George Ariyoshi’s nomination for governor of Hawaii, and a JACL citizenship debate

Vol. 79, No. 17, October 25, 1974. 6 pages. View this issue

George Ryoichi Ariyoshi, son of Japanese immigrants, won the Democratic nomination for governor of Hawaii, and the front page followed his path from his parents’ shop in Honolulu’s Chinatown to the legislature. Gene Hunter wrote the story. Page two turned to a debate inside JACL: Leslie Hiraoka, Ronald Inouye, Alvin Hayashi and David Ushio each wrote about the convention’s rejected proposal to drop citizenship requirements for membership and whether JACL should speak out on human rights.

Elsewhere, Bill Hosokawa described a farm visit with Japanese guests, and Harry K. Honda wrote about mixed-blood children of American fathers and Japanese mothers. The issue also included a review of a book on the Russo-Japanese War, San Jose Mayor Norman Mineta’s energy testimony, Spokane JACL’s hot lunches for elderly Issei, and word that JACL dropped its sponsorship of a national bowling tournament.

What’s in this issue

National

• Hawaii’s George Ariyoshi Nominated for Governor, First Oriental Governor-Candidate of a Major Party, by Gene Hunter, page 1. George Ryoichi Ariyoshi, son of Japanese immigrants, won the Democratic nomination for governor of Hawaii, becoming the first Asian American nominated for governor by a major party in the United States. His background, education, and political career in the Hawaii legislature are traced, including his famous 1963 vote against the Maryland Land Bill.
• OEO Grant of $6,125 Given to Three Utah Chapters, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Three Utah JACL chapters received a federal Office of Economic Opportunity grant as part of a cooperative minority group effort. The funds will support a combined newsletter and other community services.
• Asian Americans Mentioned in Methodist Grants, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race announced grants including four Asian American projects. Among them were a Japanese Life Line ministry in Los Angeles.

Military & Veterans

• Library of Congress Honors Nikkei Staff With Federal Service Pins, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Three Nikkei staff members at the Library of Congress were recognized for long federal service, including Katsuyo Takeshita and Andrew Kuroda. Their careers and contributions to the library’s Oriental and Japanese collections are summarized.
• Excitement of PCYA, by Steve Shimoura, page 4. Detroit JACL member Steve Shimoura reports on his week in Washington, D.C. as a Presidential Classroom for Young Americans participant. He describes meetings with Senators and Representative Matsunaga and the inspiration he took from the experience.

JACL

• JACL Announces Travel Program and 1975 Charter Flights to Japan, by Steven Doi, page 1. The National JACL Travel Committee announced its 1975 charter flight schedule to Japan and a revamped low-cost travel program. Chapters and members will be notified of prices and program details.

Commentary

• Nikkei: A Term That Japanese Do Not Understand, by Morse Saito, page 2. The author explores the terms Issei, Nisei, and Kibei and how Japanese in Japan understand Japanese Americans. Reflections on identity and how Nikkei are perceived in Japan are offered.
• G.I. Babies 25 Years Later, by Harry K. Honda, page 2. The column describes the plight of an estimated 3,000 mixed-blood children of American fathers and Japanese mothers who risk becoming stateless. It also discusses prejudice against konketsuji in Japan.
• Why Citizenship Must Go, by Leslie Hiraoka, page 2. The author argues against the JACL convention’s rejected proposal to eliminate citizenship requirements for membership. The piece contends that civil rights advocacy requires citizenship-based standing.
• Human Rights, by Alvin Hayashi, page 2. A Chicago JACL member urges the organization to speak out on human rights violations, citing the South Boston busing incident and a high school team name. He argues JACL must make its positions known on matters of humanity.
• Inherent Dangers, by Ronald Inouye, page 2. The author discusses the New York Chapter’s position on the failed resolution to eliminate citizenship requirements from JACL membership. He supports the idea of extending membership to permanent resident aliens while retaining restrictions on national office.
• Since Silence Shows Consent, by David Ushio, page 2. The article argues that JACL has an obligation to speak on civil and human rights issues, since silence amounts to acquiescence. It frames JACL as a civil and human rights organization with a duty of leadership.
• Of, By and For JAYs, by Gail Nishioka, page 2. The JAYs national youth leader addresses the future of chapters, urging commitment and mutual support among chapters that consider folding. The column encourages sharing problems across districts.
• Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa describes a visit with farmer Frank Yamaguchi and Japanese visitors Professor Kaname Saruya and wife, covering farm life, American customs, and cultural misunderstandings. Anecdotes about sweetcorn, watchdogs, and naming customs are included.
• Getting Acquainted With Rural America, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa recounts a visit to a Colorado farm and its cultural exchanges with visiting Japanese scholars.

Community

• NEA Data Bank Lacks Asian Educator Input, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The NEA is building a minority educator data bank, but only 3 percent of entries are Asian American educators. Nelson Okino, the new NEA professional associate, is soliciting responses from Asian educators.
• Mineta Offers Specific Ideas on Energy Conservation, by P.C. Staff, page 3. San Jose Mayor Norman Mineta testified on Project Independence, proposing tax credits for energy conservation and higher priority for mass transit. He also advocated developing solar and other alternative energy sources.
• KRON-TV Looks at JAYs Movement, by P.C. Staff, page 4. A KRON-TV public affairs program discussed the Japanese American Youth movement. The segment examined the youth organization’s role in the community.
• Spokane JACL Daily Hot Lunch Program Comforts Issei Elderly, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Spokane JACL secured a Title VII federal grant to provide hot lunches for elderly Issei at the Hifumi-En retirement home. The program serves about 25 meals daily along with recreational activities.
• Mas Yamasaki: 30 Years Delivering Milk, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Dayton JACLer Mas Yamasaki was promoted to Borden Dairy’s wholesale sales manager after 30 years with the company. His long record of community and JACL leadership is also highlighted.
• Cincinnati JACL Set for International Folk Festival, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Cincinnati JACL prepared booths with food, merchandise, culture demonstrations, and dance performances for the International Folk Festival. Organizers include Bob Sherry and Fred Morioka.
• New Group Forming to Continue Bowling Tournament, JACL Dropped, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Japanese American National Bowling Association was formed to sponsor an annual tournament after JACL withdrew sponsorship. The first tournament is set for March 1975 in San Jose.

In-Depth

• Tide at Sunrise: Russo-Japanese War Book Review, by Allan Beekman, page 4. A review of Denis Warner’s history of the 1904-1905 Russo-Japanese War, covering its causes, battles, and results. The reviewer discusses Japan’s victories and their lasting effects on Asia.

Sports

• Nippon Griddlike Miserable Showing Against Whittier, by George Yoshinaga, page 6. Columnist George Yoshinaga criticizes the Japanese football team’s poor performance in a lopsided loss to Whittier. He argues that Japanese players lack speed and that a high school team could beat them.

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