Evacuation essay on KRON-TV, Ford in Japan and the headquarters fund

Vol. 79, No. 22, November 29, 1974. 4 pages. View this issue

KRON-TV aired its essay “A Reason to Remember” on the Evacuation despite objections from community preview groups who found it inadequate. The station followed the broadcast with an editorial and a panel discussion, and invited viewers to respond. Elsewhere on the front page, President Gerald Ford’s visit to Japan was reported as well received, and the Eastern District Council discussed how to spend a $5,000 allocation from National JACL. A front-page note also reported that the National Headquarters Building fund campaign, led by Ted Hirota and Steve Doi, would likely run into early next year.

Inside this four-page issue, Bill Hosokawa wrote about how the magazine Bungei Shunju exposed Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka’s finances. Masamune Kojima’s column looked at the National Board’s hiring process. Roy Yoshida reported on David Ushio’s talk to Sansei at the Placer County JACL dinner. Page 4 covers a dispute over Little Tokyo redevelopment and Rep. Spark Matsunaga’s criticism of the Little League rule change.

What’s in this issue

Community

  • EDC Discusses What to Do With $5,000 Allocated by National, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Eastern District Council discussed how to spend a $5,000 allocation from National JACL, with 80% directed toward funding a regional office and the rest toward public relations. Delegates also weighed chapter suggestions and scheduling for upcoming district meetings and conventions.
  • Los Angeles Redevelopment Facts Dispute, by JACS/AI Staff, page 4. JACS/AI staff respond to criticism by defending their participation in Little Tokyo redevelopment and the Anti-Eviction Task Force. They clarify the use of community funds and assert their commitment to Japanese American interests.
  • Little League Ban on Overseas Teams Called ‘Misguided’, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Rep. Spark Matsunaga criticized Little League rule changes that classify territorial players as foreigners, though Hawaii’s players remain eligible. He urged Congress to reverse or modify the policy.

Incarceration & Redress

  • KRON-TV Essay on Evacuation Shown Anyway, by P.C. Staff, page 1. KRON-TV aired its controversial essay ‘A Reason to Remember’ on the Evacuation despite objections from community preview groups who found it inadequate. The station followed the broadcast with an editorial and panel discussion inviting viewer responses.

National

  • Ford in Japan: ‘New Era’ Unfolding, by P.C. Staff, page 1. President Gerald Ford’s visit to Japan was well received, with his speeches reassuring Japan of continued U.S. partnership despite domestic difficulties. The trip also featured an unprecedented live broadcast from the Imperial Palace, though the nuclear issue went unaddressed.

Commentary

  • Tokyo’s ‘Watergate’, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Hosokawa describes how the Japanese magazine Bungei Shunju exposed Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka’s finances through a team of reporters sifting through extensive records. He reflects on the political implications of the revelations for Japan.

JACL

  • By the Board: Encroachment, by Masamune Kojima, page 2. Kojima, PSWDC governor, critiques the National Board’s handling of the hiring of Ray Bendiner and the placement of Don Hayashi, arguing the process bypassed proper personnel procedures. He calls for clearer rules to protect employees and the Board’s oversight role.

Military & Veterans

  • Sansei Finding National JACL Not ‘Fuddy-Duddy’ Organization, by Roy Yoshida, page 3. At the Placer County JACL dinner, National JACL Executive Director David Ushio urged young Sansei to become more involved in community issues. He described a range of attitudes among Sansei and called for greater cultural education and civic responsibility.

Obituaries

  • Dr. William Hiura: 1914-74, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Dr. William Toshiaki Hiura, a Chicago optometrist and early Nisei bridge life master, died of cancer just before his 60th birthday. The article recounts his family background, education, and community involvement in JACL and bridge.

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.