Redress hearings, the Vincent Chin case and a Davis murder charge

Vol. 97, No. 7, August 12, 1983. 12 pages. View this issue

The Pacific Citizen’s August 12, 1983 issue centered on redress and on violence against Asian Americans. The front page reported that the National Governors Association declined to endorse reparations for Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II (often called internment) but approved a resolution calling for an apology. On page 5, John Tateishi and Joan Z. Bernstein gave testimony to a Senate subcommittee on the Civil Liberties Act debate. The paper also reported that a federal grand jury would investigate the killing of Vincent Chin, and that James Pierman pleaded not guilty to murder in the death of Thong Hy Huynh at Davis High School. Clifford Uyeda wrote about meeting Lily Chin, Vincent Chin’s mother.

Elsewhere in these 12 pages: Mike Masaoka’s Japanese decoration, an Estelle Ishigo exhibit in Little Tokyo, a plaque plan for the Salinas detention center, and plans for a monument at the Amache site. Harry K. Honda reported from the Pan American Nikkei convention in Lima, Peru, and several JACL chapters announced scholarships and community events.

What’s in this issue

National

• Crucial Asian Pacific American Issues Cited, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The State Board of Governors of Asian Pacific American Advocates of California met and identified key issues including increased violence against Asian Pacific Americans and the Simpson-Mazzoli immigration bill. The board passed nearly 30 resolutions addressing cases of racial violence and discrimination, and called for continued monitoring of hate crimes against Asian Pacific Americans.
• Davis Student Pleads Not Guilty to Murder Charge, by P.C. Staff, page 1. James ‘Jay’ Pierman, 17, pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the stabbing death of Vietnamese student Thong Hy Huynh at Davis High School. Pierman, who will be tried as an adult, faces a preliminary hearing, and testimony indicated he has subnormal intelligence while Vietnamese residents say the killing followed a pattern of harassment at the school.
• U.S. Grand Jury to Investigate Murder of Vincent Chin, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A federal grand jury will be convened in Detroit to investigate the fatal beating of Vincent Chin following nationwide protests from Asian communities and an FBI investigation. Advocacy groups argue the evidence supports prosecution under federal civil rights statutes against killers Ronald Ebens and Michael Nitz, who previously received only probation and a fine for manslaughter.
• Masaoka Conferred Japanese Decoration at D.C. Reception, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Mike Masaoka was decorated with the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Second Class, by Japanese Ambassador Yoshio Okawara at a special reception in Washington, D.C., with over a hundred friends and family in attendance. The ambassador noted this was the highest decoration conferred on an American citizen that year, honoring Masaoka’s decades of work on U.S.-Japan relations and Japanese American civil rights.
• Matsunaga’s Peace Academy Bill Wins Key Legislative Battle, page 2. Senator Spark Matsunaga’s bill to establish a U.S. Academy of Peace appeared poised for Senate passage after decades of similar proposals failed in Congress. The academy would train American and foreign leaders in conflict resolution and house a Center for International Peace, an idea Matsunaga has championed throughout his 20-year congressional career.
• Koreans on Sakhalin Seek UN Help, by P.C. Staff, page 12. A forum on Japan’s postwar responsibilities toward Asian people reported that ethnic Koreans on Sakhalin Island, forcibly sent there before the end of WWII, are seeking to return to Japan or South Korea. An appeal was made to the United Nations Human Rights Commission in Geneva calling for an independent investigation into their situation.

Incarceration & Redress

• Governors Reject Reparations to Internees; Only ‘Apology’, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National Governors Association concluded its annual meeting by refusing to endorse government reparations for Japanese Americans interned during WWII, though it approved a resolution calling for an apology. Gov. John Spellman’s original resolution was weakened after Gov. Richard Lamm moved to drop the compensation provision, citing other groups’ suffering.
• Ex-Salinas Evacuees Launch Plaque Plan, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Five JACL chapters in the Monterey Bay Area are planning a dedication of a State Historical Landmark Plaque commemorating the internment of 3,608 Nikkei at the Salinas temporary detention center in 1942. The Salinas city council approved the plaque wording and funding, with the dedication ceremony planned for the following February.

Military & Veterans

• VFW Nat’l Chief Meets with Nisei Posts, by P.C. Staff, page 1. VFW Commander-in-chief James Currieo met with Nisei VFW leaders in Sacramento to assure them no racial animus was intended by his statement opposing reparations and apology for Japanese American internment. California VFW posts are countering with their own resolution affirming justice and liberty for all Americans at the upcoming national convention.

Community

• Ceramicists Open Little Tokyo Shop, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Little Tokyo Clayworks opened in a former shoe repair shop in Little Tokyo, showcasing handmade ceramics created by local Nikkei artists including JoAnne and Yukio Onaga, Tom Akashi, and Jean Kojima. The shop timed its opening to coincide with this year’s Nisei Week Festival.
• LTSC Nikkei Hypertension Program Funded, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Little Tokyo Service Center received a $13,000 grant from the American Heart Association to initiate a Japanese American Community Hypertension Education Project. The program will provide a bilingual health educator to address high blood pressure problems in the Nikkei community.
• Casino Nite Proceeds Going to Keiro Home, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Sixth Annual Nisei Week Casino Night will be held at the New Otani Hotel, with proceeds benefiting the Keiro Nursing Home. The event features 100 tables of card games including poker, lo-ball, and pan, with a grand prize trip to Las Vegas.
• Osaka Visitor Donates $10,000 to Church Fund, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A visiting delegation presented a $10,000 check to the Centenary United Methodist Church Building Fund, led by the 70-year-old director of the Osaka Christian Center. The contingent of 44 adult leaders was welcomed by church building fund committee chairman Ed Tamura and lay leader Tak Minei.
• Monterey Peninsula CL to Cite Medalist, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Harold Tsuchiya, recently honored by the Japanese government with the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Sixth Class, will be recognized by Monterey Peninsula JACL. The chapter also reported that Carmel-By-The-Sea dedicated a Holiday Tree in honor of pioneer resident Kumahiko Miyamoto.
• Santa Clara Valley Issei Pioneers to Be Cited, by Phil Matsumura, page 8. Issei pioneers of the Santa Clara Valley aged 89 and over will be honored at a Pioneers Day luncheon co-sponsored by the O’Connor 89ers, Yu-Ai Kai, and an ad hoc community committee chaired by retired Judge Wayne Kanemoto. Plans include a parade of Issei in vintage cars and recognition of long-serving community members including a Nisei nurse with 25 years of service.
• JACL and Center Honors 48 Volunteers, by P.C. Staff, page 8. San Mateo community center and JACL chapter presented Certificates of Appreciation to 48 volunteers who regularly served at Ikoi no Tomo, Kiraku Kai, and other community programs. The award luncheon committee included Jeanette Nakahara, Yo Mizono, and other local organizers.
• JACL Divorce Support Group Offers Services, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Greater L.A. Singles JACL chapter offers an ongoing divorce support group for those dealing with divorce trauma, led by a graduate clinical social worker and advised by licensed professionals. Organizer Grace Nagamoto noted that Nisei often find psychotherapy intimidating and costly, making the free support group a valuable community resource.
• NCWNP-DC JACL Youth to Hold Dance, by P.C. Staff, page 9. NCWNP-DC Youth will hold a Dance-A-Thon at National JACL headquarters to raise $1,000 for youth’s contribution to the JACL National Committee for Redress. Participants will seek pledges per minute and dance for three hours non-stop.
• Monterey Hosts Dinner for JSDF Group, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Monterey Peninsula JACL hosted a community reception dinner for 72 officers of the Japan Self-Defense Force, led by Gen. Atsumi Shima, who were in the U.S. for the Yama-Sakura IV training exercises. Local dignitaries including Monterey Mayor George Takahashi and State Sen. Henry Mello attended the event at the Red Snapper.
• Installation Dinner, by P.C. Staff, page 9. West Valley JACL announced its 1984 installation dinner will be held at the Bold Night Restaurant in Sunnyvale, featuring national JACL president Floyd Shimomura as speaker. The event is scheduled for January 27.
• 6th Annual Daruma Festival Aug. 20, by P.C. Staff, page 9. West Valley JACL is organizing its 6th annual Daruma Festival scheduled for August 20. The brief notice announces the upcoming community event.
• Japan-U.S. Student Conference Meets, by P.C. Staff, page 12. The 35th Japan-America Student Conference was held with K. Patrick Okura delivering the keynote address, marking 50 years since the first conference. The event brings together students from Japan and the U.S. to discuss international relations.

Arts & Entertainment

• Ishigo’s Art Exhibit at Amerasia Gallery, by P.C. Staff, page 3. An exhibit of sketches and paintings by artist Estelle Ishigo, author and illustrator of Lone Heart Mountain, opened at the Amerasia Bookstore and Gallery, with the artist scheduled to make personal appearances. Many of her works depict life behind barbed wire during WWII internment, and the exhibit is presented by the National Coalition on Redress/Reparations.

Commentary

• Without Remedies, Injustice and Wound Remain, by John Tateishi, page 5. In testimony before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee, John Tateishi argued that the WWII internment of Japanese Americans violated constitutional rights and that the issue concerns all Americans, not just Japanese Americans. He emphasized that until the U.S. corrects and remedies this injustice, it will remain an unhealed wound on the nation’s conscience, citing the sacrifices of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team as proof of Japanese American loyalty.
• Well Within Our Power to Provide Remedies, by Joan Z. Bernstein, page 5. Joan Bernstein testified before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee detailing the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians’ five recommendations, including a formal apology, pardons, review of lost entitlements, a humanitarian foundation, and $1.5 billion in personal redress payments of $20,000 each to survivors. She argued that monetary payments are justified given historical precedents like the Indian Claims Act and the continued detention of loyal citizens long after any military necessity had passed.
• From the Frying Pan: Carl Mydans: Photojournalist, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Bill Hosokawa reviews a book by the Nikkor Club of Japan profiling legendary Life magazine photojournalist Carl Mydans, who documented the Great Depression, the Sino-Japanese War, and WWII, including being captured and held in Japanese prison camps in Manila and Shanghai. Mydans later became an early adopter of the Nikon 35mm camera during the Korean War, helping popularize it among professional photographers.
• Cliff’s Corner: Mrs. Lily Chin, by Dr. Clifford Uyeda, page 6. Dr. Clifford Uyeda writes about meeting Mrs. Lily Chin, mother of murdered Vincent Chin, describing her poise and determination to prevent racism from being repeated against other Asians in America despite her personal tragedy. Mrs. Chin toured the West Coast on a tight schedule to raise awareness about the implications of her son’s case and the light sentencing of his killers.
• Oshi: Hotaru Koooi!, by Jin Konomi, page 9. Jin Konomi writes about the Japanese cultural tradition of the Hotaru (firefly) Front, a seasonal marker tracked by the Japanese Weather Bureau, and the nostalgic affection Japanese people hold for fireflies despite their declining population. The piece notes recent conservation efforts including designated firefly sanctuaries and breeding programs to restore firefly habitats across Japan.

JACL

• Impressions of the Leadership Program, page 7. A participant reflects on the JACL Leadership Program held in Washington, D.C., describing it as an intense week combining education about how Washington politics works with inspirational meetings with Nikkei congressmen and Mike Masaoka. The writer emphasizes the importance of Asian Pacific Islander Americans gaining positions in government and challenges younger generations to continue the work of the Nisei in advancing JACL’s causes.
• Learning First-Hand How U.S. Gov’t Works Enjoyable, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Timothy Mukoda, sponsored by Seabrook JACL, attended the Presidential Classroom for Young Americans in Washington, D.C., calling the experience extremely enriching and praising the chance to meet with senators and representatives. Mukoda, entering the U.S. Air Force Academy, encouraged Seabrook JACL to continue sending students to the program, which has sponsored students since 1976.
• Peninsula JACL Awards Two Scholars, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Glen Tachibana, a graduate with a 3.96 GPA, won the Sachi Akamine Award for his active involvement in school sports and the El Estero Presbyterian Youth Group. The scholarship was part of Peninsula JACL’s recognition of outstanding student leaders.
• Nikkei Graduates Recognized by JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Detroit JACL awarded its 1983 scholarship to Wayne Kamidoi, a graduate of Capac High School, along with recognizing other high school and college graduates including students from Livonia Churchill, Mercy, and the University of Michigan Medical School. The chapter honored multiple students completing both high school and advanced degrees.
• Mountain Plains District CL Delegates Hold 3-Day Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Delegates from all six chapters of the Mountain Plains JACL District met for a three-day session covering topics including the Betty Waki employment discrimination case in Houston and plans for a monument at the Amache Relocation Center site. A redress workshop was held with National Redress chair Min Yasui and CWRIC member Judge William Marutani as featured speakers.

In-Depth

• Land of the Incas, Inflation and Inemuri, by Harry K. Honda, page 10. Harry Honda recounts his travel experiences at the 2nd Pan American Nikkei Association Convention in Lima, Peru, describing the country’s geography, high inflation, and a visit to Machu Picchu with fellow JACL delegates. He reflects on the contrast between Peru’s ancient Incan wonders and its modern poverty, as well as the political tension during a declared national emergency that nearly derailed the convention.
• 100,000 Nikkei Reside in Peru Today, by P.C. Staff, page 10. Population figures for Nikkei in Peru vary widely, with the PANA Convention booklet citing 100,000, of which 89% are Nisei and a majority trace their roots to Okinawa prefecture. The postwar history of La Colonia Japonesa is marked by significant assimilation and contribution to Peruvian society in medicine, engineering, and commerce.

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