The fifth PANA convention opens in Little Tokyo, and redress funding rises

Vol. 109, No. 2, July 21, 1989. 12 pages. View this issue

The fifth Pan American Nikkei Association convention opened July 20 in Little Tokyo, and the front page carried Harry K. Honda’s report on close to 500 participants from ten nations. Inside, the paper covered Carlos Kasuga’s re-election as PANA president and seminars on Japanese immigration and the Nikkei in Peru. The front page also reported that the House Appropriations Committee raised redress funding for fiscal year 1990 from $20 million to $50 million, with Rep. Norman Mineta and Rep. Robert Matsui praising the increase. Grant Ujifusa named Sen. Daniel Inouye as the key figure for more money, and four members of the Heart Mountain 63 spoke at a forum.

Other pieces include Rep. Mineta’s testimony on Hong Kong’s immigration status, a notice of the 16th Nihonmachi Street Fair in San Francisco’s Japantown, Edward James Olmos speaking at the Aug. 5 redress rally, and the Linkville Cemetery fund near Tulelake. Bill Hosokawa and Bill Marutani wrote columns, and the paper listed several JACL chapter scholarship winners.

What’s in this issue

JACL

• Close to 500 Participate as PANA Opens, by Harry K. Honda, page 1. The fifth Pan American Nikkei Association convention opened July 20 in Little Tokyo with close to 500 participants from ten nations represented. Carlos Kasuga reiterated PANA’s goals while JACL President Cressey Nakagawa extended greetings, though JACL itself had severed formal ties with PANA in 1986.
• PANA Re-elects Carlos Kasuga, Paraguay Site of ’91 Convention, page 1. Carlos Kasuga of Mexico City was re-elected president for a fifth term at the PANA convention in Los Angeles, with Paraguay and Canada selected to host future conventions. Fred Wada proposed a $100,000 convention fund and discussions addressed issues facing Latin American Nikkei working in Japan.
• Joint IDC-PNWDC Slated Aug. 25-26 at Park City, Utah, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Intermountain District Conference and Pacific Northwest District will hold a Bi-District JACL Conference in Park City, Utah, featuring a bus trip, meetings, and a banquet celebrating IDC’s 50th anniversary. Registration costs $45 if paid by July 20.
• Panelists from Brazil, Peru and U.S. Discuss Japanese Immigration – Economy, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A well-attended PANA convention seminar moderated by Prof. Yuji Ichioka featured panelists discussing Japanese immigration and economic history across Brazil, Peru and the U.S. Topics included Nikkei economic participation shifting from agriculture to commerce and industry over the decades.
• Opening Ceremonies: Nikkei Role Reviewed in Japan-Brazil Economy, by P.C. Staff, page 5. PANA’s opening ceremonies featured greetings from numerous dignitaries including Consul General Hiromoto Seki and representatives from Japanese business associations, with about 500 participants attending the three-day convention. Anselmo Nakatani discussed the growing role of Nikkei in Brazil’s economy and relationship with Japanese capital and technology.
• JACL Singles Convention: Still Time to Make It!, by Kaz Mayemura, page 5. The fourth National JACL Singles Convention is seeking registrants for seminars covering dating, assertiveness, intimacy, aging, health, and careers. Over 250 singles have already registered for the event aimed at Asian American singles.
• 1000 Club Roll, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The column lists JACL 1000 Club membership totals and new members by chapter for early-to-mid July 1989. Active membership totals and chapter-by-chapter listings are provided for two consecutive reporting periods.
• Panelists Discuss Prospects of Nikkei in Peru for 1990s, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Dr. Mary Fukumoto presented preliminary findings on Japanese communities in Peru, noting changing social values and increasing outmarriage in rural Nikkei communities. The study will be published alongside Peru’s 90th anniversary of Japanese immigration celebrations in August.
• PANA Opens Doors for Nikkei Literary Studies, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Prof. Stan Yogi discussed how the PANA convention opens possibilities for comparing Nikkei literature in Spanish, Portuguese and English. He encouraged editors and reporters from multiple countries to create space for young writers continuing Japanese American literary traditions.
• PANA Half-Day Tour Visits Unique Enterprises, by P.C. Staff, page 8. PANA convention attendees toured the Japanese Retirement Home in Los Angeles, with board members including Fred Wada and George Aratani explaining the facility’s operations. The tour also included a visit to the Fishking seafood processing plant employing about 400 workers.
• JCCCNC to Honor JAL Regional Mgr., by P.C. Staff, page 12. The Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California will present a special recognition award to Kazuyoshi Miyazaki, vice president and western regional manager of Japan Air Lines, at its Awards Dinner. Miyazaki has been recognized for JAL’s contributions to the Japanese American community.

National

• Mineta Bill Would Change Immigration Status for Hong Kong, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Rep. Norman Mineta testified before a House subcommittee in support of his bill to change Hong Kong’s immigration status and raise its quota from 5,000 to 20,000 per year. He cited concerns over China’s human rights record and the impending PRC takeover of Hong Kong.

Community

• 16th Nihonmachi Street Fair Aug. 5 & 6, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The 16th Annual Nihonmachi Street Fair will take place in San Francisco’s Japantown on August 5 and 6, expected to draw 20,000 people. Entertainment includes multiple musical acts, lion dance, Polynesian dance, and Japanese taiko drumming.
• ‘Root for JACCC!’ Benefit Slated, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The annual Root for JACCC! Plant and Vegetable Sale will be held at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center Plaza over two weekends in August. Proceeds support the award-winning James Irvine Garden at the JACCC.
• Masaoka Cancels JACL Visits on Doctor’s Order, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Mike Masaoka cancelled plans to attend two JACL district conventions in August due to his doctor’s orders. He had intended to attend conventions in Chicago and Park City, Utah.
• Actor Edward Olmos to Address Rally for Redress, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Edward James Olmos, Oscar-nominated actor from Stand and Deliver, agreed to speak at the National Day of Protest rally for redress payment on Aug. 5 at the JACCC Plaza. Black armbands will be issued to symbolize the roughly 2,000 eligible redress recipients who have died since the Civil Liberties Act was signed.
• Seattle Nikkei Queen Selected, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Jill Teiko Nishi was crowned the 1989-90 Greater Seattle Japanese Community Queen on May 27. She and her court will participate in various community events including the Los Angeles Nisei Week festivities.
• Coloradan’s Honored by JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 3. JACL presented a special recognition to veterans of Colorado’s Nisei Post #185 American Legion and Rocky Mountain Military Intelligence Club at Denver’s 34th Annual Japanese American Community Graduation Program. Nobuo Furuye of the MIS club was also presented with a plaque.
• Japan Studies Scholarship Awards Announced, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Winners of the 1989 Japan Studies Scholarship awards were announced in San Francisco, with college students receiving $500 awards and Japanese language school students receiving $200 awards. The scholarship committee includes Howard Imazeki as chair.
• JACLers Breakfast With Texas Sen. Gramm, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Houston JACL representatives met with Sen. Phil Gramm at a breakfast meeting of Asian American leaders to discuss redress funding. They emphasized that redress is an Asian American issue, not just a Japanese American one, and followed up with a letter requesting his support.
• Groups Planning for Nov. 4 Health Fair, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Planning has begun for the Little Tokyo Community Health Fair scheduled for November 4, which provides free screening services such as dental, vision, hearing and blood pressure checks. Last year nearly 100 volunteers assisted roughly 300 people who received services.
• JCCCNC Holding Community, Family Fun & Fishing Festival, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California is planning its first Annual Community/Family Fun & Fishing Festival at Lake Del Valle Regional Park on Aug. 26. Activities include a fishing derby, games, swimming, boating and a large bento potluck lunch.
• JASEB’s Asian Cookbook Issued as 2nd Printing, by P.C. Staff, page 6. A second printing of the Japanese American Services of the East Bay’s 431-page Asian Cookbook has been completed after the first printing sold out. Proceeds from sales support special services for elderly community members.
• Homecoming Fete for Mary Kochiyama Aug. 5 in San Pedro Relocated, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The homecoming luncheon for Mary Kochiyama has been moved to a larger venue in San Pedro after reservations exceeded the original restaurant’s capacity. Kochiyama, a popular San Pedro High School student in the 1930s, later organized a letter-writing club for internees during WWII that connected to 13,000 servicemen weekly.
• Sansei Live! Fundraiser Date and Site Set: Oct. 14, Giftcenter Pavilion South-of-Market, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The sixth annual Sansei Live! fundraiser for Kimochi, Inc. will be held Oct. 14 at the Giftcenter Pavilion in San Francisco, featuring entertainment, food and dancing. Last year’s event attracted over 1,200 people and raised $40,000 to support Kimochi’s senior care services.
• JCCCNC Directors Elect Board Officers, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California elected its 1989-1990 officers and directors at its annual meeting, with Nobusuke Fukuda continuing as president. New trustees for the Class of 1992 were also welcomed.
• WLA Auxiliary Observes 31st, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The West Los Angeles JACL Auxiliary celebrated its 31st anniversary with a dinner honoring six original charter members. The group has supported numerous community activities since its founding in 1958 including cookbook sales, scholarships, and volunteer services.
• Newsmakers, by P.C. Staff, page 9. This roundup column profiles numerous Japanese Americans achieving notable accomplishments, including Donna Yamaguchi’s PBS award, Nobu McCarthy’s appointment as East West Players artistic director, and Lt. Yurika Saito’s commissioning at West Point. Other profiles include scholarship winners, community leaders, and professionals across various fields.
• Salinas Valley JACL Honors 3 Scholars, by P.C. Staff, page 10. Salinas Valley JACL announced scholarship winners at a presentation dinner, with Paul Matsui receiving the $1,000 Gatanaga Scholarship to attend Harvard. Gary Ikeda and Eddie Yonemitsu received additional scholarships to attend UC Berkeley and San Diego State respectively.
• Houston JACL Itinerary to Beijing Changed, by P.C. Staff, page 10. Houston JACL’s Operation Asia 1990 tour replaced a planned Beijing visit with Bangkok due to political unrest in Communist China. The revised 18-day tour will include Japan, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Seoul, departing May 13, 1990.
• West Valley JACL Fetes Two Scholars, by P.C. Staff, page 11. West Valley JACL presented scholarship awards to two graduating seniors, with Jolene Takamoto receiving $750 and Eileen Tanabe receiving $500. Both maintained strong academic records and plan to attend college to pursue teaching and ethnic studies respectively.
• JACSF, Inc., to Award 43 Nikkei Scholarships, by P.C. Staff, page 11. The 30th annual Japanese American Scholarship Fund award banquet will be held Aug. 5 at the New Otani Hotel in Los Angeles. Forty-three awards ranging from $400 to $1,500 will be presented to recipients.
• Nostalgia Reigns at First Postwar Reunion of Rural Fresno Residents of Bowles, Monmouth and Oleander, by P.C. Staff, page 12. The first postwar reunion of Bowles, Monmouth and Oleander communities near Fresno drew approximately 300 attendees for a banquet and over 250 for a luncheon, featuring historical photographs and tributes to Issei pioneers. The event included memorial services, prizes for the oldest attendees, and entertainment including karaoke singing.
• Over 1,000 Frolic Sacramento Picnic, by P.C. Staff, page 12. More than 1,000 JACL members, family and friends attended the rescheduled 1989 community picnic at Elk Grove Park in Sacramento. Activities included races, a hole-in-one tournament, and competitive group games with prizes for participants.
• Community Salute for Rep. Matsui Set for Aug. 5, by P.C. Staff, page 12. A gala event honoring Rep. Robert Matsui is planned for Aug. 5 at the Sacramento Convention Center, co-sponsored by numerous Sacramento churches, civic groups and JACL chapters. Speakers will include Jerry Enomoto and community leader Chewy Ito.

Incarceration & Redress

• House Increases Redress Figure to $50 Million for Fiscal Year 1990, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The House Appropriations Committee increased redress funding for FY1990 from $20 million to $50 million, enough to compensate 2,500 of the estimated 60,000 surviving internees. Reps. Mineta and Matsui praised the increase but vowed to continue fighting for more funding.
• Ujifusa: Inouye Main Man for More Money, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL-LEC strategy chair Grant Ujifusa identified Sen. Daniel Inouye as the key figure who could secure greater redress funding through his Senate Appropriations Committee position. Ujifusa urged grassroots supporters to write directly to Inouye rather than pursue public rallies.
• Heart Mountain Resisters Speak Out at Forum, by Patty Wada, Hokubei Mainichi, page 1. Four members of the Heart Mountain 63, draft resisters imprisoned during WWII for refusing military service until their civil rights were restored, spoke at a forum co-sponsored by Golden Gate JACL. They described being labeled disloyal by wartime JACL leaders and continue to seek an apology from the organization decades later.
• Linkville Cemetery Fund Needs $1,000 for Goal, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Donations for the Tulelake Linkville Cemetery Project Fund have reached over $500, with about $1,000 still needed to complete the project. A bus is being chartered for the dedication ceremony in Klamath Falls in September, with stops planned at the Tulelake WRA Center site.

Sports

• 22 Records Broken at 1989 JACL Jr. Olympics; Tri-City Champions, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The 1989 JACL Jr. Olympics held at Chabot College saw 22 new records set across multiple divisions, with Tri-City winning the meet championship over San Jose. Kirk Yamamoto of San Jose was named outstanding athlete after setting records in the 100 and 200 meter events.

Arts & Entertainment

• Shigemi Yoshioka to Perform in San Diego, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Feminist singer/songwriter Shigemi Yoshioka from Tokyo will perform in San Diego on Aug. 13 following her appearance at the Nisei Week program in Los Angeles. The performance is sponsored by the San Diego JACL chapter and the Japanese International Society.
• Books to P.C., by Harry K. Honda, page 9. This book review column covers several new releases including a translated poetry collection by Ooka Makoto, guidebooks to Honolulu’s Chinatown and Hawaiian names, and George Nakagawa’s novel Sekinin (Duty Bound) about a Nisei drafted into the Japanese army during WWII. The reviewer notes the reprint of Jon Shirota’s classic Lucky Come Hawaii after being out of print for 20 years.

Commentary

• A Potential Calif. Assemblyman, page 4. This editorial highlights Lon Hatamiya’s candidacy for the California state assembly, noting that no Asian American has served in that body since Paul Bannai and Floyd Mori a decade earlier. The piece praises Hatamiya’s academic and public service background and wishes him well in his campaign.
• Letters to the Editor, by Rose Ochi, Tamio Nishizaka, Michael Woo, Alan Nishio, page 4. Multiple letters address various topics including Rose Ochi’s thanks after an election runoff, support for redress funding priorities, praise for John Tateishi’s book on Japanese American incarceration, and clarification on NCRR’s decision to postpone a redress rally in favor of better-timed organizing efforts.
• From the Frying Pan: On the Trail of Jimmy Horio, by Bill Hosokawa, page 4. Bill Hosokawa follows up on his earlier column about Hawaii Nisei baseball player Jimmy Horio, detailing how readers helped trace baseball memorabilia signed by Horio and other players from a 1930s Tokyo Giants barnstorming tour. The column also mentions a Berkeley collector’s autographed baseballs featuring dozens of Hall of Fame players.
• East Wind: High Tech ‘Bai-Shaku Nin’, by Bill Marutani, page 4. Bill Marutani examines Japan’s booming computerized matchmaking industry, a ¥20 billion operation serving unmarried adults who have little time for traditional courtship. He compares this modern system to traditional go-between matchmaking and notes rising complaints as the industry has expanded rapidly.
• Acknowledging the Historical Crime, by Jin Konomi, page 5. The author reflects on a Tokyo high school principal’s graduation address calling on Japanese youth to take responsibility for their nation’s wartime past, drawing parallels to German acknowledgment of Holocaust guilt. The piece expresses cautious optimism that pro-democratic sentiment persists in Japan despite pessimistic forecasts about a post-Hirohito era.

Obituaries

• Deaths, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Obituary notices include Mildred Woodward, who received the first Edison Uno Civil Rights Award; Elizabeth Humbargar, honored by the Japanese government for her work with Japanese in Stockton; Rev. Fumio Matsui, bishop of the Konko Church; and Mary Hiroko Hiraga of Anaheim.

In-Depth

• First Japanese in U.S. Came by Mistake, by Text Supplied by Ken Nakano (Seattle), page 7. Three survivors of a wrecked Japanese ship were carried by ocean currents to Cape Flattery, Washington in 1833, becoming the first recorded Japanese to arrive in the United States. The article details their rescue, their time at Fort Vancouver under Dr. John McLoughlin, and how one survivor, Otokichi, taught young Ranald MacDonald Japanese before MacDonald later traveled to Japan and became known as the first English teacher there.

Thank you for exploring the Pacific Citizen archive. The title, introduction and contents on this page were written by an AI model from scans of the printed issue, so they may contain mistakes. If you spot one, we would be grateful if you let us know.