Vol. 102, No. 11, March 21, 1986. 8 pages. View this issue
The front page carried a report on a new biography of Franklin D. Roosevelt by Ted Morgan, which quotes columns Roosevelt wrote in 1925 describing Japanese immigrants as “toxic” and opposing racial mixing. The author argues these views added context to his later decision to intern Japanese Americans during World War II. Other front-page stories followed the redress effort: Rep. H. James Saxton signed on as a co-sponsor of H.R. 442, and Rep. Norman Mineta planned to speak at a Denver fundraiser for Senate candidate Tim Wirth.
Inside are a report by J.K. Yamamoto on elderly tenants evicted from the Alan Hotel in Little Tokyo, and a plan for a June pilgrimage and monument dedication at Heart Mountain, Wyoming. The commentary page includes Yosh Nakashima on the role of JACL staff and a reader’s letter praising the Pacific Citizen’s reporters. Also covered are astronaut Ellison Onizuka being honored in Hawaii, JACL chapter news, and the national office filing deadline ahead of the Chicago convention.
What’s in this issue
National
- FDR’s Racial Bias Revealed in New Biography, page 1. A newly published biography of Franklin D. Roosevelt by Ted Morgan reveals racist columns FDR wrote in 1925 describing Japanese immigrants as ‘toxic’ and opposing racial mixing. The author argues these views gave added context to Roosevelt’s later decision to intern Japanese Americans during WWII.
- Mineta Backs Senate Candidate Wirth, page 1. Rep. Norman Mineta will speak at a Japanese American fundraising luncheon in Denver for Senate candidate Tim Wirth, who co-sponsored redress bill H.R. 442. Mineta will also chair an aviation safety forum in Denver during the same visit.
- N.J. Republican Saxton Supports Redress Bill, page 1. Freshman Rep. H. James Saxton (R-N.J.) signed on as a co-sponsor of House redress bill H.R. 442 after a meeting arranged by Philadelphia JACL members. The bill now has 123 sponsors, including 16 Republicans.
- Sansei Gives Behind-the-Scenes Account of U.S.-Japan Trade Talks, by Richard Kenmotsu, page 1. Glen Fukushima, Director for Japan Affairs at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, described the challenges of negotiating with tough Japanese officials, including facing prejudice as a Japanese American in his role. He detailed how the U.S. was initially disadvantaged by translation and informational gaps compared to Japan’s well-prepared negotiators.
Community
- Astronomy Complex in Hawaii Named After Astronaut Onizuka, page 1. University of Hawaii regents voted to name the Hale Pohaku astronomical support facility on Mauna Kea in memory of astronaut Ellison Onizuka. Regents are also considering moving a telescope to the site as part of an expanded public science center.
- Women Honored for Achievements at Asian/Pacific Women’s Network Banquet, by Robert Shimabukuro, page 1. The fifth annual Asian/Pacific Women’s Network-LA awards banquet honored six women including California Secretary of State March Fong Eu, architect Maya Lin, and actress Kieu Chinh for their achievements. Speakers reflected on perseverance, identity, and volunteerism before an audience of over 600.
- J-Town Hotel Residents Evicted, by J.K. Yamamoto, page 2. Elderly tenants, including an Issei and a 442nd veteran, were evicted from the Alan Hotel in Little Tokyo and relocated to Skid Row hotels after the building was sold privately. Community advocates criticized the Community Redevelopment Agency for failing to provide relocation benefits, while a separate meeting addressed concerns about a developer’s plan to demolish a historic Little Tokyo building for an office tower.
- Mayor Washington Speaks at Asian Celebration, page 3. Chicago Mayor Harold Washington addressed about 1,200 guests at the third Asian American Lunar New Year Celebration, highlighting city efforts to engage with Asian American communities. He urged attendees to get involved in government and politics by registering and educating voters.
- Mexican Nikkei Plan Sports Fest, page 3. The Mexican Japanese Association is hosting the 11th annual Nikkei International Sports Festival in Mexico City in August, with participants expected from Brazil, Peru, and the U.S. A Los Angeles contingent is being organized by Latin American JACL and Japanese Chamber of Commerce leaders.
- Episcopal Priest to Be Honored, page 3. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church will hold a retirement dinner honoring Rev. Canon John and Fumi Margaret Yamazaki, who retired after 44 years of ministry including service during the wartime incarceration. He ministered to families at Santa Anita and Gila River before returning to Los Angeles in 1946.
- Chapter Pulse: Portland, San Diego, Las Vegas, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Cincinnati, San Mateo, page 6. Multiple JACL chapters announced upcoming events including a Portland letter-writing campaign for redress, a San Diego fundraising dinner featuring Min Yasui, and a San Mateo installation dinner with keynote speaker Norman Mineta. Cincinnati JACL also announced its 1986 slate of chapter officers.
- Former D.C. Rep Gojio Gets County Job, page 6. G. Tim Gojio, former Washington, D.C. representative for JACL, has accepted a position handling intergovernmental relations for newly elected King County executive Tim Hill. Gojio previously served as legal counsel for the Republican Caucus in the Washington State Senate.
Commentary
- The Barber of Shirahama, page 4. A columnist recounts a leisurely, elaborate haircut experience at a barbershop in Shirahama, Japan, describing the full-service ritual of hot towels, shaves, and massage. The piece also muses on the origin of the ‘Bar-Ber’ spelling seen on Japanese barbershop signs and a conversation with the barber about being a Nisei American.
- What Is Role of JACL Staff?, by Yosh Nakashima, page 4. JACL board member Yosh Nakashima discusses ongoing confusion among members about the roles and responsibilities of National JACL staff, particularly Regional Directors. He notes efforts underway to codify clearer job descriptions for consideration at the May National Board meeting.
- Letter of Commendation, by J.A. Herzig, page 4. A reader writes in defense of the Pacific Citizen staff against recent negative criticism, praising the professionalism and quality of reporters J.K. Yamamoto and Robert Shimabukuro. The writer argues that criticism of the paper reflects disagreement with PC Board policy rather than staff competence.
- The Scope of JACL, by Richard T. Kenmotsu, page 4. A letter writer takes issue with a previous column by Mr. Marutani, arguing that JACL is more than just a civil rights organization based on resolutions passed by National Council. The letter also poses a question about terminology used in the earlier column.
Incarceration & Redress
- Return to Heart Mountain, page 5. Bacon Sakatani has organized a pilgrimage and monument dedication at the former Heart Mountain, Wyoming incarceration camp site, in cooperation with homesteaders Chester and Mary Ruth Blackburn. The site was recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and Rep. Norman Mineta, who was incarcerated there as a boy, is expected to attend the June 21 dedication.
JACL
- Apr. 22 Deadline for Filing Papers for National Office, page 5. The JACL Nominations Committee announced that candidates for six national offices must submit filing papers by April 22 ahead of the Chicago convention. New election guidelines aim to ensure fairness in nominating speeches and endorsements at the convention.
- District Speech Contests Announced for PSWDC and EDC, page 6. Pacific Southwest District JACL will hold its speech and forensic competition for members aged 16-19 on May 10, with winners advancing to the National JACL competition in Chicago. The Eastern District will hold its runoff competition on June 21 in Seabrook, New Jersey.
Military & Veterans
- 442 Officer Promotes Redress, by Eddie Sato, page 6. Attorney Thomas Crowley, a former 442nd Regimental Combat Team captain, spoke to Chicago JACL about the history of Japanese American incarceration and urged support for redress bills H.R. 442 and S. 1053. He recounted facing hostility when he tried to advocate for returning internees after the war despite his military service.
Arts & Entertainment
- Artist’s Works to Be Displayed at National Presbyterian Church, page 6. Artist Henry Sugimoto has donated three oil paintings depicting WWII camp life, valued at $220,000, to the Smithsonian for a planned 1987 exhibit on the Japanese American experience. The paintings will be displayed in Washington, D.C. with speakers including Sen. Daniel Moynihan and Rep. Norman Mineta.
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