Vol. 80, No. 14, April 11, 1975. 4 pages. View this issue
Plans to preserve a piece of the World War II incarceration (often called internment) opened this four-page issue. Crystal City, Texas, intended to turn one of its camp barracks into a county museum, and a state historical landmark designation was being sought with JACL support. Elsewhere on the front page, Mel Tsuji reported on Professor Mitsuru Shimpo’s history of Japanese Canadians, and the Utah Tri-Chapter JACL circulated a student’s account of anti-Japanese bias in wartime Utah.
The commentary pages turned to JACL leadership. David Ushio wrote on youth programs, Bill Hosokawa asked what role the Pacific Citizen should play, and letters from Allen Endo, Mike Iwatsubo and Steve Doi argued over national officers. Bill Marutani noted the Philadelphia chapter’s election of Tom Song. Also inside: a Seattle stadium warning, a regional director opening, chapter news and travel listings.
What’s in this issue
Incarceration & Redress
- WW2 internment camp at Crystal City may be Texas landmark, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Crystal City, Texas, plans to convert one of its WW2 internment camp barracks into a county museum, and a state historical landmark designation is being sought. Local historical committees and JACL support the project, which requires public funds for the plaque.
- Anti-Japanese bias of WW2 in Utah recalled, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A BYU student’s account of anti-Japanese discrimination in Utah during WW2, based on Salt Lake Tribune coverage, has been distributed to schools and libraries by the Utah Tri-Chapter JACL. Contributions to fund the project are being accepted.
Community
- Specs set for NC-WN regional director position, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL is accepting applications for the Northern California-Western Nevada Regional Director position, with a May 12 deadline. The role involves administering the regional office, assisting chapters, and liaising with governmental and community groups.
- PC readership survey draws 25% response, by Harry Honda, page 1. The 1975 Pacific Citizen Readership Survey received responses from 25% of the 1,006 subscribers sampled. Most respondents were JACL members, and results will help the PC board assess readership and content.
- Negative impact of domed stadium for Seattle cited, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Seattle JACL president Dr. Lindbergh Sata warned that a $13.5-million stadium loan could harm the International District through displacement and neglect. He urged the King County Council to address residents’ needs before approving financing.
- Travel Flights and Tour Options for JACL Members, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The National JACL Travel Committee announced remaining seats on several 1975 Japan charter flights and tour packages. Pricing and departure details for multiple itineraries are listed.
- Chapter Pulse: Scholarships, events, and chapter news, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Several JACL chapters reported scholarship awards, April events, and community activities including picnics and the Placer County youth benefit dinner. The roundup highlights chapter contributions to the new headquarters building fund.
Sports
- Donald Oakie, Nikkei to head contract bridge league, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Donald Oakie, a San Jose JACL member, became president-elect of the American Contract Bridge League and will lead its 20,000 members. He is a longtime bridge professional and former Olympic team member.
- Senior Nisei Relays event building up, by George Yoshinaga, page 4. George Yoshinaga previews the PSWDC Nisei Relays special 100-yard race and encourages registration. He notes trophy support and practical details for participants.
In-Depth
- First Canadian Japanese history in English by Dr. Shimpo due in summer, by Mel Tsuji, page 1. Professor Mitsuru Shimpo’s history of Japanese Canadians is set to be published in Japanese and English this summer after years of delay. The English version fills a long-awaited gap in the record of the Japanese Canadian experience.
Commentary
- Developing Leaders, by David Ushio, page 2. David Ushio reflects on recent JACL developments, including national advocacy work in Washington and the success of JACL-sponsored students in the Presidential Classroom for Young Americans program. He argues that youth leadership programs and the new scholarship approach are vital to JACL’s future.
- Support for the PSWDC resolution and national leadership debate, by Allen Endo, page 2. Letter writer Allen Endo criticizes national JACL leadership, particularly President Shig Sugiyama and Director David Ushio, for unresolved misconduct accusations and poor communication. He calls for accountability and constructive improvement of the organization.
- Letter urging calm in JACL leadership dispute, by Mike Iwatsubo, page 2. Fresno JACL member Mike Iwatsubo urges members to avoid divisive actions and to recognize the sacrifices of national officers. He suggests the controversies over JACL leadership should be resolved without disrupting the organization’s work.
- Letter on JACL policy versus administration, by Steve Doi, page 2. San Francisco JACL member Steve Doi argues that criticism of national officers has become politically motivated and harms the organization. He reminds members that the board sets policy while staff handle daily administration.
- A ‘First’ for JACL?, by Bill Marutani, page 2. Bill Marutani notes the Philadelphia chapter elected Tom Song, a Korean American, as president, a notable first for JACL. He praises the choice as evidence that leadership should be judged by ability rather than ethnicity.
- Frying Pan: The role of the PC, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Bill Hosokawa questions how the Pacific Citizen covered recent JACL impeachment proceedings, arguing members deserve fuller reporting. He suggests the paper must balance its role as a membership organ with its public relations function.
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.