JACL research, Topaz markers and a Little Tokyo center

Vol. 80, No. 15, April 18, 1975. 4 pages. View this issue

JACL executive director David Ushio opened the issue with a case for research into Japanese American employment, Sansei interests and interracial marriage, so that the organization has facts to bring before Congress. The same front page reported that the Utah Bicentennial Commission set aside money for historical markers at the Topaz camp site, part of a campaign to mark the former incarceration site. Ambassador James Hodgson met with leaders of the planned Little Tokyo cultural center, and Harry Honda reported on a readership survey in which Bill Hosokawa’s column ranked as the most popular feature.

Elsewhere in the four pages: Bill Hosokawa’s review of Armin Meyer’s book Assignment: Tokyo, George Inagaki’s account of a testimonial dinner for Issei leader K. Ishimatsu of San Jose, and a forum on reparations planned by the San Fernando Valley JACL. Rep. Spark Matsunaga’s call for aid to refugees from Southeast Asia, a profile of Rep. Norman Mineta, and an obituary for former Hawaii Governor John A. Burns also appeared.

What’s in this issue

National

• National Dialogue: Planning and Research, by David Ushio, page 1. JACL executive director David Ushio discusses the need for research into Japanese American problems such as employment, Sansei heritage and interests, and interracial marriage to inform advocacy before Congress. He argues that systematic research will guide the organization’s programs and policy work.
• U.S. Emotions High to Assist Vietnam Refugees, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Rep. Spark Matsunaga called for humanitarian assistance to refugees in Southeast Asia while opposing further U.S. military intervention. He also backed proposals to expedite immigration of Vietnamese relatives and orphans of Vietnamese-American parentage.

Community

• JACL Conference Set for September in Anaheim, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The second biennial JACL Tri-District Conference has been scheduled for September 12-14 at the Grand Hotel in Anaheim. Orange County JACL is organizing it with the Pacific Southwest District Council, and the JAYs will hold their own conference in Fresno in August.
• Envoy Hodgson Meets with Little Tokyo Center Heads, by P.C. Staff, page 1. U.S. Ambassador to Japan James Hodgson praised efforts to build a cultural community center in Little Tokyo during a meeting with community center officials at the Hilton Hotel. He called the project a fitting commemoration of America’s Bicentennial.
• Assemblyman Mori Introduces His First Bill, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Nisei assemblyman S. Floyd Mori introduced a consumer-protection bill that would give consumers three years from discovery of a violation to file legal action. He was also named to the Assembly labor relations and industrial safety committees.
• Cherry Blossom Festival Slated in San Francisco, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The eighth annual Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco runs for seven days, ending with a parade from City Hall to Japan Center on April 27. Highlights include a Kyogen program by Japanese artists and an exhibit of screens from the Avery Brundage Collection.
• Executive Director Named by New York JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Ruby Y. Schaar was named executive director of the New York JACL by the chapter board. She noted that her position as corresponding secretary had been a handicap when dealing with executives of large companies.
• YKK Opens Plant in Georgia, Workers Respond to Japanese Management Style, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Japan’s YKK zipper manufacturer opened a $15-million plant in Macon, Georgia, employing American workers under Japanese-style practices such as semi-annual bonuses and job security. Early signs suggest workers are responding favorably to the system.
• Negative Views Cancel Sequoia Children’s Day Festival, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Sequoia JACL canceled its planned Children’s Day celebration after receiving negative responses. Its Japanese American arts and cultural festival in Mountain View, however, was reported a huge success.

Incarceration & Redress

• Utah Bicentennial Commission Adds $6,000 for Topaz Camp Markers, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Utah Bicentennial Commission has allocated $2,500 for historical markers at the Topaz Camp site, to be made available on a fund-matching basis. The allocation is part of a campaign by the Topaz Committee to mark the former incarceration site.
• Reparation Topic of San Fernando Chapter Forum, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The San Fernando Valley JACL and the Pacific Southwest District Council will hold a public forum on whether Japanese Americans should seek reparations for the 1942 Evacuation. Panelists will discuss the remedial legislation being proposed for evacuees.

Commentary

• Readership Survey: Coverage and Features Weighed, by Harry Honda, page 1. The 1975 Pacific Citizen readership survey found that most respondents usually or sometimes read the paper and were most interested in news of concern to Japanese Americans and national JACL activities. Bill Hosokawa’s column ranked as the most popular feature, followed by Japan Today and Edison Uno’s column.
• Editor’s Desk: JACL Intern Program—Forgotten?, by Connie Sakai, page 2. JAYs corresponding secretary Connie Sakai questions what has happened to the JACL Student Internship Program, which she says has lost funding and priority. She calls for renewed commitment to the program as the organization sets priorities.
• Letters: Thank You and Buddhist Church Question, by Bob H. Suzuki, page 2. A letter writer thanks supporters for their contributions to a legal aid fund and reflects on Japanese American sacrifice and heritage. Another letter asks about the place of Buddhism among assimilated Sansei.
• Sacrifice Built the JACL’s First National Headquarters Building, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The JACL Building Fund campaign aims to finance a national headquarters building in San Francisco, which is described as a living memorial to Japanese American sacrifice. The campaign has been extended for several more weeks.
• Mail: Intermarriage and CBS Casting Concerns, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Pacific Citizen discusses concerns about a CBS-TV special casting a villainous Japanese American woman in Throw Away the Keys. It also outlines questions young interracially married families raise about research into their children’s experiences.
• Frying Pan: How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Bill Hosokawa reviews former Ambassador Armin Meyer’s book Assignment: Tokyo, focusing on the Nixon shocks that blindsided Japan and the U.S. embassy. He argues that Meyer’s diplomatic skill kept U.S.-Japan relations from deteriorating further.
• Honoring Ishimatsu: A Thousander of San Jose, by George Inagaki, page 3. George Inagaki reflects on a testimonial dinner for Issei leader K. Ishimatsu of San Jose, attended by 600 people of all generations. He describes Ishimatsu’s lifelong service to the community and his role in developing Nikkei political consciousness.
• There’s Life in the Ole Gray Mare Yet, by Kats Kunitsugu, page 4. Kats Kunitsugu criticizes Bill Hosokawa for simultaneously saying the Pacific Citizen gave too little and too much coverage of internal JACL affairs. He argues that the paper should report organizational news fully rather than manage it.

Military & Veterans

• Rep. Norman Mineta Lauded by Veteran Democrats for Leadership, by P.C. Staff, page 1. At a testimonial dinner in San Jose, Rep. Norman Mineta was praised by Rep. Henry Reuss and others for his leadership among the freshman class of Congress. Reuss particularly commended Mineta’s work in freeing impounded transportation funds.

Obituaries

• John A. Burns: 1909-1975, Mentor of Nikkei Politicos Dies, by Allan Beekman, page 1. Former Hawaii Governor John A. Burns, who worked with Nikkei WW2 veterans to build the Democratic Party in Hawaii, died of cancer at age 66. He led Hawaii to statehood and served three terms as governor, and his administration was marked by economic growth and the appointment of many Nikkei to high office.
• Fast Action, Clear Program Hallmarks of Western Young Buddhist League Conference, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Western Young Buddhist League held a conference in Sacramento that drew over 800 young adults, far exceeding expectations. Delegates attended workshops on Sansei identity, Buddhism, and cultural arts.

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