The 1983 holiday issue: Ruth Aiko Sasaki’s ‘The Loom’ and Little Tokyo

Vol. 97, No. 26, December 23, 1983. 129 pages. View this issue

The Pacific Citizen’s 129-page holiday issue opened with “The Loom,” Ruth Aiko Sasaki’s short story, the first prize winner of the 1983 American Japanese Literary Award. It follows a Nisei woman and her sisters as they try to understand their mother, whose life included wartime incarceration at Topaz. The story ran in three parts across the issue. Little Tokyo’s centennial year also got attention, with Harry Honda writing on the neighborhood’s origins and Henry Mori recalling its prewar holidays. Clifford Uyeda and James Araki wrote about the novel and TV series Futatsu no Sokoku.

Inside are year-end reports from JACL district governors and staff, a preview by Karleen Chinen of the 1984 JACL convention in Honolulu, and Floyd Shimomura on the future of JACL. About 98 of the issue’s pages carry holiday greetings, with names such as San Diego, Orange County, Puyallup Valley, Lake Washington and Olympia visible among them.

What’s in this issue

Arts & Entertainment

• The Loom, by Ruth Aiko Sasaki, page 1. This award-winning short story, first prize winner of the 1983 American Japanese Literary Award, follows a Nisei woman named Jo and her sisters as they struggle to understand their emotionally withdrawn mother after the death of their sister Cathy. Over decades the story traces the mother’s life from childhood in San Francisco’s Japantown through wartime incarceration at Topaz, marriage, raising four daughters, and eventually finding expression through weaving in her later years.
• The Loom (conclusion), by Ruth Aiko Sasaki, page 23. In the story’s conclusion, the mother takes up weaving as a creative outlet after her daughter Sharon gives her a loom, using it to process and express the colors and memories of her life experiences. The story ends with her weaving becoming a form of healing and connection with her daughters, particularly during visits from her daughter Jo.
• Cannibal, by Ferris Takahashi, page 30. This comedic short story follows narrator Jimmy and his awkward college roommate Archie ‘Cannibal’ Tano, whose crude behavior around women makes him notorious in their hiking club until he falls for an older woman named Adriana Dumaine who turns out to be a con artist known to Jimmy’s detective uncle. The story’s twist reveals that Adriana, caught by Uncle Sakai, writes Archie a letter declining his loan while deftly avoiding exposure, with a coda years later showing Archie has settled into married life with children.

In-Depth

• Blue Hawai’i, by Karleen Chinen, page 1. Karleen Chinen previews Honolulu’s hosting of the 1984 JACL Biennial Convention, describing the Pacific Beach Hotel venue with its Oceanarium Tower convention facilities and amenities. The Honolulu Chapter JACL expresses excitement about bringing together JACL members from across the country for business sessions, workshops, and cultural experiences in Hawaii.
• Looking Up Old Friends, by Shuichi Sasaki, trans. by Y. Sasaki and S. Oka, page 1. This translated memoir by Issei journalist Shuichi Sasaki (pen-name Sasabune) recounts his emotional 1932 journey to California to reunite with childhood friends from Japan after 26 years of separation, including Keisaburo Koda who became a major rice farmer and Itsuro Katogi. The story culminates tragically when Katogi, who had just taken in Sasaki’s son to mentor, drowns in a boating accident weeks after their joyful reunion.
• Rekindling the Issei Dream, by Floyd Shimomura, page 2. National JACL President Floyd Shimomura argues that JACL’s future should focus on fulfilling the original Issei dream of achieving top-level success and prominence in American society, not just the Nisei generation’s more modest goal of overcoming discrimination to achieve equality. He calls on Sansei and Yonsei to embrace this expanded vision and for JACL to evolve beyond its traditional civil rights orientation into broader political and international advocacy.
• On the Origins of Little Tokyo, by Harry Honda, page 10. Harry Honda traces Little Tokyo’s history back to 1884 when 25 Japanese immigrants arrived from San Francisco, and even earlier to 1869 with Japanese servants recorded in the 1870 census. The article also explores the pre-existing Indian village (Rancheria de Poblanos) that existed in the same area decades before Japanese settlement, drawing parallels between the treatment of Native Americans and later Japanese Americans.
• Little Tokyo Holiday, by Henry Mori, page 11. Henry Mori provides a nostalgic look back at prewar Little Tokyo life from the 1920s and 1930s, describing the tight-knit Issei business community, the term ‘hosuto’ (First Street) used by elderly residents, and the annual rhythms of commerce including the Nisei Week Festival started in 1934. He reflects on how the neighborhood has transformed from a quiet farming area to a sophisticated international business district.
• The Loom (continued), by Ruth Aiko Sasaki, page 12. This continuation of the award-winning short story delves deeper into the mother’s backstory, describing her upbringing in San Francisco’s Japantown, her experience with racism starting in childhood, and her family’s internment experience at Tanforan and Topaz during WWII. The narrative explores her psychological journey of suppressing her Japanese identity to appear ‘unreproachable’ as an American.

JACL

• Pacific Southwest District’s Contribution to Community Service, by Harry Kajihara, page 2. PSW District Governor Harry Kajihara reviews the 1982-83 biennium’s accomplishments, including hosting the JACL National Convention and meeting redress fundraising pledges of $38,445. He highlights PSW’s community relations work including Day of Remembrance co-sponsorship, support for the Vincent Chin case, and testimony before the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission on anti-Asian racism.
• Greetings from PC, by Henry S. Sakai, page 2. PC Board Chair Henry Sakai reports on 1983 as a transition year for the Pacific Citizen, noting editor Peter Imamura’s departure for a journalism fellowship and Harry Honda stepping back in until Karen Seriguchi takes over as news editor. He thanks readers for their support and wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
• Health and Retirement Projects, by Lia Shigemura, page 20. National Program Director Lia Shigemura describes two major JACL initiatives: a Minority Health Fair program funded by Chevron U.S.A. that served over 1,000 individuals from diverse ethnic communities in 1983, and a Nisei retirement video project featuring actor George Takei designed to help Nisei and younger generations discuss retirement planning and expectations.
• A Busy and Productive Year, by John Saito, page 21. PSW Regional Director John Saito summarizes 1983 activities including growth with new Greater Los Angeles Singles and Torrance chapters, the Day of Remembrance candlelight procession in Little Tokyo, and the controversial ruling against reinstating Dr. Thomas Noguchi as coroner. He also notes continued support for the Vincent Chin case and participation in Asian Pacific American Heritage Week events.
• Scholarship Program: Continuing a Legacy, by David Nakayama, page 21. National Youth Director David Nakayama discusses a Department of Education report on educational risk in America and contrasts it with findings that JACL Scholarship Program recipients score in the 98th-99th percentile nationally. He outlines plans for 1984 including the National JACL Scholarship Program, ‘Yearbook 1984’ publication, and support for local chapter scholarship initiatives.
• Discoveries of a Governor, by John Tani, page 23. Midwest District Governor John Tani reflects on his role overseeing nine diverse JACL chapters and highlights the Vincent Chin case in Detroit as exemplifying the organization’s civil rights mission. He credits attorney Jim Shimoura’s leadership in the Chin case and emphasizes how such individual efforts embody what JACL represents.
• Nuts and Bolts, by Maude Ishida, page 30. Central California District Governor Maude Ishida describes the district’s operations, including a regional office in Fresno managing membership and insurance programs, and the Nikkei Service Center providing nutrition, transportation, and outreach services to Issei. She notes various chapter activities including redress pledge fulfillment and participation in JACL Washington Leadership conferences.
• Service to the Community, by Sachi Kuwamoto, page 30. CCDC Regional Director Sachi Kuwamoto describes a pivotal day when a newspaper headline about Japanese American redress coincided with funding decisions for the Nikkei Service Center’s programs. She details the Center’s daily nutrition program, multi-purpose senior center, and transportation services, plus plans for a tenth anniversary health screening follow-up in 1984.
• A Time to Reflect and Redirect, by Yoshio Nakashima, page 30. NCWNP District Governor Yoshio Nakashima reflects on JACL’s evolution over fifty years and emphasizes the need to maintain focus on civil rights protection and coalition-building with other Asian American groups. He notes that many chapters are approaching their fiftieth anniversaries and calls for greater involvement from younger generations in both JACL activities and broader political engagement.
• Looking Ahead, by Alysa Watanabe and Paul Nakasone, page 30. National Youth Council leaders Alysa Watanabe and Paul Nakasone report on the completion of a national youth directory that raised over $500 through advertising sales, with recognition given to PSW’s Patty Honda for top sales. They announce an upcoming Youth Dance-a-thon fundraiser for the JACL redress program, with $500 already presented to Redress Chair Min Yasui from NCWNP district youth.
• Keeping the Faith, by Homer Yasui, page 31. Pacific Northwest District Governor Homer Yasui celebrates the restoration of a regional office with a real regional director and the chartering of the new Olympia Chapter, bringing PNW to 10 active chapters. He describes a ‘I survived 9066’ fun run event and commits the district to supporting the redress movement led by figures like Minoru Yasui and Judge William Marutani.
• A Harvest of News, by Thomas Toyama, page 31. Thomas Toyama reports on Fowler JACL chapter activities throughout 1983, including concerns about U.S.-Japan agricultural trade relations affecting local farmers, and a full calendar of events from benefit movies to scholarship announcements. The chapter also hosted Judge William Marutani at the Central California District Council convention and elected new officers for 1984.
• From Canada to Mexico, by Ronald Shibata, page 31. Mountain Plains District Governor Ronald Shibata describes the vast geographic scope of his district from Canada to Mexico, highlighting meetings in Denver focused on redress featuring Minoru Yasui and Judge William Marutani, and in Houston focused on employment discrimination. He thanks the district’s dedicated chapter officers and volunteers for their support throughout his term.

National

• About This Issue, by P.C. Staff, page 3. This editor’s note introduces the 128-page Holiday Issue, highlighting featured articles including Ruth Sasaki’s short story, pieces on Little Tokyo history by Harry Honda and Henry Mori, and the controversy surrounding the Japanese novel and TV series ‘Futatsu no Sokoku.’ It also credits the PC staff members who produced the issue, including Harry Honda, Jane Ozawa, Charles Fullert, Tomi Hoshizaki, Mary Imon, Mitsuko Sakai, and Jon Takasugi.

Community

• For Openers: Little Tokyo Centennial Celebrations Begin, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The column marks the beginning of Little Tokyo’s centennial year with cultural events including an Oshogatsu photo exhibition at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center and Kotohajime New Year performances featuring Shinto ceremonies, Noh chanting, and Kinnara Taiko drummers. It pays tribute to the 1884 Japanese pioneers who founded the community in Los Angeles.
• The Minnesota Nikkei Project, by Esther Suzuki, page 25. Esther Suzuki describes the founding and development of the Minnesota Nikkei Project, a volunteer organization started in 1977 to serve the aging Issei population in the Twin Cities through social programs, health screenings, and cultural activities. The project includes a popular ‘day-out’ program with crafts, Japanese meals, and outings like an annual warabi (fern) picking trip that has become a beloved tradition for elderly participants.

Commentary

• Futatsu no Sokoku: Synopsis and Comments, by Clifford Uyeda, page 5. Dr. Clifford Uyeda, past JACL national president, provides a detailed synopsis of Toyoko Yamasaki’s controversial three-volume Japanese novel about a Kibei Nisei named Kenji Amoh caught between loyalties to Japan and America during WWII. The novel depicts Japanese internment, the war crimes trials, and ends tragically with Amoh’s suicide after being forced to interpret death sentences for Japanese war criminals.
• Sanga Moyu: The American Reaction, by James Araki, page 8. University of Hawaii professor James Araki analyzes how American audiences might react to a Japanese television adaptation of ‘Futatsu no Sokoku’ called ‘Sanga Moyu,’ comparing it to successful mini-series like Roots and Shogun. He argues that protagonist Kenji Amoh, though an unusual Kibei Nisei, represents values of American justice and could be seen as a potential redress movement leader if he were real.

Military & Veterans

• Marshal Hike Yego of Placer County, by Roy Yoshida, page 7. Roy Yoshida profiles Hike Yego, who became the first Nikkei elected as a township constable in 1972 and later appointed as marshal overseeing ten deputy marshals for Placer County’s municipal courts in 1983. The article traces Yego’s career from farm boy and grocer through internment at Tule Lake to his unexpected political career, culminating in his historic appointment as what may be the first Japanese American marshal in the continental United States.

Incarceration & Redress

• Japanese-Language Press of Hawaii, What Now?, by Allan Beekman, page 25. Allan Beekman traces the history of Hawaii’s Japanese-language newspapers from the first Gannen-Mono immigrants of 1868 through the pivotal 1909 Higher Wage Movement strike led by figures like Yasutaro Soga and Kinsaburo Fred Makino. The article details the newspapers’ crucial role in community advocacy, including Makino’s successful Supreme Court battle against discriminatory language school laws, and explores whether the sole surviving daily, the Hawaii Hochi, can continue given demographic changes.

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