Vol. 106, No. 5, February 5, 1988. 12 pages. View this issue
Redress led the Pacific Citizen of February 5, 1988. The front page reported on a January 30 reception in Los Angeles where some 200 people joined Reps. Norman Mineta and Robert Matsui to honor Rep. Barney Frank, who moved H.R. 442, the Civil Liberties Act of 1987, through his committee on the way to the House vote of September 17, 1987. Two Day of Remembrance programs were announced inside, in San Francisco and Los Angeles, and Minoru Yasui’s legal case ended with the Supreme Court’s denial of a rehearing.
The 12 pages also include a profile of John Aiso by Shigeya Kihara and coverage of the memorial tribute held for him, columns by Ron Wakabayashi, William Marutani, Bill Hosokawa and Paul Igasaki, a review of a book on the 100th and the 442nd, and a notice of a Jerome camp reunion. Chicago JACL’s dinner/dance, with Henry Tanaka as speaker, runs across two pages.
What’s in this issue
National
- Nikkei Group Honors Frank for Redress Efforts, by Laurie Mochidome, page 1. Some 200 people joined Reps. Norman Mineta and Robert Matsui in Los Angeles to honor Rep. Barney Frank for his role in passing H.R. 442 through the House. Frank, who chaired the relevant subcommittee, discussed his reasons for supporting redress and his concerns about the Walter-McCarran Act, while Grayce Uyehara updated attendees on the Senate version of the bill.
- ‘Round Eyes’ Remark Draws Fire, page 1. Arizona Gov. Evan Mecham drew criticism after making a remark about Japanese people getting “round eyes” when discussing golf during a Phoenix Kiwanis Club speech. Arizona JACL Chapter President Gary Tadano called for an apology, noting Mecham’s history of offensive remarks toward minorities.
- Inouye Rescinds on Overseas Schools, page 1. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye announced he would rescind an $8 million appropriation for Jewish schools in France after facing criticism over the funding and its connection to a campaign contribution. Inouye defended his original intent as helping refugees but said he would not prolong the controversy.
- Cop Shoots, Kills Asian Man, page 1. The family of Vuthikrai Thienvanich has hired an attorney and private investigator to examine the circumstances of his fatal shooting by a transit officer in New York. The Coalition Against Anti-Asian Violence expressed concern about delays in the investigation and possible cover-up by the Transit Authority.
- Bills Backed by Matsunaga Approved, page 2. Sen. Spark Matsunaga announced Senate approval of his proposal for a five-year, $27.4 million program to expand educational opportunities for native Hawaiian children. He also discussed a separate measure, the Prescription Drug Marketing Act of 1987, designed to close loopholes allowing diversion and counterfeiting of prescription drugs.
- Matsui Sponsoring Conference, page 3. Rep. Robert T. Matsui announced he will sponsor a small business conference in Sacramento in cooperation with the Metro Chamber of Commerce. The daylong event will focus on helping local entrepreneurs expand business opportunities nationally and internationally.
Community
- Matsui to Speak in San Francisco, page 2. Rep. Robert Matsui will headline a Day of Remembrance program in San Francisco sponsored by the National Coalition for Redress/Reparations, providing an update on the Civil Liberties Act of 1987. The event will also feature a presentation by Tsuyako Kitashima, a performance by the San Jose Taiko Group, and a candlelighting ceremony.
- Physician Honored for 48-Year Career, page 2. Dr. Sakaye Shigekawa was honored at her 75th birthday party for her 48 years as a general practice physician, including more than 10,000 successful deliveries. Interned at Santa Anita during WW2, she later returned to Los Angeles to resume her medical practice in 1949.
- NJAHS in Search of a Logo Design, page 3. The National Japanese American Historical Society is holding a $200 contest to design a logo reflecting the organization’s ethnic heritage and Americanism. NJAHS vice president Clifford Uyeda discussed the complexities of expressing Americanism as an ethnic minority.
- Heritage Week Celebrated in N.Y., page 6. The Asian Pacific American Law Students Association presented its first Asian Pacific Heritage Week at CUNY Law School, featuring a lecture by Professor Philip Tajitsu Nash on Asian Pacific American history and a film festival. Events focused on celebrating diversity and raising awareness of discrimination faced by Asian Americans.
- L.A. Program to Honor Matsui, Mineta and Matsunaga, page 8. A Day of Remembrance program themed “Redress/Reparations Progressing Towards Justice” will honor Sen. Spark Matsunaga and Reps. Norman Mineta and Robert Matsui in Los Angeles. The event is sponsored by the National Coalition for Redress/Reparations and JACL’s Pacific Southwest District Council.
Incarceration & Redress
- Documentary on U.S. Internment Camp ‘Topaz’ Available on Video, page 2. A documentary titled “Topaz” about the WWII internment camp is now available for purchase, rental, or preview on videotape. The film features historical footage and interviews with former prisoners including Mine Okubo and Yoshiko Uchida.
- Jerome Camp Holding Reunion in California, page 3. Former internees of the Jerome Relocation Center in Arkansas are invited to the second Jerome Reunion to be held October 7-9 at the Torrance Marriott Hotel. Contact information for organizers was provided for interested attendees.
- Defeat of Case Ends Fund Drive, page 6. The U.S. Supreme Court’s denial of a rehearing petition in Minoru Yasui’s case ended all legal appeals, prompting the Minoru Yasui Memorial Fund drive committee to terminate its fundraising. The drive raised $71,500 in contributions since July 1987, with a complete financial report expected within months.
Commentary
- Musubi: New Chapter Reflects Area’s New Ethnic Consciousness, by Ron Wakabayashi, page 4. JACL National Director Ron Wakabayashi reflects on a trip to Hawaii and visits with the new Honolulu JACL chapter, noting how Hawaii’s demographic shift toward a white majority is changing ethnic consciousness there. He observes that interests of mainland and Hawaii Japanese Americans seem to be converging, which could significantly affect JACL’s future.
- Letters to the Editor, by John E. Kashiwabara, M.D.; Mas Odoi; Mollie Fujioka; (unnamed writer continued on back page), page 4. Multiple letters debate the confirmation of Rep. Dan Lungren as California state treasurer, with supporters citing his character and opposition to reparations as fiscally responsible, while critics cite his voting record on civil rights issues including the ERA, Civil Rights Act, and South Africa sanctions. Other letters criticize or defend JACL’s handling of political stances on Lungren and Robert Bork.
- A Human Perspective: Remembering Mike Masaoka, by William Marutani, page 5. The columnist recalls personal encounters with Mike Masaoka over many years of JACL involvement, describing him as a brilliant and humble leader despite nervousness before major speeches. He recounts Masaoka’s role organizing JACL participation in the 1963 March on Washington and his continued advocacy work even in poor health.
- From the Frying Pan: Meet the Honorable Seki and Yanai, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Hosokawa profiles the career paths of Japanese consul generals in San Francisco and Los Angeles, noting these posts serve as stepping stones to top diplomatic positions. He introduces new consul generals Hiromoto Seki in Los Angeles and Shunji Yanai in San Francisco, both of whom have significant ties to the U.S.
- Remembering Harold, by Paul Igasaki, page 8. The author reflects on the legacy of late Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, who was the first mayor to regularly attend JACL dinners and made significant appointments of Asian Americans to city positions. Igasaki describes Washington’s personal impact on his own sense of pride and self-esteem as a minority professional.
Arts & Entertainment
- Why Inouye? Ramblings on AAPAA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, by George Johnston, page 5. The Association of Asian Pacific American Artists plans to give its 1988 Lifetime Achievement Award to Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, but the columnist questions this choice since Inouye is not an entertainer. The piece suggests alternative Asian American actors like James Shigeta and Mako, or posthumous honors for figures like Sessue Hayakawa and Bruce Lee, would be more fitting.
- The Pacific Citizen Bookshelf: Japanese American Soldiers, page 5. A review of “Unlikely Liberators, The Men of the 100th and the 442nd” by Masayo Umezawa Duus praises the book’s extensive research and eloquent descriptions of the Nisei soldiers’ WWII combat experiences. The review highlights themes including whether Japanese American units were treated as “expendable” and the human cost of their missions in Italy and the Vosges.
- The Jealous Society, by Saburo Kawamoto, page 6. A film critic analyzes the NHK drama “Belonging,” about a Japanese teenager who is bullied after returning from the U.S. for being too individualistic and “un-Japanese.” The article explores how Japan’s emphasis on conformity and group harmony suppresses individuality and fosters jealousy toward those who stand out.
JACL
- Chicago JACL Holds Dinner/Dance, by Jane B. Kaihatsu, page 8. Over 150 people attended the Chicago Chapter’s inaugural dinner/dance featuring keynote speaker Henry Tanaka, past national JACL president, who addressed the future direction of the organization. The event also included the installation of the chapter’s new 1988 Board of Directors.
- Chicago JACL: Tanaka Addresses Future of Organization, by Jane B. Kaihatsu, page 11. Continuing coverage of the Chicago JACL inaugural dinner details Henry Tanaka’s specific proposals regarding the Washington D.C. office, U.S.-Japan relations, youth engagement, and cultural heritage definition. Tanaka also discussed tensions between the National Board and staff roles, advocating for a partnership approach, before installing new board members including Patricia Adachi as president.
Military & Veterans
- John Aiso: 1909-1987 — Army Intelligence Relied on Nisei, by Shigeya Kihara, page 10. This historical account details how John Aiso was selected to lead the Army’s new Japanese language military intelligence school at the Presidio of San Francisco in 1941, despite having no teaching experience. The piece describes how Aiso’s leadership proved crucial in validating Nisei loyalty and capability, ultimately influencing the decision to form the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
Obituaries
- Community Organizations, Friends Meet in Memorial Tribute to Judge Aiso, page 10. Some 500 mourners gathered at the Japan America Theater for a memorial tribute to the late John F. Aiso, featuring eulogies from six distinguished speakers including Consul General Hiromoto Seki and former U.S. Ambassador James D. Hodgson. The ceremony included a candlelight tribute from 25 organizations and military honors from the 100th/442nd Association.
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