Vol. 112, No. 16, April 26, 1991. 8 pages. View this issue
A video on the Japanese American evacuation experience, titled ‘Without Due Process,’ led this issue. Richard Suenaga reported from Sacramento, where JACL officials and members gave mixed reviews of a video proposed for California’s state educational curriculum. The California Curriculum Committee rejected it after national JACL officials testified that it was unacceptable, while Fresno chapter members argued it was better than nothing. A second story on page 3 followed the debate among Fred Hirasuna, Frank Nishio, Carole Hayashino and Joy Morimoto over whether to accept a flawed video or press for a better one.
Also in this issue: a documentary being filmed about Fred Korematsu, a Lakewood councilman’s racial remark about a Vietnamese restaurant, and Rep. Norman Y. Mineta’s call for a census adjustment. Bill Hosokawa and Bill Marutani each wrote about how well the U.S. and Japan understood each other before Pearl Harbor, and a film about Japanese war brides was seeking funding.
What’s in this issue
National
- Internment Video Gets Mixed Reviews, by Richard Suenaga, page 1. JACL officials and members expressed differing opinions on ‘Without Due Process,’ a video on the Japanese American evacuation experience proposed for California’s state educational curriculum. The California Curriculum Committee ultimately rejected the video after national JACL officials testified it was unacceptable due to omissions like racism as a cause of internment, while Fresno chapter members argued it was better than nothing.
- Group Honors Outstanding Asian Americans, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Barbara Bush will serve as honorary chairwoman for the fourth annual Excellence 2000 Asian American awards program, sponsored by a coalition including the Organization of Chinese American Women. Honorees include architect I.M. Pei, Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, and actor Dustin Nguyen, with proceeds benefiting an Asian American Scholarship Fund.
- Mineta Calls for Fairer Representation from Census, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Rep. Norman Y. Mineta called for a statistical adjustment to the 1990 census to more accurately reflect California’s population, arguing this would ensure fairer congressional representation. He noted seven new seats had previously been announced for California and argued the administration should be as fair about the census as it has been about other matters.
- Video Controversy Continues: JACL Officials Debate Merits of Film, by P.C. Staff, page 3. JACL officials including Fred Hirasuna and Frank Nishio debated the merits of the ‘Without Due Process’ video, with some arguing it was flawed but worth accepting to get a foot in the door, while others like Carole Hayashino and Joy Morimoto insisted the state should reject it and pursue a better replacement. Nishio expressed worry that rejecting the video means Japanese Americans may not get another chance to have their story told in the curriculum.
Community
- Councilman Makes Racial Remark, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Lakewood councilman named Motta reportedly made a racist remark blaming a Vietnamese restaurant or family for missing dogs and cats in his neighborhood during a council retreat. A counselor from the Asian Pacific Center for Human Development said Motta owes the Vietnamese community a full apology, though he acknowledged dogs have been sold for human consumption in Vietnam.
In-Depth
- Fred Korematsu Documentary Being Filmed, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A documentary film is being made about Fred Korematsu, whose Supreme Court case held that the internment of persons of Japanese descent was unconstitutional. The film’s timing coincides with anniversaries of Executive Order 9066 and the Bill of Rights, and upon completion will be distributed to interested organizations.
Commentary
- Memoirs of Diplomat Terasaki, by Bill Hosokawa, page 4. Hosokawa discusses a book about diplomat Terasaki, who married an American woman named Gwen and whose story became a bestseller in Japan titled ‘Showa Tenno Rokuhaku.’ The column explores revelations about Japan’s leadership, including Foreign Minister Yosuke Matsuoka’s role, in the lead-up to Pearl Harbor and questions how well the U.S. and Japan understood each other then and now.
- The Demand for Japanese Translators, by Bill Marutani, page 4. Marutani writes about the emperor’s mindset before Pearl Harbor, suggesting he believed American and Japanese leaders could have talked through their differences. The column raises concerns about parallels between the flawed communication before Pearl Harbor and current diplomatic understanding between the U.S. and Japan.
- Remembering Friends from Denver Days, by Margarita Matayoshi Kise, page 4. A letter writer recalls childhood memories from Denver in the 1930s, including brothers-in-law Tom and Kebo who ran the York Texaco service station. The writer reminisces about attending Cole Junior High and Manual High School and reconnecting with old friends after many years apart.
Arts & Entertainment
- Film About Japanese Brides Seeks Funding, by P.C. Staff, page 6. A film project about Japanese war brides is seeking funding support, with backing from organizations including the Japanese American Citizens League and a Committee for the Humanities. The film aims to tell the stories of these women from their own point of view, exploring the difficulties they faced adapting to American life.
Thank you for exploring the Pacific Citizen archive. The title, introduction and contents on this page were written by an AI model from scans of the printed issue, so they may contain mistakes. If you spot one, we would be grateful if you let us know.