Vol. 157, No. 9, November 1, 2013. 16 pages. View this issue
Nisei veterans were at the center of the November 1, 2013 issue. Dale Theda wrote a first-hand account of a tour of Italy with the Friends and Family of Nisei Veterans, following the paths of the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team, with 95-year-old Roy Fujiwara recalling the 1945 assault on Mt. Folgorito. Nalea J. Ko reported on the Congressional Gold Medal exhibit opening in Chicago, and on the JACL National Board meeting in San Francisco, where members discussed the Pacific Citizen’s assistant editor position and sponsoring Day of Remembrance legislation in California.
Other pieces include Priscilla Ouchida on the role of local JACL chapters in civil rights work, and Gil Asakawa on stereotyped Halloween costumes. Connie K. Ho profiled cartoonist Lela Lee, creator of Angry Little Asian Girl. Eleven Southern California veterans were announced for France’s Legion of Honor. The Arts pages note Cynthia Kadohata’s National Book Award nomination.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- The Importance of Chapters, by Priscilla Ouchida, page 2. JACL National Director Priscilla Ouchida discusses the significance of local JACL chapters across red, blue and purple states in advancing civil rights issues including immigration reform, housing discrimination, and voting rights. She outlines key upcoming battles including the confirmation of Mel Watt, the Mount Holly Gardens Supreme Court case, restoration of the Voting Rights Act, and a one-year extension of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
- Halloween Has Become a Haven for Stereotypes, by Gil Asakawa, page 3. Gil Asakawa criticizes the annual trend of racially stereotyped Halloween costumes, focusing on Pottery Barn’s kimono and sushi chef costumes that were pulled after protests from Asian Americans Advancing Justice. He argues that packaging ethnic dress as a cheap costume perpetuates harmful stereotypes, even when the wearer claims good intentions.
- Following in the Footsteps of Heroes, by Dale Theda, page 3. Dale Theda recounts his tour of Italy with the Friends and Family of Nisei Veterans, visiting battlefields of the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team. The tour included ceremonies, a challenging ascent of Mt. Folgorito, and reflections from 95-year-old veteran Roy Fujiwara who described the harrowing 1945 assault that broke the Gothic Line.
- Halloween Has Become a Haven for Stereotypes (continued), by Gil Asakawa, page 13. Continuing his column, Asakawa discusses the long history of Westerners appropriating Asian culture for entertainment and argues that even well-intentioned costume choices, like fake kimonos or Native American headdresses, perpetuate racial stereotypes. He expresses relief that Halloween is over for another year without having to confront more offensive costumes.
JACL
- JACL National Board Forecasts Year-End Budget Surplus, by Nalea J. Ko, page 4. The JACL National Board meeting in San Francisco heard a report from Secretary/Treasurer Matthew Farrells projecting a year-end budget surplus of about $80,000, reversing a previously approved deficit. The board also discussed reinstating the Pacific Citizen’s assistant editor position, staffing shortages across JACL programs, and sponsorship of California Day of Remembrance legislation.
- Board Discusses P.C. Staffing, Day of Remembrance Legislation and Other Business, by Nalea J. Ko, page 5. JACL National Board members debated whether to unfreeze the Pacific Citizen’s assistant editor position, with President David Lin cautioning that a detailed proposal is needed before adding staff. The board also approved sponsoring legislation for an annual Day of Remembrance in California, provided funds to offset healthcare deductible increases, and discussed remaining Japan tsunami relief funds.
Arts & Entertainment
- Cynthia Kadohata Is Named a Finalist for National Book Award, page 6. Author Cynthia Kadohata of Covina, Calif., was named a National Book Award finalist in the young people’s literature category for her book ‘The Thing About Luck.’ Kadohata previously won a Newbery Medal in 2005 for ‘Kira-Kira’ along with other honors for her body of work.
- Takashi Yanase, Creator of ‘Anpanman,’ Dies, page 6. Takashi Yanase, creator of the beloved Japanese cartoon character Anpanman, died Oct. 13 of heart failure at age 94. He created the character in 1973 and sold more than 68 million copies of his comic book series over three decades.
- Vocalist Judith Hill Signs With Sony and Begins Tour With Josh Groban, page 6. Judith Hill, known for the documentary ’20 Feet From Stardom’ and her appearance on NBC’s ‘The Voice,’ has begun touring with Josh Groban and signed a record deal with Sony Music. She previously performed as a backup singer for Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Elton John.
National
- Adm. Harry Harris Jr. Promoted to Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, page 6. Vice Adm. Harry Harris Jr. was promoted to head of the U.S. Navy in the Pacific on Oct. 16, taking over from Adm. Cecil Haney amid a low-key ceremony due to the government shutdown. Harris becomes the 34th naval officer to command the Pacific Fleet, overseeing 100 million square miles and 200 ships, 1,100 aircraft, and 140,000 personnel.
- Tracie Brown Named S.F. Superior Court Judge, page 6. Tracie L. Brown was sworn in as a judge of the San Francisco County Superior Court, becoming the first Japanese American woman to serve in that role. Appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown, she previously served as an assistant U.S. attorney and earned her law degree from U.C. Berkeley.
- Congressional Gold Medal Traveling Exhibit Stops in Chicago, by Nalea J. Ko, page 11. Japanese American WWII veterans gathered at the Chicago History Museum for the opening of the traveling Congressional Gold Medal exhibit honoring Nisei soldiers of the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team and Military Intelligence Service. Fourteen medal recipients and seven widows attended the emotional opening, which included personal artifacts and stories from local families.
- Former POWs Visit Japan Foreign Ministry, page 11. A group of 13 Americans, including former prisoners of war, widows, and caregivers, paid a courtesy visit to Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida on Oct. 15. Kishida expressed hope the visit would foster further reconciliation, and group representative Robert Heer conveyed his appreciation and admiration for Japan.
- 7.3-Magnitude Quake Rocks Japan’s Coast, page 11. An earthquake of magnitude 7.3 struck off Japan’s east coast on Oct. 26, prompting a tsunami warning from Japan’s Meteorological Agency, though the U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center did not issue broader Pacific warnings. The quake was felt as far away as Tokyo, some 300 miles from the epicenter.
- Eleven SoCal WWII Veterans to Receive France’s Highest Honor, page 11. Eleven Japanese American WWII veterans will be honored with France’s National Order of the Legion of Honor at a ceremony hosted by the Go for Broke National Education Center in Los Angeles. The honorees, including Tokuji Yoshihashi and Harry H. Kanada, previously received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2011 for their service in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
- U.S. Energy Chief Offers Japan Aid With Nuke Cleanup, by Associated Press, page 13. U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said he expects deepening cooperation with Japan on the cleanup and decommissioning of the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant, offering U.S. decommissioning expertise. Japanese regulators approved removal of fuel rods from a damaged reactor building considered the plant’s highest risk, marking the first major step in a decades-long decommissioning process.
Sports
- Michelle Wie Named Youth Olympic Games Ambassador, page 6. American golfer Michelle Wie was named an ambassador for the Youth Olympic Games by the International Olympic Committee. Wie is expected to share her experience with young competitors at the 2014 Games in Nanjing, China, while also pursuing a spot on the U.S. Olympic team for 2016.
Community
- Veterans Honored With Republic of Korea Ambassador for Peace Award, page 7. A ceremony at the Nisei Veterans Committee Hall in Seattle honored several Korean War veterans with the Korean Ambassador for Peace Award, presented by Consul General Song Young-Wan. The award commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Korean War armistice and was attended by numerous state dignitaries and military officials.
- Venice Culver Chapter Hosts Kitagawa Luncheon, page 7. The Venice Culver JACL Chapter hosted its annual Frances Kitagawa Luncheon featuring keynote speaker Leslie Ito and 2013 intern Miharu Okamura. The event honors Frances Kitagawa, a founding chapter member, through a leadership internship program established in 2001 for young adults.
In-Depth
- Angry Little Girls: The Story of Cartoonist Lela Lee, by Connie K. Ho, page 8. Cartoonist Lela Lee spoke at the Japanese American National Museum about creating ‘Angry Little Asian Girl,’ a character born from her experiences of racism growing up in suburban California and later understood through Asian American studies at UC Berkeley. The character expanded into the ‘Angry Little Girls’ franchise, spawning comic books, films, and merchandise, with Lee reflecting on her journey as both cartoonist and actress.
- Following in the Footsteps of Heroes (continued), by Dale Theda, page 12. The continuation of Dale Theda’s account describes the FFNV tour’s Memorial Day observance at the American Cemetery in Florence, where Brig. Gen. David S. Elmo praised the heroism of Nisei soldiers including Medal of Honor recipient Sadao Munemori. The piece details veteran Roy Fujiwara’s harrowing 1945 climb and battle at Mt. Folgorito, where he was wounded, and the group’s own emotional ascent of the mountain decades later.
Obituaries
- In Memoriam: Tadashi J. Kato, 92, page 15. Tadashi J. Kato of San Carlos, Calif., born in 1920, passed away on Oct. 16, 2013. He is survived by his wife Toshie, four children, and three grandchildren.
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