Vol. 112, No. 5, February 8, 1991. 8 pages. View this issue
The Gulf War ran through this eight-page issue. A front-page report by P.C. Staff gathered opinions from Japanese Americans across the country, with Trisha Murakawa opposed, Randy Shibata and Bill Kashiwagi in support, and several drawing parallels to the World War II incarceration (often called internment). The Chicago Chapter of JACL planned to meet on a resolution opposing the war while supporting the troops, and a page 7 article asked whether Japan’s $9 billion pledge was enough.
Elsewhere, Bill Hosokawa wrote about the Quakers and other groups who helped Japanese Americans during the incarceration, and Jim Henry looked at words like “gaijin” and “Jap.” Jin Konomi examined the myth that Japanese speakers cannot say the letter L. Jim Izumizaki, a Watsonville 442nd veteran, wrote about his brother Henry. The issue also carried a film preview of “Rikyu,” chapter installations, and letters on a proposed veterans memorial.
What’s in this issue
National
- Japanese Firms Still Rated High in U.S., page 1. A Ruderfinn Inc. survey of 1,200 Americans found that Japanese-owned firms were rated the most desirable foreign employers, ahead of British, German, Scandinavian, French and Mexican firms. Those who favored Japanese firms tended to be male, with less education and lower incomes.
- The Gulf War: Yeas and Nays, by P.C. Staff, page 1. As the Gulf War continues, Japanese Americans across the country express divided opinions, with some like Trisha Murakawa opposing the conflict and others like Randy Shibata and Bill Kashiwagi supporting it as necessary to stop aggression. Several interviewees also drew parallels to the WWII incarceration experience, expressing concern about FBI treatment of Arab Americans.
- Is Japan Doing Its Share?, page 7. The article explores differing Japanese American opinions on whether Japan’s $9 billion pledge to the Gulf War effort is sufficient, given historical constraints on Japan’s military established after WWII. Some believe Japan should contribute more, while others argue the country is unfairly singled out compared to other allied nations.
Community
- Group Mulls War Opposition, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Chicago Chapter of JACL planned to meet to discuss a resolution opposing the Gulf War while still supporting troops, proposed by the chapter’s Human Rights Committee. The chapter expressed concern about the high proportion of minorities on the front lines, and if passed, the resolution would be sent to the White House and Congress.
- JACL Chapter Meetings and Installations, page 2. Several JACL chapters, including Cincinnati-Dayton, East Los Angeles and Pasadena, held officer installations and honored community members such as historian Dr. Roger Daniels. New officers and board members were named across multiple chapters for the upcoming year.
- Meetings (Continued), page 3. Continuing chapter news reports officer installations for East Los Angeles/Pasadena chapters and the Southern California Nisei Women’s Golf Association, listing new presidents and board members for various golf clubs. Names included Barry Saiki, Mac Hanada, Rose Higashi and others.
- Japanese American National Museum to Honor Late Sen. Spark Matsunaga, page 3. Elaine Heumann Gurian, deputy director for planning at the National Museum of the American Indian, will speak at the Japanese American National Museum’s annual meeting on Feb. 9 in Los Angeles. The event will also include a reception honoring the late Sen. Spark Matsunaga of Hawaii, attended by his widow Helene Matsunaga and other dignitaries.
Arts & Entertainment
- ‘Rikyu’ Rundown: Power and Art Clash in Teshigahara Film, page 1. The film ‘Rikyu,’ directed by Hiroshi Teshigahara and starring Rentaro Mikuni and Tsutomu Yamazaki, opens Feb. 22 and depicts the conflict between the powerful 16th-century warlord Hideyoshi and the tea master Sen-no Rikyu. The movie contrasts the spiritual purity of the tea ceremony with the extravagance and politics of the Momoyama Period.
Commentary
- Perhaps, the Last: A Response on JACL and US-Japan Relations, by Miki, page 2. A letter writer debates fellow JACL member Bill Marutani over the organization’s role in U.S.-Japan relations, arguing that JACL’s involvement is legitimate and cites a National Convention panel addressing U.S.-Japan issues. The writer references a prior letter titled ‘Ancestry Not Enough’ to argue that Japanese ancestry does provide a valid basis for JACL engagement on these issues.
- J.A. Veterans Memorial: A Letter of Concern, by Miki, East Los Angeles JACL, page 2. A letter writer raises concerns about the proliferation of ethnic memorials in Los Angeles and questions the model being used for the proposed Japanese American Veterans Memorial. The writer suggests that names of recently deceased veterans could be added annually to honor them appropriately.
- Fingerprinting of Koreans to End in Japan, page 4. Japan’s Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu announced an end to routine fingerprinting of Koreans living in Japan, a practice previously required for alien registration despite generations of residency. Japan is expected to extend this policy to Taiwanese and North Koreans by 1993 with a standardized family registry system.
- Refugee From Hungary, page 4. An editorial reflects on America as a nation of immigrants, highlighting the story of a Hungarian refugee who fled in 1956, studied solid state physics, and helped found Intel Corp. The piece uses this story to discuss gratitude and contribution among immigrant communities, including Japanese Americans.
- ‘Chushingura’ Memories: Remembering Those Who Provided Help and Support, by Bill Hosokawa, page 4. Bill Hosokawa’s column draws parallels between the legendary tale of the 47 loyal ronin and the support Japanese Americans received from groups like the Quakers during WWII incarceration. He reflects on gratitude toward those who provided help during a difficult period in history.
- Nasty Little Words: ‘Gaijin’ in Japan, ‘Jap’ in London, Europe, by Jim Henry, page 4. Jim Henry’s ‘Konnichi-wa’ column examines the use of derogatory terms like ‘gaijin’ in Japan and ‘Jap’ in British and European media, including a controversial headline in The Sun newspaper. The piece explores whether such terms carry inherent derogatory meaning or depend on context and usage.
- A Sacrilegious Comparison, by Jim Izumizaki, page 5. A Watsonville 442nd veteran responds to comparisons between draft resisters and WWII volunteer soldiers, sharing personal wartime experiences including being told not to serve certain customers due to anti-Japanese sentiment. The writer honors the sacrifice of soldiers like his brother Henry, killed in combat, and requests to hear from anyone who knew him.
In-Depth
- All That Nonsense of ‘Rots of Ruck’: How the Myth Began That Japanese Have No ‘L’s, by Jin Konomi, page 5. Jin Konomi’s essay examines the myth that Japanese speakers cannot pronounce the letter ‘L,’ tracing historical linguistic shifts between R and L sounds in Japanese dialects and historical documents. He provides examples from Kyushu dialects and historical records to argue that Japanese phonetics naturally include L-like sounds, debunking a long-held stereotype.
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