Vol. 87, No. 21, December 1, 1978. 12 pages. View this issue
Camp Harmony was the subject of this 12-page issue. Over 3,000 people traveled to the Puyallup fairgrounds on Nov. 25 to re-enact the 1942 forced removal, a Day of Remembrance that doubled as a demonstration for redress. The front page described the registration, the name tags and the personal bags, and a continuation on page 2 carried the words of speakers including Min Masuda, Shosuke Sasaki, Mako and George Hirabayashi. A report noted that the Washington State Commission on Asian American Affairs voted unanimously to support redress.
Elsewhere, Bill Hosokawa wrote about the word “Jap” and why he urged readers to avoid it, Don Ito compared the redress campaign to the Yankees’ World Series comeback, and Dr. Kaz Mayeda explained his vote for a $4.50 national dues increase. Jin Konomi paid tribute to Larry Tajiri, and Karl Nobuyuki gave his headquarters report to the Intermountain District.
What’s in this issue
Incarceration & Redress
- ‘Camp Harmony’ remembered, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Over 3,000 people traveled to the Puyallup fairgrounds on Nov. 25 to re-enact the 1942 evacuation as a Day of Remembrance demonstrating for redress. Participants registered with name tags and personal bags, and the event drew local and national media coverage including ABC’s 20/20.
- State panel backs Redress campaign, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Washington State Commission on Asian American Affairs unanimously voted to support Japanese American redress efforts. The commission also took an active role in the Day of Remembrance program at Puyallup.
- Harmony remembered (continued), by P.C. Staff, page 2. Speakers at the Puyallup program, including Min Masuda, Shosuke Sasaki, Mako and George Hirabayashi, recounted wartime experiences and expressed support for redress. Participants described the emotional impact of reliving the evacuation.
Community
- Mom wins right to stay with son, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Kazuko Hendrichs, a Japanese citizen whose American husband was presumed dead at sea, was granted permanent residency to remain with her in-laws in Seattle after front-page publicity. The immigration office reversed its earlier decisions, crediting her years of U.S. residence.
- Nobuyuki’s HQ report headliner at IDC meet, by Yuki Harada, page 2. National Executive Director Karl Nobuyuki reported on National JACL headquarters operations at the Intermountain District quarterly session in Ontario, Oregon. Topics included redress polling, the Founders’ Award, and the Camp Harmony caravan.
- Seminary appointment focuses on Pacific-Asian Americans, by P.C. Staff, page 10. The Pacific School of Religion appointed Roy I. Sano as associate professor of theology and Pacific and Asian American ministries, the first such seminary faculty position of its kind. Sano is an ordained United Methodist minister who has served multiple pastorates and written widely.
National
- Two Chinese sisters in death leap over dating dispute, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Two teenage sisters in Manhattan died after falling from their apartment roof following an argument with their father over dating non-Chinese boys. Neighbors described the tragedy as a familiar clash between city-raised youth and parents preserving old-country ways.
- Guyana reveals Cult’s references, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Guyanese government published a list of prominent Americans whose favorable comments on the Peoples Temple and Jim Jones were used as character references. The list followed the murder of five Americans including Rep. Leon Ryan and the mass suicide at Jonestown.
Commentary
- Inflation finally hits, by Dr. Kaz Mayeda, page 4. The author explains his vote for a $4.50 national dues increase, arguing that JACL must keep pace with inflation to remain effective. He also supports youth programs and redress, framing redress as a debt owed to the Issei.
- The Yanks—Redress, by Don Ito, page 4. Sacramento JACL president Don Ito compares the redress campaign’s setbacks to the New York Yankees’ comeback in the World Series. He argues the program is regaining momentum through organization, public education, and elected official support.
- Is the yen that strong?, by Frank Fukazawa, page 4. Fukazawa examines how the strong yen is hurting Japanese export industries, causing bankruptcies, layoffs, and losses. He argues Washington must take decisive steps to stabilize the dollar or risk damaging the global economy.
- Good, home-grown idea, by Sachi Seko, page 5. The author recounts her husband’s company Quarter Century Club dinner, held despite snowy weather, and describes the careful planning that made it a success. She reflects that company loyalty, similar to the Japanese corporate model, already exists in American firms.
- Jap flap in Japan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Hosokawa discusses a British Press Council ruling that ‘Jap’ is an acceptable abbreviation, and the varied reactions from Japanese letter-writers. He argues the word has a long history as a hate term and should be avoided, while patiently educating those unaware of its connotation.
- Let’s Open a JARR, by Seiko N. Wakabayashi, page 6. The EDC governor describes a proposed JACL talent registry of skilled and talented Nikkei to be used when government and private groups seek qualified candidates. Guidelines were revised so anyone may be included, with chapters responsible for nominations.
- A Nisei in Japan: A Visit to Narita, by Barry Saiki, page 12. Saiki describes meeting two visitors at Narita Airport and escorting them to Tokyo in a Rolls Royce arranged through the New Otani Hotel. He offers practical advice for incoming tourists and comments on the airport’s limited single runway.
Military & Veterans
- Long overdue tribute for Larry Tajiri, by Jin Konomi, page 9. Konomi pays tribute to Larry Tajiri, his former colleague at the Kashu Mainichi in Los Angeles in 1933, praising Tajiri’s rapid typing and polished editing. He recalls their working relationship and Tajiri’s later work with the Denver Post.
Arts & Entertainment
- ‘Black Ship’ museum contains over 10,000 items on Perry trip, by P.C. Staff, page 12. Naota Yoshida opened a private museum in Kashiwazaki, Niigata, displaying over 10,000 historical items related to Commodore Perry’s 1853 visit to Japan. The collection was assembled by his father and has been lent to scholars and artists.
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