Vol. 114, No. 14, April 10, 1992. 16 pages. View this issue
A federal hate crimes bill led the news. Rep. Charles Schumer and Sen. Paul Simon introduced the Hate Crimes Sentencing Enhancement Act of 1992, and JACL National Director Dennis Hayashi spoke for its support, pointing to a rise in anti-Asian violence. Redress also drew coverage: amendments to the Civil Liberties Act passed a House subcommittee, and Rep. Robert Matsui argued for finishing the payments. Gwen Muranaka reported on Peruvian Congressman Guillermo Yoshikawa, stranded in Los Angeles after President Fujimori declared martial law.
The back half of the 16 pages turned to travel: Morris Kosakura on a tour of China, Gwen Muranaka on hosteling through Hokkaido, and Harry K. Honda on a Japanese garden near Geneva, Illinois. Naomi Kashiwabara’s column offered a wry view of the road. There are also restaurant reviews, a Disney film review by Joyce Kato, and news of Patty Wada’s appointment as NCWNP regional director.
What’s in this issue
National
- Federal Hate Crimes Act Introduced, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Rep. Charles Schumer and Sen. Paul Simon introduced the Hate Crimes Sentencing Enhancement Act of 1992 to toughen sentencing guidelines for hate crime offenses. JACL and the Organization of Chinese Americans voiced support, citing rising anti-Asian violence and Japan-bashing as reasons for urgent passage.
- Peruvian Congressman Tells of Fujimori ‘Oppression’, by Gwen Muranaka, page 1. Peruvian Congressman Guillermo Yoshikawa found himself stranded in Los Angeles after President Alberto Fujimori declared martial law and rounded up congressional leaders. Yoshikawa described the action as oppression of the people and said he would seek political asylum in the U.S. rather than return to Peru.
- Mineta to Hold Town Hall Meeting, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Rep. Norman Mineta announced he will sponsor a town hall meeting on April 23 in Los Gatos to discuss transportation and the Northern California economy. The meeting follows his highway/transit legislation signed into law by President Bush, which is expected to create jobs in the Bay Area.
- Peruvian Political Crisis Draws International Scrutiny, page 3. News organizations including the Associated Press and National Public Radio reported on Peruvian President Fujimori’s declaration of a state of emergency, placing Congress under house arrest in the name of preserving democracy. Local Japanese American and Latin American observers in Los Angeles, including Luis Yamakawa, expressed shock at the political action, comparing Fujimori’s move to authoritarian tactics.
- Reaction: Yoshikawa Foresaw the Coup, page 3. Congressman Yoshikawa explained he was not surprised by Fujimori’s coup, noting that recent cabinet appointments connected to intelligence services signaled the takeover was coming. He discussed Peru’s weak economy, his past work with Fujimori’s Cambio 90 party on educational reform, and his plans to continue working for Peru’s economy from exile.
- Japanese Maquiladoras Expand in Mexico Despite Trade Tensions, by P.C. Staff, page 14. Despite ongoing U.S.-Japan trade tensions, Japanese companies continue to expand maquiladora operations in Tijuana and other Mexican border areas. A Columbia University professor studying the maquiladoras noted continued investment despite uncertainties in the trade relationship.
JACL
- Patty Wada Named New Regional Director, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Patty Wada, formerly an associate editor at the Hokubei Mainichi, was named NCWNP regional director, replacing Joy Morimoto who moved to a national JACL position. JACL leaders praised her experience and knowledge of Japanese American and Asian American community issues.
Incarceration & Redress
- Redress Amendments Pass House Subcommittee, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The House Judiciary subcommittee passed amendments to the Civil Liberties Act, including H.R. 4551 and H.R. 4553, addressing redress payment eligibility and judicial review processes for claimants. JACL National Director Dennis Hayashi praised the quick subcommittee action and urged full Judiciary Committee action soon.
- Matsui Pushes to Complete Redress Payments, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Rep. Robert Matsui argued that redress bills are essential to fulfilling Congress’ original intention of complete redress for internment victims, warning against inconsistent treatment of eligible recipients. He specifically called for correcting an oversight affecting veterans whose redress payments threaten their VA pensions.
Obituaries
- 1000 Club Leader Thomas Arima Dies, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Thomas N. Arima, 68, an active Contra Costa JACLer, died March 30, prompting tribute from JACL President Cressey Nakagawa who praised his volunteer service. Arima was a 1000 Club Century Life member and JACL silver and sapphire pin awardee active with the Buddhist community.
Community
- Governor Lauds JACL Role in Fighting Bias, by Special to the Pacific Citizen, page 4. Washington Gov. Booth Gardner addressed the annual Nikkei Appreciation Banquet in Spokane, praising JACL’s leadership in combatting prejudice and countering Japan-bashing. National JACL President Cressey Nakagawa and Japan Consul General Shinsuke Hirai also spoke, with Nakagawa noting that Japanese Americans are again caught in the middle amid rising anti-Japan sentiment.
- Cellist Allison Eldredge to Perform in Berkeley, by P.C. Staff, page 14. Cellist Allison Eldredge and her mother, pianist Yoshie Akimoto, will perform April 24 at the Julia Morgan Theater in Berkeley. Eldredge has performed with major orchestras including the New York Philharmonic and Los Angeles Philharmonic and at venues such as the White House.
- Community Calendar Highlights: Films, Concerts and Lectures, by P.C. Staff, page 14. Several community events were announced including a Japanese calligraphy exhibition, a search for first-generation Asian women’s stories for a new play by Jude Narita, and Japanese film classics screenings in San Diego. Musicians Sadao Watanabe and David Iwataki were also scheduled for concerts at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center.
- Community People and Achievements, by P.C. Staff, page 16. Rep. Norman Mineta received the Easter Seal’s 1991 Outstanding Advocate Award for his transportation legislation benefiting the disabled. Other honorees included Honolulu police officers who saved a drowning child, UCLA alumni director John Kobara, and attorney Stewart Kwoh named president of the Asian Pacific American Legal Center.
Arts & Entertainment
- Asian American Artists Conference Set for Twin Cities, by P.C. Staff, page 4. A national conference celebrating Asian American artists will be held in Minneapolis-St. Paul featuring writer David Mura, performers Brenda Wong Aoki, poets Garrett Hongo and Li-Young Lee, and musician Mark Izu. The event includes theater, multimedia performances, and music blending Asian classical traditions with jazz.
- A Great Meal in a Great Setting: The Warehouse Restaurant, by P.C. Staff, page 9. The Warehouse Restaurant in Marina del Rey offers a Pacific Islands-themed dining experience with tropical decor and a reasonable price range for its quality and atmosphere. The review highlights signature dishes like Malaysian shrimp, ribs Rangoon, and various seafood specialties.
- Restaurant’s Shaking Up Los Angeles: Epicentre, by P.C. Staff, page 9. The Epicentre Restaurant in the Kawada Hotel features an earthquake-themed decor and California No-Fault Cuisine under executive chef Mike Olmeda. The menu includes crab cakes, curry dishes, pastas, and desserts, with convenient proximity to the Music Centre for pre-theater dining.
- ‘Newsies’: Old-Fashioned Family Fun, by Joyce Kato, page 14. Disney’s
In-Depth
- Tourists Awaken to China, by Morris Kosakura, page 5. A 53-member tour group traveled through Shanghai, Guilin, Xian and Beijing, experiencing China’s 4,000 years of history including the Qin Army terra cotta warriors and the Great Wall. The author notes China’s modernization, improved living standards, and high-quality travel accommodations despite past perceptions of the country as an austere destination.
- Hosteling Through Hokkaido, by Gwen Muranaka, page 6. The author describes budget travel through Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido using youth hostels, detailing experiences in Hakodate, Sapporo, Otaru, Shikotsuko, and Toya-ko. Hosteling offers travelers an adventurous, immersive way to see Japan despite rigid schedules and occasional mishaps like finding a snake in a bath.
- Historic Japanese Garden Lies West of Chicago, by Harry K. Honda with Kaz Horita, page 6. A historic Japanese garden in the Fabyan Forest Preserve near Geneva, Illinois, was maintained in the 1920s-30s by Susumu Kobayashi and remains a peaceful attraction featuring a teahouse, bridge, and stone lantern. The estate’s owner Col. George Fabyan had connections to Japanese dignitaries and hosted a code-breaker who cracked Japan’s diplomatic cipher
- Circus Circus Reno: It’s a Family Affair, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Circus Circus Hotel/Casino in Reno has attracted growing numbers of families due to affordable prices, free circus acts, and proximity to Lake Tahoe. The article details room rates, dining options, and entertainment offerings that make it accessible for family budgets.
- Going to Japan? Take This Book Along, by H.K.H., page 12. A review of
Commentary
- Travel Isn’t All Fun and Saying ‘Cheese’, by Naomi Kashiwabara, page 10. The author offers a wry, cautionary take on international travel, addressing topics like airfare costs, illness, theft, and wasted time in transit. Despite the drawbacks, he concludes that travel is worthwhile and encourages readers to embrace the exotic while taking sensible precautions.
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