill Doi and Mort Kurotori. Morikawa wrote about shikataganai, Marutani about Nisei performing loyalty for others, and Doi about the JACL-produced film Manzanar. Elsewhere in the six pages are chapter news from Washington D.C., East Bay, San Diego and Orange County, plus sports from USC and skier Hank Kashiwa.

What’s in this issue

Community

• 600 Jam Bowlers Pay Tribute to Satow, by Hank Obayashi, page 1. Over 600 bowlers and friends gathered at the JACL National bowling tournament dinner-dance in Long Beach to honor JACL Director Masao Satow. The tribute recognized his leadership and personal sacrifice in building the tournament over 26 years.
• Shonien Home Staff Receives Support from AID-United Givers, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Japanese American Community Services received an $855.44 check from AID-United Givers to support its community programs. The program, operating since January 1970, has involved over 300 volunteers in community service.
• Drug Offensive Calls for Overproduction Curbs, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Asian community groups urged federal action to curb overproduction of barbiturate drugs following recent overdoses in the community. The Parents’ Group and Asian Sisters described root causes including communication gaps between Nisei and Sansei.
• Washington D.C. Sightseeing Visit with Friend, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A writer recounts showing a visiting friend the monuments and landmarks of Washington, D.C., including the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian. The column encourages JACL members to attend the summer national convention in Washington.
• Pride and Shame Exhibit Shown at Moses Lake, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Columbia Basin JACL sponsored the Pride and Shame exhibit on Japanese Americans at Big Bend Community College, with panel discussions led by Dr. Joe Okimoto. The exhibit will tour the state through the year.
• D.C. JACLers Schedule Capitol Hill Tour, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Washington D.C. JACL announced a Capitol Hill tour including the Senate and House chambers and a lunch in the Senate cafeteria. Program chairman Larry Nakatsuka arranged it through Senator Hiram Fong’s office.
• East Bay Japanese Newcomers Program Addresses Adjustment Issues, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The East Bay JACL chapter’s newcomers program offers resources and discussion on adjusting to American life for Japanese newcomers. Sessions are translated into Japanese and child care is provided.
• D.C. Installation of New Board Attended by 231, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Claire Minami and the Washington D.C. JACL board were sworn into office before 231 members and friends. Minami pledged to focus on youth and encourage Jr. JACL participation.
• East LA Chapter Hears Dr. Himeno on Family Communication, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Dr. Himeno addressed a JACL audience on similarities and differences in three-generation family relationships. He stressed the importance of early parent-child communication and the sacrifices of Issei parents.
• San Diego JACL to Offer 16 Scholarship Awards, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The San Diego JACL allocated $1,900 for its 1972 high school graduate scholarship program with awards ranging from $100 to $250. Applications are due April 10 and are based on need, academics and extracurricular activities.
• Orange County JACL Expects to Double Membership, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Orange County JACL expects to reach 1,000 members this year, helping PSWDC membership chairman Tom Shigekuni meet a goal of 3,000 new members. The chapter is recruiting through its membership drive.
• Hawaii Community News Roundup, by P.C. Staff, page 5. News from Hawaii includes the discontinuation of Hawaiian Airlines service to Hana, a fire investigation in Honolulu, and the appointment of Tyrone Kusao as deputy manager of the Honolulu Redevelopment Agency. Senator Hiram Fong also urged bankers to explore Asian investment.
• Disneyland Opens Bear Country Theme Land, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Disneyland’s new $8 million Bear Country theme land opens March 25 during its Spring Fling celebration. The announcement covers the expanded attraction.
• Dr. Jokichi Takamine Urges Doctors to Get Involved in Alcoholism Treatment, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Dr. Jokichi Takamine, president of the Los Angeles County Medical Society, urged physicians to address alcoholism with sympathy and involvement rather than inaccurate advice. He noted nine million known alcoholics nationwide and rising numbers of women.

National

• House Repeals Archaic Cooly Trade Laws, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The House voted to repeal the so-called Cooly Trade Laws of 1862 and 1875, which allowed contract labor of Chinese and Japanese immigrants resembling slavery. Rep. Spark Matsunaga, who introduced the bill, hopes the Senate will concur this year.
• Mexican American Education Commission Finds 13 Textbooks in Compliance, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A state revision committee found 13 textbooks in compliance with a state law requiring accurate portrayal of minorities in American history. Opponents contended the books still fail to comply and remain inadequate.
• Japan NHK-TV Cancels Nisei Author Shizuye Takashima’s Interview, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Japan’s NHK-TV canceled an interview with Canadian Nisei author Shizuye Takashima about her book A Child in Prison Camp, reportedly out of concern it would offend the Canadian government. Her publisher Tundra Books protested and asked Canada’s External Affairs for a statement.

Incarceration & Redress

• Exhibit on Evacuation of Japanese Americans Viewed by Over 219,000 People, by P.C. Staff, page 1. More than 219,000 people viewed the California exhibit on the Evacuation under Executive Order 9066 in February. The exhibit was shown at several museums and institutions.
• Tragedy Stalks Lonely Issei Placed in Old Folks Home, by Joe Hamanaka, page 2. An Issei mother in Seattle died apparently by suicide after her Nisei children placed her in an old folks home against her wishes. The column reflects on the loneliness of parents-alone and generational breakdown in Japanese American families.

Commentary

• Hot Air, Shikataganai, by Miyo Morikawa, page 2. The writer defends the Japanese concept of shikataganai as a positive acceptance of life rather than negative resignation. She argues that Nisei and Sansei should understand their Japanese heritage to combine it with American identity.
• Lookit, See How Good I Am, by Bill Marutani, page 2. The columnist criticizes Nisei preoccupation with external public relations, such as reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at gatherings to convince white Americans of their loyalty. He calls for internal self-reassessment and equality grounded in the Constitution.
• Visual Communication, by Bill Doi, page 2. A reader praises the JACL-produced film Manzanar by Nakamura as an excellent work deserving adequate funding. He describes its symbolism and its message that the camp must be remembered.
• Bowlers from Japan, by Shig Sakamoto, page 2. A letter corrects the record that Japanese bowlers first attended a National JACL tournament in 1970 at Denver, not 1971. It notes sponsor Yoshiharu Mizuno and his Toyota Bowl teams.
• Two ‘Must’ Bills, by Mort Kurotori, page 2. The writer urges readers to contact Congress supporting two pending bills: one granting retirement credit for WWII internment years to federal employees, and one granting Social Security credit for internment years.
• Change Within: Life, Humanity and Understanding, by Miyo Morikawa, page 2. The writer reflects on Japanese concepts of self and interdependency, arguing that understanding one’s humanity enables nonviolent change. She critiques the JACL convention pin culture and calls for more meaningful ethnic education.
• Nisei Men and the Pledge: Internal First, by Bill Marutani, page 3. The columnist argues equality must come from within rather than seeking acceptance by mimicking white middle-class norms. He urges Nisei to stop performing loyalty to others.

Sports

• USC Relay Team Denied World Record Credit Under IAAF Rule, by P.C. Staff, page 5. USC’s 880-yard relay team set a 1:21.1 world record at the Coliseum Meet of Champions but cannot receive credit under an IAAF rule requiring same-country team members. Assistant coach Ken Matsuda expressed disappointment with the ruling.
• Hank Kashiwa Upsets in First Pro Slalom Event, by P.C. Staff, page 6. 1972 US Olympic skier Hank Kashiwa won his first International Ski Racers Association slalom event at Snowbird, Utah, earning a $2,500 prize. He defeated Spider Sabich and Billy Kidd on his way to the finals win.

In-Depth

• Buddhism in Hawaii: Its Impact on a Yankee Community, by Allan Beekman, page 5. A book review of Louise Hunter’s history of Buddhism in Hawaii, tracing the arrival of Buddhist priests and the Japanese immigrant experience. The review highlights tensions between Buddhist leaders and Protestant missionaries and planters.

Military & Veterans

• Mexican American Education Commission Members Named to State Advisory Committee, by P.C. Staff, page 6. State Attorney General Evelle Younger appointed at least 28 Japanese Americans to his advisory committee to support crime prevention and consumer protection programs. The list includes members from Los Angeles, Gardena, Pasadena and other communities.

Obituaries

• Rev. Sensho Sasaki, 68, Buddhist Minister at Mountain View, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Rev. Sensho Sasaki, a Buddhist Churches of America minister for 46 years, died March 7 after suffering apoplexy. He had served congregations in Los Angeles, Stockton, Tacoma, Sacramento and Mountain View.

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