Special New Year’s Issue: 2006 in review and JACL plans for 2007

Vol. 144, No. 1, January 19, 2007. 20 pages. View this issue

The 2006 year in pictures and JACL’s plans for 2007 filled this special New Year’s issue. Retrospectives covered national news, elections, sports and community events, including Lt. Ehren Watada’s refusal to deploy to Iraq and the passage of the camp preservation bill. JACL leaders Larry Oda, Floyd Mori and Mark Kobayashi looked ahead to a new national director, the organization’s finances and its place in civil rights work. Gil Asakawa wrote about the newspaper business and the Pacific Citizen’s web presence.

District governors, including Elaine Akagi and Silvana Watanabe, described the coming year, from the Minidoka Pilgrimage to a protest against a feedlot near Minidoka. Bill Yoshino paid tribute to outgoing National Director John Tateishi. Youth conference previews and about 4 pages of greetings round out the 20 pages.

What’s in this issue

In-Depth

• 2006 in Pictures, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A retrospective photo feature highlights major 2006 events including Lt. Ehren Watada’s refusal to deploy to Iraq and the resulting controversy that divided the Japanese American community. The piece features Watada’s parents, Bob Watada and Rosa Sakanishi, alongside other defining images of the year.
• 2006 Year in Review: National News, by Jeff Paterson, page 9. A photo-driven retrospective covers major 2006 national stories including Lt. Ehren Watada’s court-martial controversy, nationwide immigration reform protests over HR 4437, and the ongoing rebuilding of Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. It also revisits the 12-year effort to rename ‘Jap Road’ in Texas, honoring pioneers Yasuo and Yoshio Mayumi.
• 2006 Year in Review: Major Offenses, by P.C. Staff, page 10. This retrospective recounts a series of 2006 incidents involving racial insensitivity toward Asian Americans, including a racially charged WWII documentary that traumatized a young boy, controversial Adidas sneaker designs, and offensive remarks by a congressional aide and comedian Adam Carolla. It also notes a South Carolina museum’s agreement to reconsider its exhibit content after JACL intervention.
• 2006 Year in Review: Elections, by P.C. Staff, page 10. The piece recaps notable 2006 election outcomes for Asian Americans, including Mazie Hirono’s historic congressional win and Tammy Duckworth’s near-victory followed by her appointment to lead Illinois veterans affairs. It also covers John Chiang’s win for California state controller and a fundraising scandal involving California Republican Tan Nguyen.
• 2006 Year in Review: Community and JACL Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 11. This retrospective covers community preservation efforts including passage of H.R. 1492, the camp preservation bill, and recognition of lesser-known Japantowns like Watsonville’s. It also recaps the 2006 JACL national convention in Phoenix, where director John Tateishi announced his resignation, and honors historic figures like Mitsuye Endo, Iva Toguri, and Mako.
• 2006 Year in Review: Sports, by P.C. Staff, page 12. The sports retrospective highlights Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka’s lucrative deal with the Boston Red Sox and Toby Dawson’s Olympic bronze medal in skiing at the Torino Games. It also profiles New Orleans Saints player Scott Fujita, noting his connection to the Japanese American community through his upbringing.

Commentary

• Getting Your Pacific Citizen News Fix, by Gil Asakawa, page 2. Pacific Citizen Board Chairperson Gil Asakawa discusses the state of the newspaper industry and argues that niche publications like the Pacific Citizen remain vital despite declining readership nationally. He highlights the paper’s lean staff, cost efficiency, and expanding web presence as reasons for optimism heading into 2007.
• Thank You, John, by Bill Yoshino, page 14. Midwest Regional Director Bill Yoshino pays tribute to outgoing National Director John Tateishi, reflecting on his leadership of the redress campaign and his tenure defending civil liberties after 9/11 and during the Ehren Watada controversy. The piece credits Tateishi with strengthening JACL’s advocacy legacy and helping the community find closure around the internment experience.
• JACL Programs — Serving the Community, Serving You, by P.C. Staff, page 14. NCWNPDC staff describe JACL’s community outreach and district assistance programs, emphasizing that success is measured not by tangible products but by advocacy impact and community engagement. The article highlights the organization’s role in combating discrimination, coalition building, and supporting Japantowns and educational outreach.

JACL

• What’s in Store for 2007?, by Larry Oda, page 3. JACL National President Larry Oda outlines priorities for 2007, including naming a new national director, hiring a new Pacific Southwest regional director, and improving board governance. He also discusses the need to modernize communication and technology to engage younger members and diversify funding sources.
• The Financial Health of JACL in 2007, by Mark Kobayashi, page 3. National Secretary/Treasurer Mark Kobayashi reports on JACL’s financial state, noting membership provides about 45 percent of revenue and that a clean audit of 2005 books was completed. He highlights the organization’s liability for future staff medical costs and pledges continued transparency with the board and districts.
• Where is JACL’s Future?, by Floyd Mori, page 3. Interim National Director Floyd Mori questions whether JACL’s traditional structure can keep pace with modern advocacy organizations and calls for adjustments in governance and funding strategy. He raises questions about economic empowerment, health disparities, leadership development, and use of electronic communication to remain relevant in civil rights work.
• General Operations, the ‘Unsexy’ Yet Vital Office of JACL, by Sheldon Arakaki, page 4. VP of Operations Sheldon Arakaki reviews 2006 achievements including the successful Phoenix convention, completion of JACL’s first audit since 1999, and implementation of a cost-of-living allowance. He previews 2007 plans including the 2008 Salt Lake City convention, hiring a new national director and regional director, and upgrading membership database technology.
• Ask Yourself: ‘Why am I a JACL Member?’, by Patty Wada, page 4. The VP of Membership encourages members to reflect on the tangible and intangible benefits of JACL membership, from insurance and scholarships to civil rights advocacy. She emphasizes that membership dollars support work benefiting communities nationwide under JACL’s motto of ‘Better Americans in a Greater America.’
• JACL: Dedicated to Preserving the Rights of All AAs, by Heidi Tanakatsubo, page 4. VP of Public Affairs Heidi Tanakatsubo reviews recent public affairs victories including renaming of ‘Jap Road’ and passage of the camp preservation bill, and previews JACL’s 2007 focus on immigration reform. She details JACL’s commitment to supporting a path to citizenship, family reunification, and the Dream Act.
• Happy New Year, by Carol Kawamoto, page 5. VP of Planning & Development Carol Kawamoto reports on the 2007 JACL Scholarship Program changes, new educational curriculum guides, and a partnership with Union Bank of California for planned giving. She also previews the Washington D.C. Leadership Program scheduled for March 2007.
• The One Conference You Don’t Want to Miss, by Leilani Savitt, page 5. National Youth Representative Leilani Savitt previews the 2007 JACL National Youth/Student Council Conference to be hosted by the San Jose chapter at Santa Clara University. The conference theme, ‘Cultivating Leaders by Defining our Roots,’ will focus on educating, engaging, and empowering youth participants.
• PSW: Young at Heart, page 6. The Pacific Southwest District Governor describes the formation of a new PSW Youth Council built by young leaders through the Nikkei Community Internship program. The council aims to revitalize chapters and attract new membership across the district in 2007.
• A World of Difference, page 6. The National Youth Chair reflects on bridging generational gaps within JACL and encourages members to make a ‘JACL New Year’s resolution’ to get more involved. The piece highlights youth integration into adult JACL events, including a silent auction at the 2006 convention and the upcoming 2007 youth conference in San Jose.
• JACL’s Future and Governance, by Hiro Nishikawa, page 7. Eastern District Governor Hiro Nishikawa reflects on JACL’s 75-plus year history and discusses demographic shifts, including rising intermarriage rates among Japanese Americans. He advocates for adopting a policy governance model to help the organization adapt to changing membership and civil rights priorities.
• One Busy Year for Us, by Alan Nishi, page 7. NCWNP District Governor Alan Nishi previews a busy 2007 calendar including a board planning retreat, the Washington D.C. Leadership Conference, and hosting the National Youth/Student Conference and Tri-District Conference. He highlights youth involvement efforts and committees addressing civil rights, education, and veterans’ tributes.
• Happy New Year’s Greetings from the Midwest, by Ron Katsuyama, page 8. Midwest District Council Governor Ron Katsuyama outlines 2007 plans including teacher-training workshops examining parallels between WWII internment and post-9/11 civil liberties issues. He also discusses efforts to archive interviews with Nisei veterans and document diverse wartime responses to injustice.
• Torrential Rain, Snow Storms and One JACL Strategic Plan, by Elaine Akagi, page 8. Pacific Northwest District Governor Elaine Akagi recounts extreme weather events in Seattle and reviews 2006 highlights including Day of Remembrance events and the fourth annual Minidoka Pilgrimage. She previews the district’s ongoing strategic planning process and the 2007 Bi-District Conference in Seattle.
• We Excited for 2007? You Betcha!, by Silvana Watanabe, page 8. Intermountain District Governor Silvana Watanabe discusses the IDC’s ongoing protest against a proposed dairy feedlot near Minidoka and previews Utah’s Day of Remembrance event honoring Ogden’s Japantown. She also announces preparations for the 2008 national convention in Salt Lake City and honors the passing of community leader Alice Fumiyo Kasai.

Community

• Moving and Shaking in Central Cal, by Bobbi Hanada, page 13. Central California District Governor Bobbi Hanada details the Pinedale Assembly Center Memorial Project, which secured Fresno City Council approval for a Remembrance Plaza honoring Japanese Americans interned there during WWII. She also previews 2007 chapter events including a Day of Remembrance dinner, groundbreaking ceremony, and various chapter fundraisers and runs.

Obituaries

• In Memoriam — 2006, by P.C. Staff, page 15. This necrology lists Japanese Americans who passed away in 2006, including notable figures such as Sue Kunitomi Embrey, credited with securing Manzanar’s national historic site status, and actor Mako, an Oscar nominee and co-founder of East West Players. It also memorializes veterans, community leaders, and JACL members including Henry Tanaka and Tatsuo Nakata.

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