Caring for aging parents: the sandwich generation

Vol. 140, No. 8, May 6, 2005. 12 pages. View this issue

The sandwich generation was the main subject of this 12-page issue. Caroline Aoyagi reported on Japanese American families who care for aging parents while raising their own children, including Lorinda Waltz of Honolulu, and on the cultural stigma around senior care facilities such as Keiro and Kimochi Home. Elsewhere on the front page, Lynda Lin covered the 101.5 FM “Jersey Guys” hosts accused of anti-Asian remarks about candidate Jun Choi, and the story of Yoshiyuki Noyori’s 14-year search for a green card. The issue also noted that a federal courthouse in Sacramento would be named for Rep. Robert Matsui.

Inside are news that the Granada Relocation Center and Tule Lake Segregation Center were considered for National Historic Landmark status, and a Houston chapter event honoring 442nd Regimental Combat Team and 100th Battalion veterans. Readers will also find letters on Fred Korematsu’s passing, a debate over a headline using a racial slur, Kristi Yamaguchi at an NCWNP dinner, and sports pages featuring Timmy Chang and Yao Ming.

What’s in this issue

In-Depth

• Sandwich Generation: Pulling Double Duty, by Caroline Aoyagi, page 1. The article explores the growing ‘sandwich generation’ phenomenon among Japanese Americans who care for aging parents while raising their own children, following Lorinda Waltz’s exhausting experience caring for her ill parents. It examines the cultural stigma around senior care facilities in the APA community and profiles several families, including the Watanabes, Toshimas, and Harada family, who eventually turned to facilities like Keiro and Kimochi Home.

Community

• Sansei Businesswoman Uses Her Own Experiences to Help Those with Autistic Children, by Caroline Aoyagi, page 1. Julie Azuma started Different Roads to Learning in 1994 after struggling to find resources for her autistic daughter Miranda, growing the business into a multi-million dollar company. Azuma now also volunteers extensively in the Asian American community and encourages other APAs to become entrepreneurs.
• Houston Chapter Honors WWII Veterans, by Howard Lindsay, page 3. The JACL Houston chapter honored Japanese American WWII veterans including members of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 100th Battalion, 522nd Field Artillery Battalion, and Merrill’s Marauders at an event celebrating ‘100 Years of Japanese Texans.’ Veterans shared personal stories about their wartime service and sacrifices, including the rescue of the ‘Lost Battalion.’
• NCWNP District Recognizes ‘Unsung Chapter Heroes’, page 5. More than 400 JACL members gathered at the Blackhawk Auto Museum to honor 24 ‘Unsung Heroes’ from local chapters while celebrating JACL’s 76th anniversary. Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi presented Legacy Awards, and the district also recognized Hikari Award winners for youth leadership.

National

• New Jersey Radio Station Hosts Accused of Hate, Anti-Asian Sentiment, by Lynda Lin, page 1. Two hosts of New Jersey’s 101.5 FM ‘Jersey Guys’ show made racially derogatory comments about Korean American mayoral candidate Jun Choi and Asians in general, sparking outrage from APA groups. The incident echoes the earlier HOT 97 FM tsunami parody controversy and has prompted calls for boycotts and FCC complaints.
• U.S. Courthouse to be Named After Rep. Robert Matsui, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 1. President Bush signed legislation naming the federal courthouse in Sacramento after the late Rep. Robert Matsui, who represented the area for 26 years before his death in January. Colleagues including Doris Matsui, Mike Honda, and John Tateishi praised Matsui’s legacy of public service and civility.
• The Price of Becoming American, by Lynda Lin, page 1. Yoshiyuki Noyori’s 14-year quest for a green card was repeatedly thwarted by dishonest employers and an immigration attorney’s unqualified assistant who disappeared with his passport. His story illustrates the broader problem of immigration fraud targeting Asian immigrants.
• Study Finds Asian Americans Underrepresented on Prime Time Television, page 3. A study by the National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium found that Asian Pacific American actors face significant barriers to quality roles in Hollywood, with APA characters underrepresented relative to the population. The study also found APA characters are often missing from shows set in cities with large APA populations like San Francisco and Los Angeles.
• Tule Lake and Granada Considered for National Historic Landmark Status, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 3. The Landmarks Committee of the National Park Service Advisory Board unanimously approved nominations of the Granada Relocation Center and Tule Lake Segregation Center for National Historic Landmark designation. JACL leaders including Ken Inouye and Kristine Minami praised the decision and hope other internment camps will receive similar recognition.
• Radio Controversy Sparks Debate About Free Speech and Hate Media, by Lynda Lin, page 8. This continuation piece details the fallout from the 101.5 FM ‘Jersey Guys’ controversy, including JACL’s condemnation and comparisons to the HOT 97 FM tsunami parody incident. Candidate Jun Choi and JACL officials discuss the broader implications for Asian American political engagement and civil rights.
• Immigration Fraud Victimizes Asian Pacific American Community, by Lynda Lin, page 12. This continuation of the immigration fraud story details how unqualified immigration consultants and unethical attorneys exploit trust within Asian immigrant communities, with immigration fraud increasing 33 percent from 2002-2003. Legal experts describe difficulties prosecuting these cases and the devastating consequences for victims who lose money and face deportation.

Commentary

• Campaign: A Road Worthwhile for Supporting the P.C., by Ann Fujii Lindwall, page 1. PNW District Rep. Ann Fujii Lindwall reflects on the importance of supporting the Pacific Citizen and JACL, drawing parallels between her desire to understand her family’s internment history and her commitment to the organization’s legacy. She urges readers to donate to keep the publication alive.
• On Korematsu’s Passing, by Kawakhara, page 2. A reader who grew up knowing Fred Korematsu and his family pays tribute to his courage in defying internment orders despite criticism from his own community and family. The letter emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant about civil rights in the current political climate.
• U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Needs State Advisory Committees, page 2. A letter writer criticizes the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights’ decision to lay off staff and close regional offices due to budget cuts, arguing this disrespects the volunteer efforts of State Advisory Committees. The writer calls for the Washington office to absorb cuts instead of eliminating regional operations built on years of volunteer dedication.
• A Road Worthwhile, by Ray Kakimoto Willis, page 2. A longtime reader from Santa Barbara praises a previous P.C. edition’s story about a bridge between Asian and Afro-American cultures, drawing on her own experiences with prejudice. She expresses gratitude for the paper’s honest coverage of civil rights progress over her many years as a reader since Heart Mountain internment.
• Reader Appreciates Asakawa’s Commentary, page 2. A reader responds to Gil Asakawa’s commentary on playwright Rachel Factor, sharing a personal anecdote about her daughter being called a ‘J.A.P.’ by a Jewish friend. The letter expresses appreciation for Asakawa addressing the sensitive topic of racial slurs.
• A Kristi Yamaguchi Encounter, by Katie Soe, page 5. High school student Katie Soe describes receiving a Hikari Award at NCWNP’s ‘Spirit of 76’ dinner and her memorable encounter sitting beside Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi. She reflects on the JACL’s role in inspiring youth involvement in the community.
• Seijinshiki, by Yumi Sakugawa, page 6. A Shin-Nisei college student describes the physical discomfort and cultural significance of wearing a kimono for her seijinshiki, a Japanese coming-of-age ceremony marking her 20th birthday. She reflects on her connection to Japanese heritage as the child of immigrant parents growing up in America.
• Re: Should the P.C. Not Use the Word?, by Emily Teruya, page 8. Emily Teruya critiques Gil Asakawa’s commentary on the use of the slur ‘Jap,’ arguing his position was contradictory and that the P.C.’s use of ‘The J.A.P. Factor’ as a headline for a story about playwright Rachel Factor was exploitative. She calls for higher editorial standards and better guidelines for JACL’s national publication.

Sports

• Former Hawaii Quarterback Signs With Arizona, page 7. Former Hawaii quarterback Timmy Chang signed with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent after not being selected in the NFL draft. Chang, who set NCAA career passing records, will compete for a roster spot among four veteran quarterbacks.
• NBA All-Star Yao Given Model Worker Award, page 7. Houston Rockets center Yao Ming and Olympic hurdler Liu Xiang were awarded China’s ‘model worker’ honor by the State Council, sparking some criticism that the award should go to ordinary workers rather than sports stars. Yao humbly responded that he still has room to improve compared to other honorees’ contributions.
• Maui’s Fukuroku is One of Shortest Players in College Baseball, by Janie McCauley, AP Sports Writer, page 7. At 5-foot-3, University of San Francisco second baseman Royce Fukuroku has overcome his small stature to become a standout player and team leader, batting .350 with 15 RBIs. Despite being overlooked by scouts and media due to his height, Fukuroku hopes to get a shot at playing professionally.

Arts & Entertainment

• Yours, Mine, Ours – Let’s Make a Documentary!, page 9. Patrick Hayashi recounts his experience catching Barry Bonds’ record-breaking 73rd home run ball and the subsequent legal battle with Alex Popov, now chronicled in the documentary ‘Up for Grabs.’ Hayashi reflects on how the controversy affected his reputation and how he has since found some humor in the ordeal.

JACL

• 2nd Annual National JACL Golf Tournament Set for June 20, page 10. The second annual National JACL Golf Tournament will be held at Rolling Hills Country Club on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, with registration, a putting contest, lunch, and an awards dinner. George Aratani returns as honorary chairman and major sponsor of the event benefiting JACL programs.

Obituaries

• James Higuchi, Pioneering San Jose Doctor, Dies at 89, page 11. Dr. James Higuchi, one of the first Japanese American doctors in San Jose and the first surgeon to perform an operation at Alexian Brothers Hospital, passed away at age 89. He served in the medical corps during WWII after being transferred out of California following Pearl Harbor, and retired from practice in 1985.
• Donn Morey, Community Leader and Businessman, Dies at 61, page 11. Donn Morey, President and CEO of The Morey Group governmental relations firm, passed away after a kidney transplant. He was active in community affairs including the St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation and was a longtime supporter of the Japanese American National Museum.
• K. Stanley Yamashita, Army Veteran and Scholar, Dies at 80, page 11. K. Stanley Yamashita, a retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. who grew up in the fishing village of Terminal Island, graduated high school in absentia while interned at Poston during WWII. He went on to serve as a Japanese translator in the Pacific, later earning multiple advanced degrees including a Ph.D. from UC Irvine.

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