JACL committee work, a bank-account bill and Hawaii politics

Vol. 75, No. 10, September 8, 1972. 6 pages. View this issue

JACL’s own business filled much of this six-page issue. P.C. Staff reported on the Visual Communications Committee, on youth representation on national committees, and on applicants for the Washington Representative job. Thomas Shigekuni of the Gardena Valley JACL described a contentious national convention. Columns by Raymond Uno, William Marutani and Miyo Morikawa looked at the organization and the community. A Los Angeles Times editorial backed a bill to repay about 2,000 first-generation Japanese immigrants whose bank accounts were seized in 1942.

Also inside: Leigh Weimers on visitors to the Executive Order 9066 exhibit at the California Historical Society, and Allan Beekman on Hawaii’s primary and a book on the islands’ politics. Other stories covered the Nixon-Tanaka talks, a mineral named for K. J. Murata, and a study of how students see Japanese Americans.

What’s in this issue

Community

• Visual Communications Committee Reports Progress, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL’s national committees and the Visual Communications Committee are making progress on youth programs, visual education, and staff recruitment. A Butterick catalog trademark issue was also addressed.
• Senior Citizen Housing Center Project Surveyed in Community, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Center board is surveying Japanese American communities in Utah about a proposed cultural center with senior housing. Federal funding is available if enough interest is shown.
• New Mineral Named for Nisei Geologist, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The mineral Murataite was named in honor of K. J. Murata of the U.S. Geological Survey. The name was approved by the International Mineralogical Association commission.
• Intermountain Honors Chiz & Mas, by P.C. Staff, page 1. At an Intermountain District Council dinner in Salt Lake City, National JACL Director Mas Satow and his wife Chizuko were honored. Speakers recalled Satow’s seven years of service when National Headquarters was located there.
• Militant Hawaiians Eye Elections, by Allan Beekman, page 3. Hawaiian resentment over the appointment of Matsuo Takabuki to the Bishop Estate board may energize the Hawaii primary. The article outlines key races and the political dynamics involved.
• Republicans in Hawaii Uninspired by Nixon Swell, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Hawaii Republicans show apathy in the 1972 elections, holding only one top elective post. Democrats control both legislative chambers and are expected to retain power.
• Visual Communications Committee Fund Drive Topped, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Visual Communications Committee exceeded its goal in a matching fund drive with a donation from the West Los Angeles JACL Auxiliary. The committee plans an archival photo project for Pasadena schools.

JACL

• Several Applicants File for Job of Washington Representative, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL has acknowledged several applications for the Washington Representative position, with a September 18 deadline for further applicants. The role requires knowledge of federal politics and the Asian American community.
• For Whom the Bell Tolls, by Raymond Uno, page 2. Raymond Uno reflects on John Donne’s meditation on human interconnection and his own sense of freedom during internment. He calls on Japanese Americans to stay involved with community struggles.
• Gardena Valley JACL Reports on National Convention, by Thomas Shigekuni, page 3. A Gardena delegate describes a contentious Washington D.C. convention, including a dispute over the selection of Dave Ushio as National Director. Gardena voted to support the National Board and Personnel Committee.

National

• Japan Adoption Law Stiffened; Lawyer Gives Up, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. Thomas Abe de Figueredo, who placed hundreds of mixed-blood Japanese orphans with Nisei families, is ending his service. He cited changing Japanese social conditions and stricter adoption laws.
• Nixon-Tanaka Talks Start New Era of U.S.-Japan Friendship, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka met with President Nixon in Hawaii and reached understandings on China policy, trade balance, and Taiwan. Both leaders described the talks as opening a new era in relations.

Commentary

• Executive Order 9066 Display Evokes Comments, by Leigh Weimers, page 2. The San Jose Mercury article describes the California Historical Society exhibit on Japanese American internment and visitor reactions. Many visitors expressed sorrow and a wish that such injustice never recur.
• Pepper Pot: Interest Group Politics in the JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The column argues that the JACL’s division into radical and non-radical factions is a mistaken framework that limits decision-making. It calls for value-based judgments rather than interest-group bargaining.
• East Wind: Hoopla Oriental Style, by William Marutani, page 2. Marutani describes attending the Little League World Series game between Taiwan and Hammond, Indiana, with a large Chinese American crowd. He reflects on the enthusiasm of the fans and the game’s outcome.
• Chicago Hot Air, by Miyo Morikawa, page 4. Morikawa offers a critique of JACL leadership and calls for youth involvement and new directions. She also addresses urban renewal and peace activism.
• Book Review: Catch a Wave: Hawaii’s New Politics, by Allan Beekman, page 5. Beekman reviews Tom Hoffman’s account of Hawaii politics, focusing on the 1970 gubernatorial election and Governor Burns’s campaign. The review praises its research while noting its limits.

Incarceration & Redress

• A Long-Delayed Step Toward Justice, by Los Angeles Times, page 2. An editorial supports a bill to repay about 2,000 first-generation Japanese immigrants whose bank accounts were seized in 1942. It notes the delays in redress and urges interest payments as well.

Military & Veterans

• Dr. Hunter Recalled for Compassion in WRA Service, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The article profiles Dr. Hunter, who worked for the War Relocation Authority and helped reword a loyalty question. His compassion for Japanese Americans is highlighted.

Arts & Entertainment

• Japanese Prints Display at LACMA, by P.C. Staff, page 3. An exhibit of 20th century Japanese printmaking runs through October 22 at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Curator George Kuwayama explains the shift toward creative print styles.
• Cultural Identity Study Compares Japanese and Japanese American Behavior, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Research presented at the 20th International Congress of Psychology compared moral obligation and behavior among Japanese and Japanese Americans. Differences were found across generations and locations.
• Japanese American Image Viewed by Students, by Minako K. Maykovich, page 5. A study of white, black, and Japanese American students describes the racial image of Japanese Americans. Results show differing stereotypes and self-perceptions across generations.

In-Depth

• Jim’s Narrative on Issei: Pioneers in American History, by Jim Yamasaki, page 4. The article traces Issei contributions to American agriculture, fishing, engineering, and science. It also discusses naturalization laws and the injustice of wartime evacuation.

Thank you for exploring the Pacific Citizen archive. The title, introduction and contents on this page were written by an AI model from scans of the printed issue, so they may contain mistakes. If you spot one, we would be grateful if you let us know.