Redress stalls in the Senate, a Nikkei officer’s firing, and letters on Masaoka

Vol. 106, No. 13, April 1, 1988. 12 pages. View this issue

The front page carried two stories of unfinished business. George Johnston reported on Gary Hamamoto, a Japanese American former Santa Monica police officer who believes he was fired for racial reasons, and Grayce Uyehara reported that the redress bill S. 1009 sat behind a filibuster in the Senate while Sen. Jesse Helms submitted amendments to weaken it. Laurie Mochidome covered Sen. Daniel K. Inouye receiving a lifetime achievement award in Beverly Hills. Pages 2 and 3 followed the Senate immigration bill, which Rep. Robert Matsui called anti-family.

The commentary pages ran a run of letters on Mike Masaoka, stereotypes and the Day of Remembrance, and John Mooring’s op-ed against redress drew a reply from Susan Hayase. Inside are also Chizu Iiyama on a Berkeley schools remembrance program with Fred Korematsu as a speaker, and Lee Imada’s profile of Hiroshima survivor Suzuko Numata.

What’s in this issue

National

• Nikkei Man: Santa Monica P.D. Copped Out on Firing, by George Johnston, page 1. Gary Hamamoto, a Japanese American former Santa Monica police officer, believes he was unjustly fired due to racial discrimination despite a strong academic and professional record. A state investigation found his termination reasons were largely subjective and discovered irregularities, but a promised settlement was not honored, leaving him unable to obtain police certification or employment in law enforcement.
• S. 1009 on Senate Backburner—Amendments Submitted, by Grayce Uyehara, page 1. The redress bill S. 1009 remains stalled on the Senate calendar behind a filibuster over S. 79, with floor action timing uncertain. Sen. Jesse Helms has submitted multiple amendments intended to weaken the bill, including reducing individual payments from $20,000 to as little as $1,000.
• Inouye Receives AAPAA Award, by Laurie Mochidome, page 1. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye was honored with the Association of Asian Pacific American Artists’ Lifetime Achievement Award at a Beverly Hills ceremony attended by nearly 800 people. Inouye called the award a special honor representing a ‘seal of approval’ from his racial and ethnic peers, while actor Sidney Poitier praised AAPAA’s contributions to all people of color.
• Matsui Opposes Immigration Bill, page 2. Rep. Robert Matsui denounced a Senate immigration reform bill as ‘anti-family,’ warning it would reduce visas for family members while favoring young English-speaking professionals. The bill would significantly cut the Fifth Preference category used by many Asian and Hispanic immigrants seeking family reunification in the U.S.
• Immigration Bill Draws Fire from Asian American Leaders, page 3. Maeley Tom and Barbara Miyamoto of the National Democratic Council of Asian and Pacific Americans traveled to Washington to lobby against the Senate immigration bill, calling it a slap in the face to Asian Pacific Americans. They met with Rep. Matsui to express the community’s concerns that the Senate was pitting racial groups against one another.

Arts & Entertainment

• Matsueda Not Just in It for the Laughs, by George Johnston, page 1. Comedian Bob Matsueda performed at the Western Young Buddhists League Conference, using comedy to address Asian American stereotypes and redress issues. Despite some controversy over his profane style, Matsueda is dedicated to social causes and has raised money for Asian organizations through his work.

Community

• Community Youth Conference Offered, page 2. A conference titled ‘Thought into Action’ will be held April 30 at the Nakaoka Community Center in Gardena for individuals wanting to get involved in Asian American community and political issues. The event, sponsored by PSW District JACL and the Nikkei Leadership Association, is limited to 40 participants and requires a $15 registration fee.
• Berkeley School District Focuses on Remembrance Program, by Chizu Iiyama, page 8. The Berkeley school district organized an extensive Day of Remembrance program involving 2,000 students and 20 teachers to educate about Japanese American WW2 incarceration. The event included film showings, speakers including Fred Korematsu, and notably featured a Black student arguing passionately for redress payments.
• Downtown L.A. JACL Honors Mothers’ of the Year, page 8. The Downtown Los Angeles JACL chapter will honor four mothers—Mitsuye Iwamoto, Katsuko Nakamura, Kimi Togawa, and Masuko Tsutsui—at its annual Mothers’ of the Year Luncheon on April 24 at the New Otani Hotel. Each honoree has a long history of community involvement in Japanese American organizations and cultural activities.

Commentary

• The Price of Racism, page 4. This editorial discusses Mike Masaoka’s trip to Toronto for the NJCCA/NAJC’s 40th anniversary, where he spoke about redress and the Japanese American experience. It also explores parallels between Japanese Canadian and Japanese American redress movements and their shared history.
• Merchant Marines’ Belated Recognition, by Paul Hoshi, page 4. A letter from a former Chief Radio Officer describes how the Defense Department belatedly granted WW2 veteran status to merchant mariners, noting the small number of Nisei who qualified for this service. He details the strict licensing requirements and security clearances Japanese American radio operators had to undergo during the war.
• Japan 50 Years Behind in Human Rights, by G.N. Asawa, page 4. A letter writer praises JACL’s interest in Ronald Fujiyoshi’s case and argues that Japan lags behind the U.S. in human rights thinking. The writer compares this to the WW2 incarceration of Japanese Americans and criticizes Nakasone’s remarks about U.S. minorities.
• Differing Strategy on Combatting Stereotypes, by Phil Shigekuni, page 4. A letter writer takes exception to Bill Hosokawa’s column suggesting Japanese Americans should not get angry about stereotypes. The writer argues that anger is a legitimate and empowering response to racism, drawing parallels to the cathartic venting of feelings during the redress movement.
• Use of Force Undocumented, by Jack Herzig, page 4. A letter challenges Bill Hosokawa’s account of Mike Masaoka’s claim that the military threatened force against Japanese Americans during evacuation, citing a letter from Karl Bendetsen denying any such order existed. The writer calls for documented evidence to support or refute such claims to maintain historical accuracy.
• Hiro’s Impressive Accomplishments, by Aiko Herzig, page 4. A letter praises artist Hiro, whose paintings were accepted into the Smithsonian’s ‘A More Perfect Union’ exhibit on Japanese Americans and the Constitution. The writer commends the Pacific Citizen for publishing diverse viewpoints on controversial topics.
• Various Viewpoints Needed, by Frank Emi, page 4. A letter commends the Pacific Citizen’s new direction in publishing diverse and controversial viewpoints, including critiques of Mike Masaoka’s book. The writer suggests younger generations should have more input in JACL policy-making.
• Kilpatrick Insensitive to American Principles, by Thomas Y. Kometani, page 4. JACL Eastern District Governor criticizes columnist James Kilpatrick for dismissing redress efforts as unnecessary hindsight regarding the WW2 incarceration of Japanese Americans. The writer argues that recognizing and redressing past injustice aligns with basic American principles, quoting Santayana on the importance of remembering history.
• Reparations Legislation Is Racist, by John Mooring, page 5. This op-ed argues that H.R. 442’s reparations bill is racist, claiming internment was justified by wartime security concerns rather than hysteria or prejudice. The author disputes common narratives about camp conditions and Japanese American loyalty, citing instances of disloyalty and resistance within the camps.
• The Message of WW2 Redress Movement is ‘Never Again’, by Susan Hayase, page 5. A response to John Mooring’s op-ed argues that the WW2 incarceration was a clear violation of constitutional rights and that redress legislation is about equality, not racism. The author details her family’s incarceration experience and warns that threats of concentration camps have recurred throughout American history for various minority groups.
• That’s the Acronym for ECASU, page 5. This column describes the East Coast Asian Student Union, a coalition of Asian students at over 40 East Coast colleges founded in 1978 to build Asian student organizations and promote unity. ECASU sponsors annual events including Asian College Days, spring conferences, and summer retreats to engage and empower Asian American students.
• Once Unpopular Convictions Stand Test of Time, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Bill Hosokawa’s column discusses a suggestion from Sen Nishiyama to honor those who courageously supported Japanese Americans during WW2 internment. The column highlights individuals like Robert Shivers, Kendall Fielder, and Gen. Delos Emmons who resisted anti-Japanese American policies in Hawaii.
• Being American Involves Complex Social Dynamics, by Ron Wakabayashi, page 10. This reflective column explores the author’s journey understanding his identity as a Japanese American, from childhood embarrassment about his immigrant father to recognizing subtle racism in compliments about his English skills. The piece examines generational differences in how Japanese Americans processed the trauma of WW2 incarceration and discusses parallels with today’s immigrant experiences.

In-Depth

• Survivor’s Mission: We Can’t Afford Another Hiroshima, by Lee Imada, page 6. Hibakusha survivor Suzuko Numata recounts her harrowing experience surviving the Hiroshima atomic bombing, which cost her a leg and her fiancé, who died in the war. Numata now travels to share her story as a warning against nuclear weapons, feeling a responsibility to speak for those who died.
• The Salt Lake Days of East-West Business Matchmaker Stirs Memories, by Harry K. Honda, page 9. This column connects a Los Angeles Times profile of accountant Yuko Takenaka to the history of Salt Lake City’s Colonial Hotel, where Mike Masaoka once lived and met with Japanese Ambassador Nomura before Pearl Harbor. The piece traces personal and historical connections between the hotel and prominent Japanese American figures.

JACL

• PSWDC Chapters Install Officers En Masse, page 8. Seven Pacific Southwest District JACL chapters held a joint installation ceremony for their 1988 boards at the Hyatt Airport Hotel before 250 attendees. PSW regional director John Saito administered the oath, and the evening included karaoke performances and dancing.

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