Vol. 87, No. 4, August 4, 1978. 8 pages. View this issue
The 1978 National JACL Convention in Salt Lake City filled this issue. Delegates unanimously adopted a redress proposal seeking $25,000 per interned Japanese American, and Harry Honda reported on the campaign ahead, including Sen. S.I. Hayakawa’s opposition and a sharp rebuttal from new president Clifford Uyeda. Delegates also approved a separate legislative arm to lobby for issues such as redress. Sharon Suzuki covered Gene Levine’s survey findings, and Karl Nobuyuki set out priorities for the new biennium.
Elsewhere, the National Council adopted a $780,100 budget, Judge Robert Takasugi wrote on the Bakke decision, and Bill Marutani recalled being admitted to the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1942 while held at Tule Lake. Pitcher Derek Tatsuno’s fame in Japan filled the sports page.
What’s in this issue
JACL
- Levine presents findings of tri-generational survey, by Sharon Suzuki, page 1. At the JACL convention’s Family Values Workshop, sociologist Gene Levine presented survey findings on Japanese American intermarriage, predicting high rates of exogamy among Yonsei. His remarks about Black Americans, reported in the Salt Lake Tribune, were disputed as taken out of context, and national president Jim Murakami distanced JACL from them.
- JACL to launch political lobby group, page 1. The convention unanimously approved creating a separate 501(c)(4) legislative arm to advocate for issues such as redress while protecting JACL’s 501(c)(3) status. The National Board’s proposal outlines a separate corporation, shared facilities, and financing rules.
- $780,100 annual budget, page 2. The National Council adopted the 1979-80 JACL budget by an 85-10 vote, effective Oct. 1, 1978. Revenue changes include a dues increase to $16.50 per member, with allocations for the Pacific Citizen, youth, redress, and other programs.
- Staff and convention commentary: Preparing for the 80s, by Karl Nobuyuki, page 4. JACL executive director Karl Nobuyuki outlines the new biennium’s priorities, including redress, youth programming, Nisei retirement, district funding, membership, a constitutional convention, and international relations. He also notes continued support for the Pacific Citizen and national programs.
Incarceration & Redress
- JACL faces stiff redress campaign, by Harry Honda, page 1. Delegates unanimously adopted the redress proposal seeking $25,000 per interned Japanese American, prompting a public education campaign. Sen. S.I. Hayakawa opposed redress in his banquet remarks and press interview, and new president Clifford Uyeda rebutted him sharply.
- Hayakawa’s position on WW2 relocation shocks psychologist, page 1. Cleveland psychologist Dr. Toaru Ishiyama criticized Sen. S.I. Hayakawa’s endorsement of wartime relocation, comparing the camps to Nazi concentration camps. Ishiyama’s remarks were reported in The Plain Dealer.
- Battle never over, Mori tells confab, by Jeanne Konishi, page 6. At the Mike Masaoka Distinguished Public Service Award banquet, Assemblyman Floyd Mori urged Japanese Americans to remain assertive and politically engaged. He honored the Issei and called for support of affirmative action and U.S.-Japan relations.
Community
- 1st Nisei elected to Peru congress, page 1. Manual Kawashita became the first person of Japanese ancestry elected to Peru’s Congress in the July 1978 elections. He finished fourth on the Peoples Christian Party slate after a vote held June 16 with results released a month later.
Commentary
- Above the 40,000 words expended in Bakke case, by Judge Robert Takasugi, page 4. U.S. District Judge Robert Takasugi analyzes the Supreme Court’s Bakke decision on the UC Davis special admissions program and its implications for affirmative action. He concludes that while the case is a landmark, its meaning remains unclear, and he quotes Justice Blackmun on the need to avoid perpetuating racial supremacy.
- Better late than never?, by Bill Marutani, page 4. The author recalls being admitted to the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1942 while incarcerated at Tule Lake, only to be blocked by a Navy security objection. He reflects on how the wartime obstacles reshaped his life.
- Humid summer and hot issues, by Barry Saiki, page 4. The Tokyo-based columnist reviews the opening of Narita International Airport, the Lockheed bribery trials, and the declining yen’s effect on travelers and prices. He also notes the high cost of imported Washington cherries.
- Indemnity for the Nisei?, by East Wind, page 4. The column recounts a Deseret News editorial questioning JACL’s $25,000 per-person redress proposal, which Murakami read aloud at the convention. It then describes the room’s dismissive reaction and Hayakawa’s banquet remarks opposing redress.
Sports
- Derek Tatsuno wins fans in Japan, page 8. Sansei pitcher Derek Tatsuno of the University of Hawaii became a celebrity in Japan during the U.S.-Japan collegiate baseball series. The article also notes sumo wrestler Jesse Kuhaulua’s continued competition and upcoming football appearance.
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