San Jose Japantown and the 1996 JACL convention

Vol. 122, No. 4, February 16, 1996. 12 pages. View this issue

San Jose’s Japantown, host of the 1996 JACL National Convention, led this 12-page issue. Michelle Lau wrote that the neighborhood survived the World War II incarceration (often called internment) and still holds deep community roots, with tours planned by historian Dr. Tokio Ishikawa. Also on the front page were JACL President Denny Yasuhara’s National Board and convention committee appointments, a Youth Council conference in San Francisco with keynote speaker Francey Lim Youngberg, and sandbags that saved Portland’s Japanese American Historical Plaza.

Inside are four book reviews on the Arts & Entertainment page, including Nancy Shoji on Yukiko Sugihara’s “Visas for Life.” Bill Hosokawa wrote about David Guterson’s novel “Snow Falling on Cedars,” and Harry K. Honda told of the Hojun Maru survivors of 1832. Chapter news covered a Sacramento Day of Remembrance and installation dinners in Mile-Hi, West Valley and French Camp. Scholarship notices also ran.

What’s in this issue

JACL

• Host City San Jose Features Japantown Rich With History, by Michelle Lau, page 1. San Jose’s Japantown, site of the 1996 JACL National Convention, survived internment and retains deep community roots despite assimilation trends. The neighborhood features historic sites including Wesley Methodist Church, San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, the Issei Memorial Building, Norman Mineta’s childhood home, and Okita Hall, with tours led by historian Dr. Tokio Ishikawa planned for the convention.
• Key National Board, Convention Committee Appointments Filled, by Staff reports, page 1. JACL President Denny Yasuhara announced new National Board appointments including Paul M. Shinkawa as vice president of operations and Karen-Liane Shiba as vice president of membership services, along with several 1996 convention committee chairs. Yasuhara praised the appointees’ work ethic and said the moves position JACL for its upcoming national convention and advocacy efforts.
• AP Leader Lim Youngberg, Lorna Onizuka Featured at JACL Youth Conference, page 1. Francey Lim Youngberg, executive director of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Institute, will deliver the keynote address at the JACL National Youth Council conference in San Francisco, Feb. 23-24. Lorna Onizuka, widow of Challenger astronaut Ellison Onizuka, will accept the Youth Council’s Vision Award on his behalf.
• Masaoka Intern Candidates Sought, page 3. The Mike Masaoka Congressional Internship Fund is seeking candidates for its 1996-1997 term, offering successful applicants the chance to serve in the office of a U.S. senator or representative. Candidates must be American citizens in at least their third year of college, with preference given to those committed to Asian American and Japanese American issues.

Community

• Sandbags Save Portland’s J.A. Historical Plaza, page 1. George Azumano reported that the Japanese American Historical Plaza in Portland survived flooding thanks to thousands of sandbags along the waterfront park. The memorial plaza, dedicated in August 1990, honors the history of Japanese Americans in Oregon.
• In Indiana, Immigration, Internment Exhibit Gets Good Reviews, page 4. The Smithsonian’s traveling exhibit “A More Perfect Union” drew nearly 60,000 visitors during its run in Lafayette, Indiana, accompanied by educational programs including a screening of Picture Bride and a teacher training workshop. Speakers included Sox Kitashima, who shared her internment experiences with students and at a panel discussion alongside veterans Victor Abe and Frank Wada.
• Group Plans S.F. National Convention, page 4. The Organization of Chinese Americans will hold its national convention June 27-30, 1996, at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, with invitations extended to President Clinton and the Republican presidential nominee. The program includes youth leadership training, a senior citizens day, health fair, and tributes to Chinese American pioneers.
• Steven Nakano Run for Superior Court, page 4. Sansei trial attorney Steven H. Nakano is running for Superior Court Judge in Santa Clara County, seeking to succeed retiring Judge Taketsugu “Tak” Takei. Nakano, who has practiced law for 15 years with expertise in family and criminal law, has received endorsements from 23 sitting superior court judges.
• Chicago Chapter, JACL, JASC Scholarships, page 5. The Chicago Chapter of JACL sponsors scholarships for graduating seniors based on financial need, academic achievement, and community service, with awards ranging from $200 to $1,200. Applicants must be members of JACL or JASC, with a scholarship luncheon scheduled for June 8, 1996.
• Nisei Student Relocation Commemorative Fund, page 5. The Nisei Student Relocation Commemorative Fund, established by Nisei who were interned during WWII, is accepting applications for its 1996 scholarship program for Southeast Asian refugee students graduating from New York City high schools. Since 1983 the fund has awarded more than 120 scholarships, aiming to build bridges between ethnic groups affected by war and displacement.
• Asian American Journalists Association Scholarship Program, page 5. AAJA announced its 1996 National Scholarship Program offering scholarships and internships to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students pursuing journalism careers. Since 1981 AAJA has awarded more than $260,000 in scholarships to 254 students based on commitment to journalism, community involvement, and financial need.
• Florin to Present Program on ‘Time of Remembrance’, page 6. The Florin Chapter JACL’s 14th Annual Time of Remembrance program on March 2 will feature Georgiana White, a CSU Sacramento archivist who helped establish a Japanese American historical collection. The day includes workshops on stereotypes, student projects, and exhibits from the Florin JACL Oral History Project.
• Japan Chapter Features L.A. Times Reporter, page 6. Theresa Watanabe, Tokyo correspondent for the Los Angeles Times, spoke at the Japan Chapter JACL’s installation dinner about how the 1995 Hanshin earthquake and Tokyo subway gas attack shattered myths about Japan’s safety and stability. She also discussed the ouster of the Liberal Democratic Party after 40 years and differences between American and Japanese press roles.
• Local Senator Highlights Mile-Hi Installation, page 10. Colorado State Sen. Stanley T. Matsunaka spoke at the Mile-Hi Chapter JACL’s installation dinner themed “Through the Generations,” sharing humorous experiences as a freshman legislator. Denver Mayor Wellington Webb also welcomed attendees, and longtime member Sumi Takeno was honored for her years of service.
• West Valley, JACL, Installs Officers, by Ed Kawahara, page 10. The West Valley Chapter JACL installed new officers led by incoming president Brian Kuwahara, a Yonsei who plans to integrate the chapter’s various generational groups. Speakers included attorney Steven Nakano, who announced his candidacy for Santa Clara County Superior Court judge, and Assembly candidate Mike Honda.
• Police Official Speaks to French Camp, by Lydia Ota, page 10. Officer Rex Osborn of the Manteca Police Department was keynote speaker at the French Camp Chapter JACL’s installation dinner, emphasizing JACL’s role in building community. A new slate of officers led by president Gail Matsui was installed by NCWNP District Governor Alan Nishi.

Commentary

• Unsung, Unrecognized, Unappreciated, by Denny Yasuhara, page 3. JACL National President Denny Yasuhara honors older Nisei siblings who sacrificed their own educational and career opportunities to support their families and communities. He calls on younger generations to carry forward the spirit of service and commitment to JACL and community organizations.
• It’s Fiction But the Characters Are Very Real, by Bill Hosokawa, page 8. Columnist Bill Hosokawa reviews David Guterson’s novel “Snow Falling on Cedars,” praising its portrayal of first-generation Japanese Americans in the Puget Sound area before, during, and after WWII. He recommends the book despite minor narrative weaknesses, noting it brings Japanese Americans to life as sympathetic characters.

Obituaries

• JACL President Eulogizes Katsuma Mukaeda, by Harry K. Honda, page 3. JACL National President Denny Yasuhara and other Little Tokyo community leaders eulogized Katsuma Mukaeda, an attorney involved in the landmark Oyama v. California case that struck down alien land laws. Mukaeda, who died Nov. 4, was also credited with helping raise $10 million toward building the JACCC Center and promoting Japanese cultural exchange.
• Yasuo Asaoka Death Notice, page 11. Yasuo Asaoka, 76, of San Francisco, passed away on Nov. 18, 1995. He is survived by sisters Masako Jane, Grace, and Marie Michiko.
• Sumiko Ikuma Death Notice, page 11. Sumiko Ikuma, 65, of Sanger, California, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Yatsushiro, Japan, and Sanger JACL member, passed away on Oct. 13, 1995. She is survived by husband Giichi, daughter Junko Jin, son Cyndy, and two grandchildren.
• Dr. Jackson K. Eto Death Notice, page 11. Dr. Jackson Eto, 78, a retired pediatrician born in Oakland, Calif., died Jan. 24 in Clayton, Mo., after a long illness. He earned his medical degree from St. Louis University, chaired pediatrics at St. Mary’s Hospital, and served as JACL chapter president from 1963-64.
• Harry Hashio Itakura Death Notice, page 11. Harry Hashio Itakura, 92, of Palo Alto, California, passed away on Jan. 20. He is survived by wife Daisy, son Jack, daughter Jean Rorke, and grandchildren.

National

• OCA Praises Senator for Immigrant Support, page 4. The Organization of Chinese Americans commended U.S. Sen. Spencer Abraham for opposing restrictive immigration legislation and supporting legal immigrants’ family reunification rights. OCA leaders praised Abraham’s stance in contrast to Sen. Alan Simpson’s more restrictive immigration bill.
• Condemns French Nuclear Testing, page 4. Rep. Patsy T. Mink and other Congressional Asian Pacific Caucus members boycotted French President Jacques Chirac’s address to Congress to protest France’s nuclear testing in the South Pacific. Mink stated the boycott was necessary despite France’s announcement ending the tests, citing radioactive leakage and violation of nuclear non-proliferation principles.

In-Depth

• ‘Brick-Laying’ Dedicates Japanese American Museum’s Phase II Pavilion Site in Los Angeles, by Harry K. Honda, page 5. Japanese Consul General Seiichiro Noboru and city officials dedicated the site for the Japanese American National Museum’s new 45,000-square-foot Phase II Pavilion, designed by architect Gyo Obata. Officials including Bank of America’s R. Thomas Decker noted $16 million in pledges toward the $22 million project, with construction expected to start in spring.
• The Hojun Maru Survivors of 1832, by Harry K. Honda, page 8. Editor emeritus Harry Honda recounts the story of three Japanese sailors from the Hojun Maru who drifted for 14 months across the North Pacific before being rescued near Cape Flattery in 1832, commemorated by a monument at Fort Vancouver. The article also details earlier and later instances of Japanese castaways and voyagers reaching North America, tracing a broader history of trans-Pacific contact predating Commodore Perry.

Incarceration & Redress

• Sacramento Sets Feb. 17 ‘Day of Remembrance’, page 6. The Sacramento Chapter JACL scheduled its Day of Remembrance for Feb. 17, featuring keynote speaker Hiroki Sugihara, son of humanitarian diplomat Chiune Sugihara, discussing his family’s WWII wartime experiences. The event aims to educate the community about the internment of 115,000 Japanese American citizens.

Arts & Entertainment

• Sugihara’s Heroism in Saving Jews Chronicled by His Widow, by Nancy Shoji, page 7. A review of “Visas for Life” by Yukiko Sugihara, an autobiography chronicling her husband Chiune Sugihara’s actions saving approximately 10,000 Jewish lives as a Japanese diplomat in Lithuania during WWII. Though the writing is uneven, the reviewer calls it a must-read for understanding Sugihara’s righteous act and his belated recognition in Israel and Japan.
• WWII Pilot’s Son Heals Wounds, by Don Estes, page 7. A review of Jerry Yellin’s memoir “Of War and Weddings,” about a WWII fighter pilot who later grapples with his son’s marriage to a Japanese woman whose father was also a WWII veteran. The reviewer praises the compelling narrative but notes some flawed and insensitive references regarding Japanese culture and history.
• 50 Years After the Hiroshima Decision, by Ed Mitoma, page 7. A review of several books examining the decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, including Gar Alperovitz’s “The Decision to Use the Atomic Bomb” and Ronald Takaki’s “Hiroshima,” both arguing the bombs were unnecessary. The reviewer also covers James Yamazaki’s memoir on treating child victims of the bombs and Joseph Gerson’s “With Hiroshima Eyes” on nuclear policy and moral imagination.
• Hard Times: The Lives of Japanese in Peru Profiled, by Jorge Smith, page 7. A review of Carlos Alberto Yrigoyen’s Spanish-language historical novel “Setogiwa,” which chronicles the hardships and resilience of Japanese immigrants in Peru through the character Fujimoto Eisaburo. The novel explores themes of cultural identity, exclusion, and belonging within Peruvian society in the early 20th century.

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