Vol. 112, No. 9, March 8, 1991. 8 pages. View this issue
The 1990 census shaped the front page. Harry K. Honda reported that Latino and Asian populations grew significantly in California over the past decade, with Nevada also seeing a large increase in Asian Pacific Islander residents, and he drew on expert analysis of settlement in areas such as the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo and Chinatown. Also on page one: a PBS documentary, A Quest for Education, comparing schooling in the United States and Japan, and a series of redress workshops in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Bill Hosokawa’s column looked at a non-Japanese novelist writing Japanese characters, and Mike Masaoka paid tribute to a longtime friend. Page 5 honored attorney James C. Purcell, who challenged California’s alien land law. Page 6 covered Steven Okazaki’s Academy Award nomination for Days of Waiting, Wakako Yamauchi’s play And the Soul Shall Dance, and a Kabuki theater opening. JACL chapter news ran on pages 3 and 5.
What’s in this issue
National
- Latino and Asian Populations Make Gains in California, by Harry K. Honda, page 1. The 1990 census shows Latino and Asian populations have grown significantly in California over the past decade, with Nevada also seeing a large increase in Asian Pacific Islander residents. The article discusses expert analysis on demographic shifts and settlement patterns in areas like the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo and Chinatown.’
Arts & Entertainment
- PBS Documentary Explores U.S., Japanese Education, page 1. A one-hour PBS documentary titled ‘A Quest for Education,’ narrated by Edward James Olmos, compares educational systems in the United States and Japan through the personal experiences of two junior high students. The film contrasts American individualism with Japanese group-oriented values and airs Sunday, March 31.’
- Filmmaker Steven Okazaki Gets Oscar Nomination, page 6. Bay Area filmmaker Steven Okazaki earned an Academy Award nomination for his documentary short ‘Days of Waiting,’ which chronicles the life of Estelle Peck Ishigo, a Caucasian woman interned with Japanese Americans during WWII. Okazaki was previously nominated for ‘Unfinished Business’ and is currently working on a documentary about native Hawaiian issues.’
- Play Is Japanese ‘Grapes of Wrath’, page 6. Wakako Yamauchi’s award-winning play ‘And the Soul Shall Dance’ will be performed by a repertory group in Palos Verdes, California. The play, set in California’s Imperial Valley, explores themes of loneliness and longing for home among Japanese immigrants.’
- Kabuki Opens New Theater, page 6. A Kabuki training program performance marks the opening of a new theater complex at Claremont Colleges, celebrating the 25th anniversary of Kabuki at Pomona College. The program includes traditional performances and keyboard demonstrations.’
Incarceration & Redress
- Redress Workshops Offered in Bay Area, page 1. A series of redress workshops will be held in the San Francisco Bay Area to provide one-on-one assistance with redress cases, coordinated with the Department of Justice’s Office of Redress Administration. Sessions are scheduled at various locations including San Francisco, Alameda, Stockton, and Sacramento in March.’
Commentary
- Alaska Woman Gives Thanks for Help, page 2. A reader writes in gratitude after receiving assistance locating a historical reference book following difficulty finding it in local bookstores. The letter references an excerpted work about Issei history that spans regions from Texas to Alabama to Florida.’
- Don’t Be Bullied, page 2. A letter or commentary piece addressing concerns about bullying or intimidation faced by the community. The piece emphasizes standing firm against such treatment.’
- Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due, page 2. A commentary piece discussing the importance of properly crediting individuals for their contributions, referencing a specific event where recognition was due. The piece notes a sister’s passing and the honor given to her.’
- We’re in a Military Mood, by P.C. Staff, page 4. This editorial reflects on the nation’s triumphant mood following the war and warns of the domestic consequences of a country focused on military strength. It cautions that social programs may become victims of shifted budget priorities.’
- So Long to Our Good Friend, by Mike Masaoka, page 4. Mike Masaoka pays tribute to a longtime friend and ally who passed away, reflecting on his contributions to the Japanese American community during difficult times. The piece expresses gratitude and extends condolences to the family.’
- Fate of a Hakujin Novelist Wrangling with Japanese-Type Characters, by Bill Hosokawa, page 4. Bill Hosokawa’s column ‘From the Frying Pan’ explores the challenges faced by a non-Japanese novelist attempting to authentically portray Japanese characters and culture. He discusses issues of cultural authenticity and knowledge in creative writing.’
- East Wind Column, page 4. This East Wind column continues discussion from a previous issue, touching on themes of work, survival, and cultural values. The piece reflects on how work hours and objectives shifted focus during difficult historical periods.’
JACL
- JACL Chapter News: Cleveland, Fremont, Fresno, Philadelphia, page 3. Multiple JACL chapters report on recent activities: Cleveland held its installation dinner honoring longtime members; Fremont Chapter planned an internment education program with speakers including Fred Korematsu; Fresno commemorated the Assembly Center Memorial with over 600 attendees; and Philadelphia scheduled its installation dinner featuring Haverford College dean Matthew Hamabata as speaker.’
- JACL Agenda: Sacramento, New York Chapter News, page 5. JACL Sacramento leaders met with the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee to express concern over mistreatment of Arab Americans amid reported vandalism and harassment. Separately, Japanese American Social Services Inc. held its annual luncheon in New York City with more than 50 attendees.’
In-Depth
- Tribute to James C. Purcell, page 5. A tribute honors the legacy of attorney James C. Purcell, who successfully challenged California’s alien land law in court, leading to its being declared unconstitutional in 1952. The piece extends condolences to his widow Helen and their nine children while celebrating his contributions to Japanese Americans’ civil rights.’
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