Tammy Duckworth’s run for Congress and the Tule Lake pilgrimage

Vol. 142, No. 6, April 7, 2006. 12 pages. View this issue

Tammy Duckworth’s campaign for Congress led the news. Lynda Lin profiled the Army major, an Iraqi war veteran who lost both legs in a grenade attack and won her March 21 primary in Illinois. Elsewhere, Caroline Aoyagi-Stom reported on efforts to save the Vancouver childhood home of author Joy Kogawa, and John Tateishi wrote about hearing the word “Jap” from a stranger on a plane and why Japanese Americans should speak up. A Tule Lake pilgrimage, themed “Dignity and Survival in a Divided Community,” was announced, along with a July 3 dedication for the site’s National Historic Landmark designation.

Also inside: Asian Pacific American groups joined immigrant rights protests, and Ted Namba previewed the JACL national convention in Arizona, with a rededication of the Gila River monument. Yumi Sakugawa wrote about interracial dating, and a page 9 piece looked at Dave Tatsuno’s film of daily life in the Topaz camp. Sports covered Ichiro Suzuki’s return to the Mariners and Tokyo’s Olympic bid.

What’s in this issue

National

• APA Disabled War Vet Hopes Next Step Will Be Congress, by Lynda Lin, page 1. Army Major Tammy Duckworth, an Iraqi war veteran who lost both legs in a grenade attack, won her March 21 primary and is vying to become the first female Asian Pacific American federally elected official from Illinois. If she wins in November against Republican Peter Roskam, she would represent Illinois’ 6th District, replacing retiring Rep. Henry Hyde.
• Groups Hope to Save ‘Obasan’ Author’s Childhood House, by Caroline Aoyagi-Stom, page 1. Author Joy Kogawa’s childhood home in Vancouver, which inspired her novel ‘Obasan,’ is threatened with demolition unless community groups can raise $1.25 million by April 30. The Save Joy Kogawa House Committee and The Land Conservancy of British Columbia hope to preserve the home as a historic site and writers’ residence.
• Lost Links: Looking for POWs, by Lynda Lin, page 1. WWII veteran Dick Marquette, 80, is searching for a group of Japanese POWs he guarded and befriended in the Philippines during World War II, hoping to reconnect before it’s too late. He has only fading photographs and no names, and is asking the public for help identifying his old friends.
• APA Groups Join in Protest for Immigrant Rights, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Asian Pacific American groups have joined Hispanic-led protests against the Sensenbrenner-King Bill, which would criminalize undocumented workers and their employers. A major rally is planned for April 10 in Philadelphia, coinciding with demonstrations in 14 other cities nationwide.
• Michigan Supreme Court Won’t Hear Affirmative Action Ballot Case, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Michigan Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal regarding a ballot proposal to ban some affirmative action programs, letting stand a lower court ruling that the issue will appear on the November ballot. The decision is a win for the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, which seeks to prohibit preferential treatment based on race, gender, or ethnicity in government and university admissions.
• Bill Aims to Arm Mail-Order Brides with Information, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A Minnesota state Senate committee approved a bill requiring international marriage brokers to inform foreign brides, in their own languages, about their prospective spouses’ backgrounds and domestic violence laws. Violators could face fines up to $20,000, and the bill follows similar laws passed in other states and by Congress.
• Artist Designs Balloon Modeled After A-bomb, by Associated Press, page 3. Artist Chad Person is designing a hot-air balloon modeled after the ‘Fat Man’ atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki, intending it as a campy but thought-provoking piece for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The project has drawn criticism, including from JACL Executive Director John Tateishi, who says it may create discomfort for Japanese Americans.
• City Officials Decide Against Monument of Former Mayor, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 3. The Gresham, Oregon city council decided not to build a memorial to former mayor Herbert H. Hughes after Japanese American residents raised concerns about his ties to an anti-Japanese group and refusal to treat a pregnant JA patient. The council will instead form a task force to establish better criteria for future memorial projects.
• Historic Seattle Courthouse Gets Much Needed Renovation, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 3. The William Kenzo Nakamura United States Courthouse in Seattle, named after a Medal of Honor recipient killed in WWII, will undergo a $44 million renovation this summer. The historic art deco building will receive restored courtrooms, structural upgrades, and green building certification.
• Seattle University Dedicates JA Remembrance Garden, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 3. Seattle University dedicated a Japanese American Remembrance Garden on April 6, honoring JAs forced into internment camps during WWII and commemorating the legacy of Japanese immigrant Fujitaro Kubota. The garden, designed by Allan Kubota, features traditional Japanese landscaping elements for reflection and healing.
• Groups Hope to Save ‘Obasan’ Author’s Childhood House (continued), by Caroline Aoyagi-Stom, page 4. The article continues detailing the Save Joy Kogawa House campaign, noting the historical significance of the home and the internment of 22,000 Japanese Canadians during WWII. Fundraising efforts have raised close to $200,000 with a federal request for $350,000 still pending as the deadline approaches.
• Tule Lake Pilgrimage to Celebrate Center’s Recent Historic Designation, by P.C. Staff, page 6. This year’s Tule Lake pilgrimage, themed ‘Dignity and Survival in a Divided Community,’ will examine the stories of Japanese American dissenters who refused to comply with wartime loyalty demands. The pilgrimage will also celebrate the recent National Historic Landmark designation of the Tule Lake Segregation Center site with a dedication ceremony on July 3.
• Memorial Foundation Honors Filipino Vets, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The National Japanese American Memorial Foundation honored Filipino WWII veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces in the Far East with its Award for Patriotism at an annual gala in Washington, D.C. Philippine Secretary of National Defense Avelino J. Cruz Jr. accepted the award on behalf of the Philippine Scouts.
• Old Friends: Looking for POWs (continued), by Lynda Lin, page 6. The article continues Dick Marquette’s story of searching for Japanese POWs he befriended in the Philippines during WWII, describing their friendship and exchanged gifts including a handmade samurai sword replica. Veteran search organizations report growing demand from aging WWII veterans hoping to reconnect with old wartime acquaintances.
• APA Disabled War Vet Hopes Next Step Will Be Congress (continued), by Lynda Lin, page 12. The article continues profiling Tammy Duckworth’s background, including her family’s military history, her injury in Iraq, and her positions on healthcare and immigration reform. Duckworth discusses her belief that the Iraq War was a mistake and her support for a path to citizenship for undocumented workers.

Commentary

• That J-Word Again, by John Tateishi, page 1. JACL Executive Director John Tateishi recounts a conversation with a stranger on a plane who used the word ‘Jap’ without realizing it was offensive, prompting reflection on why such slurs against Japanese Americans persist. He argues that Americans need to be educated about the derogatory nature of the term and that JAs must speak up when it is used.
• Personal Stories of the Nisei, by Frank Tanaka, page 2. A letter writer describes an annual event at Harmon Middle School in Ohio where 7th graders collect and document personal stories from Nisei who were imprisoned during WWII. He suggests this model could be replicated nationally to help preserve Nisei histories and educate students.
• Rejuvenating the JA Community, by Mas Odoi, page 2. A letter writer criticizes JACL’s membership recruitment efforts and suggests the organization focus more on commemorating positive Japanese American history, such as the 442nd RCT’s triumphant return in 1946, to boost membership. He proposes creating a monument or observance at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center in Little Tokyo.
• Developing P.C.’s Online Vision, by Larry Grant, page 2. Larry Grant discusses the importance of expanding the Pacific Citizen’s online presence and describes the newspaper’s Spring Campaign fundraising effort to further develop the P.C. website. He urges readers to donate to help the publication become a viable Internet news source independent of national JACL funding.
• Baseball and Books, by Ted Namba, page 5. JACL convention chair Ted Namba previews the 2006 national convention’s activities, including a rededication ceremony of the Gila River internment camp monument and book signings with authors including Jay Feldman and Cynthia Kadohata. He encourages readers to register early for the convention taking place in Arizona in June.
• Love You Long Time in College Dating, by Yumi Sakugawa, page 8. Columnist Yumi Sakugawa reflects on the interracial dating dynamics among her friends, exploring double standards regarding Asian American men and women dating outside their race. She examines the tension between societal stereotypes and personal relationships in the context of race and identity.
• That J-Word Again (continued), by John Tateishi, page 8. Tateishi continues his essay on the use of the slur ‘Jap,’ comparing it to other racial epithets like the N-word and questioning why society treats it with less seriousness. He argues that Japanese Americans must speak up against such language to change perceptions and stop the normalization of the term.

Community

• ‘J-Life Project’ Puts JA Youth in Focus, by Caroline Aoyagi-Stom, page 1. Yonsei best friends Eric Yamamoto and Kirk Iwasaki are producing a documentary called the ‘J-Life Project’ that explores the lifestyles, identities, and experiences of today’s Japanese American youth across the country. Through interviews in multiple cities, they found that community and identity remain central themes for young JAs today.
• Los Angeles’ Suburbs Swear In APA Mayors, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 3. Chi Mui became San Gabriel’s first Asian Pacific American and Chinese American mayor, while Betty Tom Chu was installed as mayor of Monterey Park. Both cities have significant Asian populations and the new mayors aim to serve as bridges between residents and city government.
• Nisei Veterans Living in Texas to Receive APA Award, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 3. Several WWII veterans of the 442nd Army Battalion and MIS will be honored with the George H.W. Bush APA Award at a May 19 gala dinner hosted by the Asian Pacific American Heritage Association. The honorees include Willie Tanamachi, Tommie Okabayashi, and George Nakamura.
• ‘J-Life Project’ Puts JA Youth in Focus (continued), by Caroline Aoyagi-Stom, page 4. The article continues to explore the J-Life Project documentary, detailing interviews conducted across the country and highlighting diversity within the JA community including Yonsei, Shin-Issei, Shin-Nisei, and Hapas. The filmmakers discuss issues like intermarriage, identity, and moving beyond the internment narrative to focus on current JA youth concerns.
• Caruthers Union H.S. to Honor Nisei Graduates, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Caruthers Union High School will honor 16 Nisei students whose educations were interrupted by WWII internment, awarding them diplomas alongside the graduating Class of 2006. The ceremony follows California legislation authored by Assemblywoman Sally Lieber allowing school districts to award diplomas to affected Nisei students.
• French Camp JACL Celebrates New Year, by P.C. Staff, page 8. French Camp JACL celebrated its 58th annual New Year’s and officer installation dinner in Stockton, installing a new slate of chapter officers including President Henry Isakari. The chapter also awarded its 2006 scholarship to honors student Brian Kaneko of Weston Ranch High School.

Obituaries

• WWI Veteran is Buried at Punchbowl Cemetery, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 3. Kinzo Ernest Wakayama, a U.S. Army veteran of World War I, was buried with full military honors at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii. Born in 1897 in Kohala, Hawaii, Wakayama later worked in Japan and passed away in 1999 at the age of 102.
• Three War Veteran Spady Koyama Dies, by Associated Press, page 11. Spady A. Koyama, who served in three wars including WWII, Korea, and Vietnam after overcoming discrimination as a Japanese American, died of a heart attack at age 88. Koyama earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart during WWII and retired as an Army colonel after decades of military intelligence service.
• Misuo John Fujikawa Death Notice, page 11. Misuo John Fujikawa passed away March 27, survived by his wife Miyoko and sons Bruce, Mark, Kirk, and Scott along with eight grandchildren. A celebration of life was held April 1 with Kubota Nikkei Mortuary assisting with arrangements.
• Hiroshi ‘Gary’ Yasutake Death Notice, page 11. Hiroshi ‘Gary’ Yasutake, 84, of Chicago passed away March 15, predeceased by his wife Akiko Saito Yasutake and brother Yutaka. He is survived by his children Kristine, Karen, Kerry, and Kim, with a memorial service held April 15 at the First Unitarian Church of Chicago.

JACL

• JACL Singles Convention Heads to Las Vegas, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The JACL Singles Convention will be held Oct. 27-29 at the Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas, featuring a golf tournament, workshops, and a dinner dance. This marks the first time the Singles Convention will be held in Las Vegas, hosted by the Las Vegas JACL chapter.
• Application Deadline Extended to May 1st for Masaoka Congressional Fellowship, by P.C. Staff, page 5. JACL has extended the application deadline to May 1 for its Mike M. Masaoka Fellowship, which places students in Congressional offices to learn about policymaking. The fellowship, established in 1988, provides a stipend of $8,500 plus airfare for a term working with a Senator or Representative.

Sports

• Ichiro Returns to Mariners an International Champion, by Associated Press, page 7. Ichiro Suzuki rejoined the Seattle Mariners after leading Japan to victory in the inaugural World Baseball Classic, showing newfound openness and emotional leadership. Mariners manager Mike Hargrove hopes Suzuki’s leadership from the tournament will carry over to the struggling team’s season.
• Tokyo Preparing to Bid for 2016 Olympics, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Tokyo is preparing an official bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics after the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly approved a resolution to pursue candidacy. The bid comes after Japan’s disappointing performance at the Turin Winter Olympics, with Tokyo competing against Fukuoka for Japan’s official nomination.
• Veteran Ski Jumper Harada to Retire, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Olympic gold medalist ski jumper Masahiko Harada of Japan announced his retirement at the end of the season. Harada, a 1998 Olympic champion and two-time world champion, competed in five straight Olympics but was disqualified in Turin for a ski length rule violation.

Arts & Entertainment

• Dave Tatsuno’s Moving Pictures, by P.C. Staff, page 9. The late Dave Tatsuno secretly filmed daily life in the Topaz internment camp during WWII, creating the documentary ‘A View from Topaz,’ which was added to the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress in 1996. His son Sheridan Tatsuno reflects on his father’s dedication to documenting community life and honoring his deceased brother Sheldon through the film.

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