Iranians in America, JACL’s response, and the Nisei viewed in print

Vol. 89, No. 73, December 14, 1979. 8 pages. View this issue

JACL’s response to the Iranian situation led this eight-page issue. Karl Nobuyuki, JACL national spokesman, said Japanese Americans had suffered civil liberty violations as a group during World War II and were concerned about any repetition of discrimination. The White House acknowledged JACL’s comments, saying cases would be handled individually under the law. Mei Nakano wrote in a letter on page 4 that Japanese Americans have a responsibility to prevent new victims in times of crisis.

Other front-page stories covered the new Little Tokyo Service Center, Dr. Paul Y. Tsukahara’s run for the Gardena city council, and Shig Wakamatsu’s retirement after 35 years with Lever Brothers. Paul M. Shinkawa argued that JACL membership should be open to non-citizens. Reviews covered Minoru Yamasaki’s book and the reprint of Monica Sone’s Nisei Daughter, and Tina Adachi wrote on stereotypes of Japanese American women.

What’s in this issue

National

  • The Iranian Situation: JACL Urges Restraint Toward Iranians in the U.S., by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL acknowledged White House assurances that Iranian citizens would be handled individually under the law, not deported solely for ancestry. Sen. S.I. Hayakawa and others voiced concern that harassment of Iranians paralleled WWII treatment of Japanese Americans.

Community

  • Little Tokyo Service Center Formed as ‘Umbrella’ Agency, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Little Tokyo Service Center, Inc., an umbrella agency incorporated June 18 to coordinate social services, elected its first board officers. Charter member groups include Japanese American Community Services and the Union Church.
  • Tsukahara Seeks Gardena City Council Seat, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. Paul Y. Tsukahara, a local dentist, announced his candidacy for the Gardena city council in the spring 1980 election. It is his first bid for public office.
  • Cambodian Relief Campaign Launched, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Buddhist Churches of America reactivated its social welfare committee to launch an appeal for Cambodian Buddhists. Bishop Kenryu Tsuji urged the 14,000 BCA households to respond quickly.
  • Ground Broken for New Flower Market, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Mayor Tom Bradley broke ground in a Shinto ceremony for a new wholesale flower market in Los Angeles. Local officials and flower growers instrumental in the project attended.

Obituaries

  • Nisei Chemist Retires After 35 Years with Lever Brothers, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Shig Wakamatsu, past national JACL president, retired after 35 years at Lever Brothers’ Hammond plant, where he was the first minority hired in 1944. Colleagues honored him with a farewell event and tributes praising his leadership.

Commentary

  • Middle Class America, page 4. The column argues that the American middle class holds real power yet remains politically herded and dissatisfied despite material comfort. It concludes that people also need to satisfy deeper human needs for hope and purpose.
  • A Career in Industry, page 4. The author describes industrial work as rewarding problem solving that combines science, production knowledge, and teamwork. Japanese strength in team work is highlighted as a model for American industry.
  • As the 1970s Slip Away, page 4. The writer reflects on a decade of shattered predictability, eroded faith in institutions, and changing personal relationships. The piece suggests the 1970s may later be seen as the good years.
  • The 1980 Debate: Citizen Member, by Paul M. Shinkawa, page 4. Shinkawa argues that JACL membership should be open to non-citizens, since the organization professes constitutional principles of equal rights. He rebuts Sam Honda’s concerns and addresses racist questions from the WWII era.
  • Iran Situation, by Mei Nakano, page 4. Nakano praises JACL’s statements urging restraint toward Iranians in America. The letter warns that Japanese Americans have a responsibility to prevent new victims during times of crisis.
  • The Invisible Woman: From Geisha to Feminist, by Tina Adachi, page 5. Adachi, a Chicago JACL member, examines stereotypes of Japanese American women and calls for women to assert equality and speak up. The piece urges Japanese American women to embrace feminism while drawing on positive heritage values.

Arts & Entertainment

  • Minoru Yamasaki’s ‘A Life in Architecture’ Reviewed, by John J. Soite, page 5. The review praises Minoru Yamasaki’s book on his architectural career, illustrated with 116 photographs of his buildings. It also highlights his personal story as a Seattle-born Nisei who worked his way through school and into architecture.
  • The ‘No-no Boy’ Who Persisted, by Evelyn Iritani, page 6. The review discusses Edward Miyakawa’s emotional, unapologetic depiction of being Japanese American during World War II. It argues that history is best learned from those who lived it.
  • ‘Nisei Daughter’ Reprinted, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Monica Sone’s 1953 memoir Nisei Daughter has been reprinted in paperback with a new introduction by S. Frank Miyamoto. The book is hailed as a fair and unsparing account of camp life.

In-Depth

  • Nisei Trip to Brazil: Japanese Community Reflections, page 8. The author describes a visit to the large Japanese Brazilian community in Sao Paulo, where Japanese Brazilians have integrated into civic and political life since WWII. The author compares their experience with that of Japanese Americans.

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