Product recalls, Little Tokyo sales and a Holocaust survivor’s story

Vol. 145, No. 5, September 7, 2007. 16 pages. View this issue

Product recalls dominated the 16 pages of this issue. Lynda Lin wrote about how the wave of Chinese-made goods being pulled from shelves brought back the anti-Japanese backlash of the 1980s, and followed up inside with a look at “China Free” labels. Lynda Lin also reported on 3D Investments buying the New Otani Hotel and Weller Court in Little Tokyo. Caroline Aoyagi-Stom told the story of Solly Ganor, a Holocaust survivor saved by a Japanese American soldier of the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion, and by the legacy of diplomat Chiune Sugihara.

JACL business ran through the issue: the National Board voted 13-1 on a statement about Lt. Ehren Watada’s trial, with John Tateishi and Leo H. Horeda offering differing views. Board members also warned of a possible budget deficit and discussed a name change. Young members Brigham Walker and Lisa Hanasono wrote about the EDC-MDC Bi-District Conference. There is also a Q&A with filmmaker Joy Dietrich and a sports page.

What’s in this issue

National

• Is China the Japan of the 1980s? Xenophobia and ‘Made in the U.S.A.’ Sentiment Resurface, by Lynda Lin, page 1. A wave of product recalls involving Chinese-made goods has sparked anti-Chinese sentiment across America, echoing the anti-Japanese backlash of the 1980s that culminated in the murder of Vincent Chin. Asian Pacific Americans and experts warn against scapegoating an entire country for corporate and regulatory failures, even as consumers grow wary of products labeled ‘Made in China.’
• Holocaust Survivor’s Life Touched by the Japanese, by Caroline Aoyagi-Stom, page 3. Holocaust survivor Solly Ganor, saved from a death march by Japanese American 522nd Field Artillery Battalion soldier Clarence Matsumura, has spent decades sharing his story alongside the legacy of diplomat Chiune Sugihara, who issued thousands of visas to Jews fleeing the Nazis. Ganor credits both men with saving his life and continues to speak internationally about the connections between the Japanese and Jewish communities.
• Florida Family Split by Immigration Mistake Reunited, by Associated Press, page 4. Akiko Campbell and her two sons were stranded in Japan for over six months due to a U.S. immigration visa dispute stemming from a fraud allegation, before a rare hardship waiver allowed them to return to Bradenton, Florida. Advocacy groups say the case highlights broader problems with immigration policies separating families of American citizens.
• APA Groups Call for Fair Coverage of Political Campaign Donation Stories, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 4. Asian Pacific American organizations are urging media outlets to avoid unfair generalizations about the APA community following intense scrutiny of fundraiser Norman Hsu’s campaign donation fraud case. Groups like OCA and APIAVote say focusing coverage on the ethnicity of individual wrongdoers creates a skewed and incomplete picture of APA civic engagement.
• JACL Joins in Protest of Radio Station, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 4. The Cincinnati JACL joined a coalition protesting Clear Channel radio station WLW for airing a promotional spot mocking Hispanic immigrants with stereotypical language. The station has a history of offensive broadcasts, including past remarks referring to Japanese fishermen as ‘Japanese monkeys.’
• Slayings of 2 APA Store Owners Stirs Community to Action, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 4. Following the fatal shootings of two Asian store owners in the Richmond, Virginia area within a week, business owner Tinh Phan organized crime-prevention seminars, citing the perception that Asian-owned businesses carry large amounts of cash as a factor in targeted robberies. There are roughly 2,700 Asian-owned businesses in the Richmond area.
• Japanese Court Rejects Compensation Demand by Chinese WWII Slaves, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 4. A Japanese court rejected a lawsuit filed by dozens of Chinese plaintiffs seeking $4.04 million in compensation and an apology for forced labor during World War II. The plaintiffs, including former laborers and surviving relatives, plan to appeal the ruling.
• Civil Rights Panel Takes up Akaka Bill, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 4. The Hawaiian advisory panel to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission is reconsidering its position on the Native Hawaiian recognition legislation known as the Akaka Bill, despite the national commission’s opposition to it. The panel is taking testimony from both sides in its first hearing on the issue.
• Turban Screening Measures Questioned, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 4. A new federal airport screening policy requiring secondary screening for travelers wearing head coverings, including turbans, has raised concerns among Sikh advocacy groups who say the policy unfairly targets their community. The Sikh Coalition argues the previous policy, which only required searches when head coverings failed metal detection, was sufficient.
• APAs in the News, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 5. This roundup covers several APA achievements and developments, including journalists Linda Yee and Gayle Yamada’s induction into the Silver Circle, new JACL board members Ronald Katsuyama and Kristine Minami, an upcoming JACL Spirit of Abraham Award, Norman Mineta joining ITNAmerica as an adviser, Assistant Attorney General Wan J. Kim’s resignation, JCCH’s educator honors, and a Silver Telly Award for a JANM documentary DVD.
• JACL Urges Thorough Investigation in Killing of APA Fisherman, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 5. JACL expressed concern over a pattern of violence targeting APA fishermen in Chicago’s Lake Michigan area after Vietnamese fisherman Du Doan drowned when he was shoved into the water at Montrose Harbor. Police are investigating the incident as part of a string of similar attacks and are searching for suspects believed to be driving a white Dodge Neon.
• China Bashing: The Aftermath of Product Recalls, by Lynda Lin, page 11. Continuing coverage examines how the wave of Chinese product recalls has fueled anti-China sentiment reminiscent of 1980s Japan-bashing, with some businesses adopting ‘China Free’ labeling and lawmakers pushing for stricter toy testing. Experts caution against scapegoating China and note the U.S. economy’s overall strength undercuts fears of a Chinese takeover.
• Little Tokyo’s Changing Face Amid Sales and Development, by P.C. Staff, page 12. Continuing coverage of the 3D Investments purchase details community reaction in Little Tokyo, including concerns from longtime tenants like Orochon Ramen’s owner and observations from longtime residents like Tom Kamei about the neighborhood’s changing character. The piece also notes American Commercial Equities’ recent purchase of Japanese Village Plaza and worries that Japanese enclaves in San Jose could be next targets for outside investors.

Community

• 3D Investments Buying Up Japantowns: Little Tokyo Landmarks Sold in Secretive Deal, by Lynda Lin, page 1. Beverly Hills-based 3D Investments purchased Little Tokyo’s New Otani Hotel and Weller Court in a secretive deal, marking the company’s second major Japantown acquisition after buying San Francisco Japantown properties. Community leaders and local officials express concern over the lack of transparency and the implications for preserving Japanese American cultural heritage in these historic districts.
• JACL Honors Veterans Aboard USS Hornet, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Eighty-five Nisei veterans of WWII and the Korean Conflict were honored at a sold-out NCWNP district event aboard the USS Hornet, featuring speeches from MIS and 442nd veterans, film screenings of ‘Only the Brave,’ and tours of the ship’s Nisei Veterans exhibit. Regional Director Patty Wada emphasized the importance of honoring those who defended democracy and the Constitution.
• Hapa JACL: Part Inspiration, Part Socialization, by Brigham Walker, page 6. A young JACL member reflects on the 2007 EDC-MDC Bi-District Conference in Washington, D.C., highlighting workshops on civil liberties post-9/11 and the Arab American experience, alongside opportunities for socializing among JACL youth. He praises a young presenter’s poise on anti-terrorism policy and recounts an inspiring encounter with Presidential Scholar Mari Oye, who advocated for detainee rights with President Bush.
• Partnerships, Perspective, and Policy, by Lisa Hanasono, page 6. The EDC-MDC Bi-District Conference in Washington, D.C. brought JACL members together for workshops on immigration, civil liberties, and challenges facing JACL youth, alongside networking with groups like the Anti-Defamation League and OCA. Attendees also discussed JACL’s stance on the Watada trial and a proposal for an annual national convention.

JACL

• National JACL Board Increases Support for Watada, by Caroline Aoyagi-Stom, page 1. After extensive debate, the National JACL Board voted 13-1 to issue a statement calling for a fair and impartial trial for Lt. Ehren Watada, including protection from double jeopardy, ahead of his October court martial. JACL National Director Floyd Mori met personally with Watada before the vote, while the board remained divided along lines reflecting broader community disagreement over his refusal to deploy to Iraq.
• JACL May See a Budget Deficit by the End of the Year, by Lynda Lin, page 3. Despite a third-quarter budget surplus, JACL board members warned of a possible $18,000 deficit by year’s end due to declining membership revenue, which is down six percent as of June 2007. Officials say the organization can still finish in the black if members push for new recruits and renewals and if the upcoming Washington D.C. gala dinner succeeds.
• A Name Change for the JACL?, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 3. National JACL board members are discussing a possible name change for the 78-year-old organization to be more inclusive of the broader Asian Pacific American community, following similar rebranding by groups like the NAACP and OCA. National Director Floyd Mori suggests retaining the JACL name with a new inclusive tagline, while President Larry Oda calls himself more of a traditionalist on the issue.
• JACL Meeting: A Robust Present, an Eye on the Future, by P.C. Staff, page 13. Despite membership concerns, JACL’s June financial reports show fundraising ahead of schedule, with a tribute dinner for John Tateishi raising about $11,000 and new corporate and foundation partnerships developing. The organization’s investment funds, including a $6.6 million Legacy Fund, remain healthy as the JACL looks toward its upcoming gala dinner to help close the year’s budget gap.

Commentary

• Letters to the Editor: Courage and Heroism, by Leo H. Horeda, page 2. A WWII and Korean War veteran writes in response to prior Pacific Citizen articles supporting Lt. Watada, expressing concern about the effect of Watada’s actions on National Guard members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. He contrasts Watada’s choice with the story of a California Guardsman who reported for deployment despite his misgivings and was later killed in action, calling that true courage and heroism.
• An Extended Visit, by Yumi Sakugawa, page 8. The writer reflects on her sporadic childhood visits to family in Japan and Okinawa, contrasting them with her upcoming year-long move to Chiba, Japan to teach English while living with relatives. She anticipates that this extended stay will finally allow her to feel like a permanent family member rather than a visiting relative from abroad.
• The Watada Issue, Once Again, by John Tateishi, page 8. Former JACL National Director John Tateishi discusses his role in crafting the organization’s original 2006 statement on Lt. Ehren Watada, which balanced competing views on the soldier’s refusal to deploy to Iraq. He argues that the moral and First Amendment implications of Watada’s actions, drawing parallels to Nuremberg’s rejection of ‘just following orders,’ deserve serious consideration despite the controversy it stirs within JACL and the veteran community.
• Capitalizing on a Dream, by Brandon Mita, page 16. Former JACL Ford fellow Brandon Mita reflects on his year working at the Midwest JACL office, describing how the fellowship shaped his commitment to civil rights work and connected him with mentors like Bill Yoshino and Floyd Mori. Mita is now heading to Howard University for law school, aiming to combat racism and injustice affecting communities of color.

Arts & Entertainment

• Q&A with Joy Dietrich: Filmmaker on the Verge, by Lynda Lin, page 9. Filmmaker Joy Dietrich discusses her acclaimed feature ‘Tie a Yellow Ribbon,’ a fictional drama inspired partly by her own experience as a Korean adoptee, exploring the struggles of young Asian American women. The film has won awards at CineVegas and the Urbanworld Vibe Film Festival but faces distribution challenges due to its unknown cast and difficult subject matter.

Sports

• Defending World Champ Bryan Clay Injures Quad, Quits Decathlon, by Associated Press, page 10. Reigning decathlon world champion Bryan Clay withdrew from the world track and field championships in Osaka after injuring his right quadriceps during the high jump event. Clay, who is part Japanese and had painted the rising sun on his shoulders for the competition, said the injury was too painful to continue despite an injury-plagued season leading into the Beijing Olympics.
• No. 6 Pick Yi Jianlian Finally Signs with Milwaukee Bucks, by Associated Press, page 10. Chinese basketball star Yi Jianlian signed a rookie contract with the Milwaukee Bucks in Hong Kong after months of speculation that he might refuse to play for the team. Questions remain about his defense, strength, and ability to make an impact similar to fellow Chinese NBA star Yao Ming.
• Michael Chang to Open Tennis Academy in Shenzhen, by P.C. Staff, page 10. Former Grand Slam champion Michael Chang announced plans to open a tennis academy in Shenzhen, China, aiming to nurture young Chinese players ahead of the Beijing Olympics. Chang, who is popular in China under his Mandarin name Zhang Depei, has already been working with Chinese Olympic hopeful Peng Shuai.

In-Depth

• Solly Ganor: Spreading the Word of Sugihara’s Legacy, by Caroline Aoyagi-Stom, page 13. Continuing coverage details how Solly Ganor’s family, though granted visas by Chiune Sugihara, could not escape the Nazis due to the Russian occupation invalidating their passports, leading to internment in the Kovno ghetto and concentration camps where his mother died. Ganor continues to honor Sugihara’s legacy through speaking engagements worldwide, emphasizing the bond between Japanese and Jewish communities.

Obituaries

• Pioneering Journalist ‘Jookie’ Ku Dies at 97, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 15. Ah Jook ‘Jookie’ Ku, the first Asian American reporter for the Associated Press and first Asian American female writer for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, passed away on Aug. 6 at age 97. Ku, born in Kailua, Hawaii, covered China’s government in the 1940s and later dedicated over 25 years to promoting fair journalism through the Honolulu Community Media Council, earning the Fletcher Knebel Award in 2002.
• Kathryn Sanae Ige-Guillen, by P.C. Staff, page 15. Kathryn Sanae Ige-Guillen, 53, passed away at her home in Poway after a career as the first female electrician hired in her division at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. She was remembered as an avid snow skier and tireless volunteer, survived by her husband, daughter, parents, and brothers.

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