The CWRIC report, “Personal Justice Denied,” and the community’s response

Vol. 96, No. 8, March 4, 1983. 12 pages. View this issue

The Pacific Citizen led with the release of the first part of the report by the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. The 467-page “Personal Justice Denied” concluded that a grave injustice was done to Japanese Americans and to Alaskan Aleuts during World War II. The front page carried reaction from Rep. Robert T. Matsui and from Min Yasui, JACL’s redress chair, and a story on Japanese Canadians seeking $50 million in reparations. Inside, a JACL statement answered the report, and the paper also covered the California Legislature’s Day of Remembrance resolution for the 41st anniversary of EO 9066. Peter Imamura wrote on the report and the coram nobis petitions for Hirabayashi, Korematsu and Yasui.

Elsewhere in the 12 pages: the Civil Service Commission’s vote to sustain the demotion of Dr. Thomas T. Noguchi, with commentary from Cary Nishimoto. Ron Wakabayashi wrote on Sansei and the JACL, Bill Hosokawa reviewed a book on the OSS, and Bill Marutani described a Korean New Year’s party in Philadelphia.

What’s in this issue

Incarceration & Redress

• CWRIC Challenges 1942 Government Decisions, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians released a 467-page report, ‘Personal Justice Denied,’ concluding that a grave injustice was done to Japanese Americans and Aleuts during WWII and that no military necessity justified the evacuation. The report faulted government leaders including FDR and criticized Lt. Gen. John L. DeWitt’s rationale for exclusion, while detailing economic losses and the harsh treatment of Alaskan Aleuts.
• Japanese Canadians Seek $50 Million in Reparations, page 1. Canadians of Japanese origin are seeking $50 million from the federal government to compensate for the uprooting, detention and evacuation of Japanese in British Columbia during WWII. A community delegation plans to travel to Ottawa to press their case, as a 1950 federal commission’s $2.5 million award was never accepted as full payment.
• California Legislature Issues Day of Remembrance Resolution, page 2. The California state legislature issued its fifth consecutive Day of Remembrance resolution authored by Assembly Speaker Willie L. Brown Jr., commemorating the 41st anniversary of EO 9066. Mrs. Mary Tsukamoto, a former internee, served as guest chaplain for the Assembly session.
• CWRIC Report Details Economic Losses and Hawaii Comparison, page 6. The CWRIC report detailed how the Japanese American Evacuation Claims Act failed to fully compensate for losses including psychological impact, family breakdown, and lost earnings. It also noted that Hawaii’s Nikkei, unlike those on the mainland, were largely not interned, and found no justification for the harsh treatment of Alaskan Aleuts despite acknowledging wartime relocation needs.

National

• Nikkei Legislators Are Pleased With Commission’s Findings, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Four Japanese American legislators in Washington expressed satisfaction with the CWRIC’s findings and optimism about upcoming recommendations expected in late May or June. Rep. Robert T. Matsui called the report an excellent, objective document with major historical significance for the nation.
• Harvard Fills Matsushita’s Prof Slot, page 2. A Japanese industrialist, Konosuke Matsushita, donated a million dollars to Harvard Business School to fund a new leadership chair. Psychoanalyst Abraham Zaleznik will head the program as the first ‘Konosuke Matsushita Professor of Leadership.’
• Businessman Keeps Japanese Cars Out, page 2. Richard Moe, owner of Delta Rubber Products in Killingly, Conn., refuses to let employees or suppliers who own Japanese cars park at his plant, citing declining sales amid Japan’s grip on the U.S. auto market. Moe has received both praise and criticism for his no-parking policy, though he himself drives a Chevrolet and owns a Sony TV.
• Mineta Mistaken for Toyota Executive, page 2. San Francisco columnist Herb Caen recounted an incident where Rep. Norman Y. Mineta was mistaken for a Toyota executive at the GM-Toyota joint venture signing ceremony in Fremont. A GM official complimented Mineta’s English, prompting a sharp retort from the congressman.
• L.A. Nisei Minister Attacked, Robbed, page 2. Episcopal priest Canon John H.M. Yamazaki and his wife Margaret Fumi were held at gunpoint and robbed outside their parish home following a church banquet. The assailants stole their wallets, keys and car, which was later recovered; the case is being investigated by LAPD’s Wilshire Division.
• Noguchi Demotion Sustained by Civil Service Commission, page 4. The Los Angeles County Civil Service Commission voted 4-1 to sustain the demotion of former chief medical examiner-coroner Dr. Thomas T. Noguchi, rejecting its own hearing officer’s recommendation that he be given a last chance. Noguchi and his attorney Godfrey Isaac vowed to fight the decision all the way to the state Supreme Court.
• Ariyoshi Angry at Forbes Article, page 6. Hawaii Governor George Ariyoshi responded angrily to a Forbes Magazine article describing the state as a ‘veritable purgatory for business,’ calling it a loaded piece that violated fair journalism principles. He wrote to Forbes editor-in-chief Malcolm Forbes calling the characterization extravagant, reckless, and unprofessional.
• Japan’s Oldest Buddhist Priest Dies, page 6. Rev. Ryokei Onishi, Japan’s oldest Buddhist priest at age 107, died of a brain hemorrhage at his temple in Kyoto. Often called a ‘Living Buddha,’ he was active in promoting interreligious dialogue and convened a religious council during the Vietnam War.
• Noguchi Continued: Commission Rejects Hearing Officer’s Recommendation, page 6. The Civil Service Commission rejected hearing officer Sara Adler’s recommendation that Noguchi be given a last chance, with only Commissioner Nojima dissenting. Noguchi’s attorney accused the commission of political pressure, while supporters like Dr. Mitsuo Inouye of CARP called the decision a ‘slam at justice.’
• Ariyoshi Angry at Forbes Article (continued context), page 6. This is a duplicate placeholder and should not be included.»,
• Matsui Continued: Criticizes Dymally Redress Bill, page 7. Rep. Robert Matsui continued his comments criticizing Rep. Mervyn Dymally’s redress bill as counterproductive and unlikely to pass, saying it raised false expectations. Sens. Inouye and Matsunaga and Rep. Mineta also commented on the CWRIC findings, expressing support for eventual compensation while avoiding specific figures before the commission’s recommendations.
• Pat Okura to Lead China Study Tour, page 8. Pat Okura, a clinical figure associated with Victimization studies, is leading a U.S. tour group to China for an American symposium on Life Changes in April, visiting Beijing, Tianjin, and Shanghai. Tour information is available through Professional Seminar Consultants Inc.

JACL

• JACL’s Redress Chair Also Has High Hopes After CWRIC Report, page 1. Min Yasui, chairman of JACL’s National Committee for Redress, called the CWRIC report ‘very good’ and a historically important event that undercuts the legal basis for the evacuation. He praised the commission for naming names of officials responsible and including human testimony from the 1981 hearings.
• JACL Statement: Reaction to CWRIC Report, page 8. JACL issued an official statement praising the CWRIC’s findings as an important step toward rectifying one of the darkest blemishes in U.S. constitutional history. The organization expressed hope that the commission’s forthcoming recommendations would address the economic losses suffered by evacuees and lead to meaningful redress.
• Wakabayashi Keynotes Riverside Installation, by Harry Honda, page 8. National JACL Director Ron Wakabayashi spoke at the Riverside JACL installation dinner about JACL’s role in U.S.-Japan affairs and trust in national leadership. Riverside JACL re-elected Cliff MacNiven as chapter president, and several awards were presented including a silver pin to Dr. Junji Kumamoto.
• Mt. Olympus Picks PCYA Student, page 8. The Mt. Olympus Chapter of JACL selected Kristen T. Kobayashi of Alta High School to represent the chapter at the Presidential Classroom for Young Americans. The chapter sponsors the program by covering air fare and tuition for its selected candidates.
• Marutani Keynotes Phila. Dinner, page 8. The Philadelphia JACL Chapter will hold its annual Installation Dinner Dance on March 26, featuring keynote speaker Judge William M. Marutani, a CWRIC commission member. Rep. Edwin B. Forsythe will also give a guest oration.

Community

• Former S.F. Tea Garden Owners May Find Justice at Last, page 2. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors is considering compensating George Hagiwara and his sister Haruko Matsuishi, whose family developed the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park before being evicted and interned during WWII. The measure would pay up to $5,000 apiece for their war years spent in a Utah internment camp, following a similar ordinance for former city employees.
• Racial, Religious Violence Rose 66% in Los Angeles in ’82, Says Panel, page 2. The Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations reported a 66% increase in racial and religious vandalism incidents in 1982. Supervisor Kenneth Hahn highlighted the Commission’s programs, including the Asian Cultural Awareness Program, aimed at improving relations among ethnic communities.
• Youth Killed in Freak Accident, page 2. Four-year-old Sean Koyama of Stockton died after falling onto a knife left in an open dishwasher at his home. Despite emergency surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital, he died the same evening.
• BCA Starts Social Welfare Fund, page 3. The Buddhist Churches of America established a Social Welfare Fund to aid organizations and individuals suffering from deprivation of basic needs, funded through the BCA Thanksgiving Offering Fund Drive. Recent recipients include the Hawaii Buddhist Churches’ Hurricane Relief Fund and various international relief efforts.
• ESGV Center Seeks Nisei Week Candidate, page 3. The East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center is seeking applicants for ‘Miss East San Gabriel Valley’ to compete in the 1983 Nisei Week Queen Contest, following its 1982 candidate’s win. Applications are due by April 5.
• Japan Music Set at Huntington Library, page 3. Traditional Japanese music and dance will be presented at the Huntington Library in San Marino on March 13, featuring musicians Hiromi Hashibe and Masakazu Yoshizawa and dancer Hanayagi Jurokumi. The performance will take place in the Japanese Garden’s Japanese House.
• Legal Defense and Education Fund Names New Board, Seeks Members, page 3. The Asian Pacific Legal Defense and Education Fund (APLDEF), formed to address employment discrimination in the Asian American community, announced its 1983 board of directors led by president Irene Hirano. The organization is also seeking new members.
• LTSC Council to Hold Community Meetings, page 3. The Community Council of the Little Tokyo Service Center will convene monthly meetings to support and develop the center’s programs in partnership with its board and staff. The council was formed as a requirement from government and private funding sources.
• USC to Hold AP Heritage Week, page 3. Asian Pacific students at USC will celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Week beginning March 7, featuring a food fair, dragon dance and martial arts exhibition. The event, sponsored by the Asian Pacific Student Outreach, is free and open to the public.
• Minnesota Nikkei Hold Dinner for Issei, page 3. The Minnesota Nikkei Project held its fourth annual dinner meeting at the Kikugawa Restaurant on Feb. 6, attended by 121 members and 20 Issei guests. The group regularly provides activities for the Minneapolis community’s Issei.
• Kimochi Home Sets Celebration Dance, page 3. Kimochi will hold a celebration dance on March 19 at Japan Center Theater in San Francisco to mark the completion of Kimochi Home. Proceeds will benefit Kimochi Home and count toward the Oyama Challenge.
• Nikkei Feted by Historical Society, page 4. Judy Mieko Tachibana was selected by the California Historical Society to receive the 1983 CHS Award of Merit for her role as project coordinator of the Gardena Historical Resources Survey. She will receive her award at the society’s annual Awards Luncheon in Long Beach on March 13.
• Seid Heads APAAC for 2nd Term, page 4. Dr. Allan L. Seid was re-elected president of the Asian Pacific American Advocates of California (APAAC), which supports over 400 local and regional APA organizations. The board also elected numerous other officers including vice presidents, secretary, treasurer, and historian.
• Spring Food Fest in Sacramento Mar. 13, page 5. The Sacramento Japanese Buddhist Church will hold its 12th Annual Spring Food Festival on March 13 featuring various Japanese foods for sale. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the church grounds.
• Funds for Nakashima Ends, page 8. The Monterey Peninsula JACL terminated the David Nakashima Fund effective Feb. 28, having achieved its original purpose. The chapter thanked donors and provided alternate contact information for those wishing to make direct contributions.

Obituaries

• Masao Itano, 93, Retired Sacramento Insurance Agent, page 2. Masao Itano, founder of the Sacramento Okayama Kenjinkai and longtime community figure, died Dec. 10 at his home. He was decorated with Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun for his community work and is survived by his wife, sons, and daughter.
• Dr. Hito Suyehiro, 54, Washington, D.C. Orthodontist, page 2. Dr. Hito Suyehiro, a Los Angeles-born Nisei and former USC gymnast, died Feb. 4 following a heart attack. He was a recognized leader in modern orthodontics who taught at Howard University and in Japan for over 16 years.

Arts & Entertainment

• Bunraku Puppets to Tour Three Cities, page 3. Japan’s Bunraku puppet theatre will be presented by the Japan Society in New York for eight performances March 12-19, as part of a three-city tour also stopping in Honolulu and Boston. Tickets for the New York shows are $25.
• ‘Double Dutch at NYU’, page 3. The New Asian American Theatre and NYU’s Asian Cultural Union will present ‘Double Dutch’ by Marilyn Seven on March 14 at the Loeb Student Center. The play depicts a Japanese American family in Los Angeles before and after Pearl Harbor.
• Hina Matsuri Fest at Pasadena Museum, page 5. The Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena will celebrate Girls’ Day/Hina Matsuri on March 26 with displays of traditional Hina dolls, origami workshops, and kimono demonstrations. The event, free to the public, is presented by the Museum’s Japanese Arts Council.
• New Mystery Play ‘The Dream of Kitamura’ at East West Players, page 5. Phillip Kan Gotanda’s play ‘The Dream of Kitamura’ centers on a noble family haunted by a mysterious crime from the past, currently showing at East West Players in Los Angeles. The production stars Shizuko Hoshi and Jim Ishida.

Military & Veterans

• Good News for Centenary United Methodist Church Relocation, page 4. Christian churches and YMCA affiliates in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka pledged to raise $750,000 over three years to help Centenary United Methodist Church in Los Angeles relocate to Little Tokyo. Members of the church’s Building Committee were featured in a photo.

Commentary

• History Resurfaces, by Peter Imamura, page 6. The columnist discusses two significant documents now available: the coram nobis petitions for Hirabayashi, Korematsu and Yasui, and the CWRIC’s ‘Personal Justice Denied’ report, both of which correct historical wrongs. He notes the irony that these documents surface during a time of strained U.S.-Japan relations and urges the Nikkei community to handle this new challenge thoughtfully.
• Letter: Utah Conference, by Dean L. May, page 6. Dean L. May writes to clarify that Professor Sandra C. Taylor originated and organized the Salt Lake City Relocation and Redress Conference, correcting an earlier editorial. He also notes that ‘Dean’ is his first name, not a title.
• A Book with Missing Chapters, by Bill Hosokawa, page 7. Hosokawa reviews ‘Wild Bill Donovan: The Last Hero’ by Anthony Cave Brown, noting the book’s near-total omission of OSS activities in the Pacific theater and its Japanese American operatives. He laments that the book fails to explore how intelligence failures may have affected the Pearl Harbor attack and subsequent treatment of Japanese Americans.
• Like Old Times, by Bill Marutani, page 7. Marutani recounts attending a Korean New Year’s party in Philadelphia, describing the program, food, and atmosphere reminiscent of old Issei community events. He reflects on shared immigrant experiences and notices similarities to Japanese American community gatherings of the past.
• Noguchi Demotion, by Cary Nishimoto, page 8. PSW Governor Cary Nishimoto criticizes the Civil Service Commission’s reversal of its own hearing officer’s recommendation in the Noguchi case as a triumph of political expediency over due process. He argues the commissioners were not present during hearings and were not positioned to fairly judge the evidence or witness credibility.
• Sansei and the JACL, by Ron Wakabayashi, page 9. The author examines demographic trends showing the baby boom/Sansei generation reaching career age and discusses whether this generation will continue JACL’s legacy amid outmarriage and career mobility trends. He highlights the Washington Leadership Intern Program as an effort to cultivate Sansei leadership for the organization’s future.
• Membership Drive, by Vernon Yoshioka, page 9. The author stresses the importance of active membership recruitment for JACL’s survival, emphasizing personal contact and distribution of literature rather than just renewal notices. He sets a goal of 5% membership increase for the year and 50,000 members within five years.

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