The July 1980 issue: the redress commission bill and the JACL convention

Vol. 91, No. 2, July 18, 1980. 12 pages. View this issue

The redress commission bill and the coming JACL convention in San Francisco ran through this issue. The front page reported that House Judiciary Committee Chairman George E. Danielson expected the full House to take up HR 5499, the bill for a presidential fact-finding commission, on July 21, with credit going to Congressmen Norman Mineta and Robert Matsui. Convention coverage included a forum for the three presidential candidates, Lillian Kimura, Tom Shimasaki and James Tsujimura, who each set out their platforms in their own words on pages 7 and 8. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye was named the principal speaker at the Sayonara Dinner/Dance.

On page 3, M.M. Sumida wrote about the Korematsu case and civil rights. Karl Nobuyuki and John Tateishi wrote farewell columns, and Clifford Uyeda, Bill Hosokawa and Bill Marutani also contributed. Other items covered a reception for Brig. Gen. Theodore Kanamine, the Pacific Citizen’s move to 45 issues a year, and lunch spots in Little Tokyo.

What’s in this issue

Incarceration & Redress

• House Set to Vote on HR 5499, by P.C. Staff, page 1. House Judiciary Committee Chairman George E. Danielson told the Washington JACL office that HR 5499, the Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians Act creating a presidential fact-finding commission, would be considered by the full House on July 21. Ronald Ikejiri credited the bill’s progress to Congressmen Norman Mineta and Robert Matsui, and noted the Senate version had passed unanimously on May 22, 1980.
• Racism in Korematsu: Battle of the Home Front Continues, by M.M. Sumida, page 3. This continuation piece examines how government agencies have used ‘national security’ as cover to abridge civil rights, focusing on the Supreme Court’s failure to investigate the true military necessity behind Japanese American internment in the Korematsu case. The author proposes legislative suggestions including a congressional oversight committee, a deterrent clause for liability, and a rehabilitation/compensation provision for those wrongly suspended of civil rights.

JACL

• Nominations, Elections Process Outlined, page 1. The first round of nominations for JACL’s National Officers closed April 29, 1980, with candidates including Lillian Kimura, Tom Shimasaki and James Tsujimura for president, among others for various vice president posts. Nominations chair Grayce Uyehara expressed concern about low member interest and apathy in the election process, hoping for a renaissance of candidate participation.
• Sen. Inouye – Principal Convention Speaker, page 1. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye will be the principal speaker at the JACL convention’s Sayonara Dinner/Dance in San Francisco, honoring the Japanese Americans of the Biennium. The article recounts his heroic WWII service with the 442nd RCT, where he lost his arm, and his subsequent political career culminating in the U.S. Senate.
• Friends of Karl Nobuyuki to Dine, page 2. An appreciation dinner for Karl Nobuyuki, who resigned as JACL national executive director on July 15, will be held July 26 at the Miyako Hotel in San Francisco. The event is organized by Hi Akagi and several other community members handling reservations.
• Marutani Cites Asian American Experiences as Judge Since ’75, page 3. Judge William M. Marutani of Philadelphia spoke at the Seabrook JACL Installation and Graduates Recognition dinner, sharing his experiences as the first Japanese American judge east of the Rockies since his 1975 appointment by Pennsylvania Gov. Milton Shapp. He encouraged youth to pursue public service careers beyond stereotypical expectations.
• No Hill Too Steep: Let’s All Get on the Cable Car, by John T. Yasumoto, page 6. Yasumoto urges JACL chapters to finalize their official delegate designations and support Project Kifu fundraising ahead of the convention. He outlines key procedural details including the earlier Monday start date, registration fees, and the Friday Sayonara Dinner-Dance schedule.
• Forum for Presidential Candidates July 30, page 6. A new forum format will allow delegates to engage directly with the three National President candidates—Lillian Kimura, Tom Shimasaki, and James Tsujimura—on Wednesday, July 30. The event aims to facilitate dialogue on issues facing JACL before the Friday election.
• Employment Discrimination Workshop Set, page 6. A convention workshop on employment discrimination affecting Asian Americans will feature panelists including Judge Robert Takasugi, Jerry Enomoto, and several attorneys and civil rights officials. Topics will cover recognizing discrimination, legal remedies, and a skit performed by the Center Players.
• JACL Sponsor Blood Drive, page 6. The JACL Convention Board will host an Irwin Memorial Blood Bank donor mobile at the Jack Tar Hotel on July 31, with donations creditable to a JACL blood account for member use. Administrative director Emiko Shinagawa urges Japanese Americans to support the drive, noting the community’s historically poor blood donor participation.
• Shimasaki’s Approach, by Tom Shimasaki, page 7. Presidential candidate Tom Shimasaki outlines his platform emphasizing redress, rededication to JACL principles, and building toward another half-century of service. He frames the upcoming biennium as a time of recognition and opportunity following 50 years of JACL history.
• Tsujimura’s Campaign, by Jim Tsujimura, page 8. Presidential candidate James Tsujimura lists ten priorities including completing redress, expanding aging and youth programs, improving membership services, and reactivating long-range planning. He frames the National President role as an opportunity to stimulate interest and reinforce pride in JACL identity.
• Lillian Kimura’s Credo, by Lillian Kimura, page 8. Presidential candidate Lillian Kimura articulates her belief in JACL’s legacy and future, addressing key issues including redress, Asian American advocacy, equal opportunity, networking, youth and aging programs, and modernizing organizational technology and structure. She emphasizes the need to articulate Nikkei contributions to America amid rising hostility toward Asian immigrants.
• Chicago Nisei Post 1183 Wins Hall of Fame Award, page 9. The Chicago Nisei Post 1183 won the Hall of Fame Award at the state American Legion Convention for its Annual Issei Appreciation Nite project. This year’s event will be held at the Rizal Center on September 14, continuing a tradition of over 20 years honoring local Issei senior citizens.

National

• Enomoto Joins Federal Institute of Corrections, page 1. Jerry J. Enomoto, former head of California’s Department of Corrections, has joined the National Institute of Corrections to advise New Mexico officials following the February prison riot. Enomoto had filed suit challenging the legality of his removal from his California post and is seeking a low profile in his new advisory role.
• Asian Americans Requalified for Federal Small Business Aid, page 2. Congressman Mineta’s amendment to the SBA fiscal 1980-81 authorization bill statutorily restored Asian Pacific Americans to SBA minority business development programs. The amendment supersedes a 1979 administrative ruling and ensures participation is now guaranteed by law.

Community

• Miss Hawaii’s Roots Include Gannen-mono, page 2. The new Miss Hawaii’s great-great grandfather was among the first group of Japanese immigrants (Gannen-mono) to settle in Hawaii in 1868. Her maternal great-great grandfather was also an early Hawaiian missionary who traveled to Micronesia from Hilo in 1835.
• Convention Guidelines Updated, page 6. Selanoco JACLer Jim Seippel updated the JACL Convention guidelines detailing the relationship between chapters and headquarters, including a 60/40 chapter-national profit split with national bearing 100% of any deficit. The convention board has 90 days after convention close to submit data to headquarters.
• Health Insurance Survey Underway, page 6. A national survey of JACL health insurance programs is being conducted by Vernon Yoshioka for a report to the National Convention, identifying five existing plans across different districts. The committee recommends guideline changes including eliminating maximum limitations for membership periods.
• 45-Issue Format, page 9. The Pacific Citizen announced it will reduce publication frequency from 50 to 45 issues per year starting in July, while expanding some issues to 12 pages instead of 8. The change aims to manage rising printing and mail costs without immediately raising subscriber or advertiser rates.
• From Pacific Southwest: Little Tokyo Lunch Spots, by John J. Saito, page 10. John Saito describes his evolving lunch habits, from childhood brown-bag lunches to now exploring various Little Tokyo eateries including Nancy’s, Tokyo Gardens, Village Plaza Restaurants, and Shakey’s Pizza Parlor. He highlights the variety of Japanese, Chinese, and American food options now available to him.
• Chapter Pulse, page 10. Multiple chapter news items are reported including French Camp JACL’s annual bazaar, a San Francisco JACL-sponsored tour to Eureka, and the Riverside JACL’s 13th annual Sendai Festival featuring Japanese cultural demonstrations. Also noted is the sixth annual NC-WNDC swim meet at Gunn High School as a convention prelude.

Obituaries

• Deaths, page 2. Midori Kato, 58, a charter member of Pocatello JACL, died July 3 after a brief illness, survived by family members. Also noted are the deaths of Rev. William M. Shinto, an MGM writer-producer who won an Academy Award for ‘Boys’ Town’ and spoke at the 1954 National JACL Convention, and Georgiana H. Sibley, a civil rights champion and early National JACL Sponsor.

Commentary

• President’s Corner: EXECOM, by Clifford Uyeda, page 4. JACL President Clifford Uyeda reflects on the work of the National Executive Committee during the past biennium, acknowledging both controversies and accomplishments. He expresses gratitude to EXECOM members and notes that the comradeship developed through difficult decisions cannot be replaced.
• If Borden Co. Had Not Settled…, by Sachi Seko, page 4. The column discusses the resolved case between Mas Yamasaki and Borden, Inc. regarding employment discrimination, noting JACL’s support was crucial to the outcome. The author argues JACL must continue confronting corporate human rights issues as a growing area of civil rights activism in the 1980s.
• Letterbox: An Appeal to the Delegates, by Bill Marutani, page 4. Bill Marutani writes to delegates about proposed revisions to the JACL National Constitution, arguing that convention time should be spent on substantive new goals rather than extensive constitutional line-by-line revision. He suggests separating procedural housekeeping items from matters of substance like initiatives and referendums.
• Letterbox: On Raising Money for JACL, by Hashime Saito, page 4. A letter writer objects to the use of the epithet ‘Jap’ and discusses the need for better fundraising strategies for JACL, suggesting sustaining pledges and consideration of Japanese corporate donations. The writer argues old fundraising methods are outdated and new approaches are needed to generate steady income.
• From the Frying Pan: ‘If the Cuckoo Won’t Sing…’, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Bill Hosokawa profiles Mitz Noda, a Hughes Aircraft engineer whose article on Japanese management philosophy was selected for reprinting in Xerox’s The Best of Business alongside prestigious publications. Noda explains how Japanese management techniques differ from American approaches, emphasizing motivation over threats and worry.
• East Wind: ‘But I Wasn’t…’, by Bill Marutani, page 5. Marutani reflects on the Holocaust and Pastor Niemoeller’s famous poem about silent complicity, drawing parallels to the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII as documented in Michi Weglyn’s ‘Years of Infamy’. He warns against complacency, noting ongoing atrocities in Southeast Asia and the danger of believing such horrors cannot happen again.
• Down to Earth: My Time at JACL, by Karl Nobuyuki, page 5. Outgoing JACL National Director Karl Nobuyuki reflects on his three years leading the organization, acknowledging both successes and unresolved conflicts. He expresses pride in JACL’s progress on redress, youth involvement, and financial independence, while declining to publicly dispute the circumstances of his resignation.
• Redress Phase 2: My Final Words, by John Tateishi, page 5. John Tateishi offers his final column reflecting on two years of the Redress campaign, noting the organization’s progress from internal conflict to approaching a resolution with the past. He urges JACL members to maintain broad commitment to the campaign’s success in the coming years.

Military & Veterans

• Memorial Day Services at Salt Lake City Cemetery, page 10. Representatives from various Japanese congregations participated in annual Memorial Day services at Salt Lake City Cemetery, chaired by Rev. Joseph Arata. Speakers included Rev. Esho Yamasaki and Richard Mano, with several veterans and scout troops also participating in the ceremony.

Sports

• Bridge Across the Ocean, by Mas Manbo, page 12. The column profiles Cappy Harada’s role in Japanese-American baseball exchanges, including bringing Wally Yonamine to Japan and Masanori Murakami to the San Francisco Giants as the first Japanese major leaguer. It also notes Murakami’s continuing 16-year career in Japan, having won 100 games, and Harada’s advocacy for a true U.S.-Japan World Series.

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