Three candidates for JACL national president, and a look ahead to the 1982 convention

Vol. 95, No. 2, July 9, 1982. 12 pages. View this issue

Three candidates were running for National JACL President in the summer of 1982: Y. George Kodama, Lily Okura and Floyd Shimomura. The front page profiled them, and later pages carried the Okura and Shimomura platforms and a statement from Kodama. Dr. Jim Tsujimura previewed the 27th Biennial National Convention in Los Angeles, and Henry S. Sakai presented the draft national budget.

The issue also covered a California bill to compensate Nikkei state employees fired in 1942, which passed a Senate committee. John Tateishi wrote on why redress rests on moral grounds, and Ron Ikejiri wrote on public opinion and the coming redress campaign. Two in-depth pieces, by Akemi Kikumura and Roy Nakano, looked at Asian American women and men. A book-signing for “Go For Broke” was announced.

What’s in this issue

JACL

• Eyes on Presidency: Kodama, Lily Okura, Shimomura, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Three candidates—Y. George Kodama, Lily Okura, and Floyd Shimomura—are vying for the National JACL Presidency at the upcoming convention. The article profiles each candidate’s background, JACL service history, and vision for the organization’s future.
• Vegas Trip Slated by New Age JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The New Age JACL Chapter will hold its second annual Las Vegas Fun Trip, with proceeds benefiting the South Bay Keiro Nursing Home in Gardena. The trip costs $90 per person for the weekend excursion.
• National JACL Budget: 1982 Convention Draft, by Henry S. Sakai, page 8. National Treasurer Henry Sakai presents the proposed 1983 and 1984 JACL budgets, which include dues increases and two options regarding whether to maintain a full-time Washington office or switch to an independent contractor model. The budgets reflect austere measures amid rising Pacific Citizen production costs and stagnant membership.
• CCDC Award Goes to Selma Graduate, by P.C. Staff, page 10. The JACL Central California District Council awarded its Citizenship Achievement Award to Jane Iwamura, a 4.0 GPA student and co-valedictorian from Immanuel High School. She received multiple scholarships and awards including a University of California scholarship.

National

• Calif. Employee Compensation Bill Passes State Senate Panel, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A bill authored by Assemblyman Patrick Johnston to compensate Nikkei state employees fired in 1942 passed the California Senate’s Governmental Organizational Committee. The bill would provide $5,000 payments to affected workers and now moves to the Senate Finance Committee.
• Hitachi, Mitsubishi Apologize for IBM Scandal, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Executives of Hitachi and Mitsubishi Electric apologized to shareholders after employees were accused of buying stolen IBM computer secrets in an FBI sting operation. Twenty-one people were charged, and both companies denied knowingly purchasing stolen property while cooperating with the investigation.
• Rotarians Ban Race Restrictions, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Delegates to the Rotary International convention in Dallas voted to prohibit racial restrictions on club membership after the Birmingham Rotary’s whites-only policy drew criticism. An effort to also ban sex-based restrictions was ruled out of order by the Rotary president.
• Reagan Signs Voting Rights Act, by P.C. Staff, page 2. President Reagan signed a renewal of the 1965 Voting Rights Act at a White House ceremony attended by civil rights leaders including several JACL representatives. The act guarantees polling access for minority voters in nine states and portions of 13 others requiring federal approval for election law changes.
• Hitachi to Pay Damages for Hiring Bias Against Non-Asians, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Hitachi agreed to pay damages to 1,500 non-Asian applicants who were unsuccessful in seeking jobs at its Compton television plant, settling discrimination charges with California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing. The settlement also requires the state to monitor Hitachi’s statewide personnel practices for two years.

Incarceration & Redress

• Nisei Aging Project Nearing Completion, Hit by Funding Cuts, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The federally funded Nisei Aging Project, begun by the late Dr. Minoru Masuda, faces a funding shortfall that threatens its final analysis phase. The study examines how Nisei view aging, death, and family responsibilities, with data considered among the richest ever collected on this population.
• 35 Years Ago in the Pacific Citizen, by P.C. Staff, page 4. A historical roundup from July 1947 includes items on Canada’s commission investigating Japanese evacuation losses, the death of an MIS veteran, and congressional bills affecting Japanese immigration and naturalization rights. Also noted is a food poisoning scare traced to contaminated soy sauce.

Commentary

• A Misconception, by John Tateishi, page 2. Tateishi addresses the common misconception that the U.S. government has a legal obligation to provide redress, explaining that Supreme Court decisions in Korematsu, Hirabayashi, and Yasui declared the Evacuation constitutional. He argues that redress is justified on moral grounds rather than strict legal obligation.
• The ‘Big One’, by Dr. Jim Tsujimura, page 4. National JACL President Jim Tsujimura previews the upcoming 27th Biennial National Convention in Los Angeles, hosted by the Gardena Valley Chapter. He clarifies costs for convention programs and thanks the host chapter for their efforts organizing the shortened, activity-packed convention.
• Expected Goals of Y. George Kodama and Implementation in the 27th Biennium, by Y. George Kodama, page 4. Presidential candidate Kodama outlines his vision for revitalizing JACL, emphasizing the need for new leadership, broader constituency beyond membership, and aggressive advocacy on issues affecting Japanese Americans. He stresses that strong, fearless leadership is essential to restore JACL’s credibility and relevance into the 21st century.
• ‘Techscam’, by M. Sumida, page 4. A letter to the editor questions the motivations behind the FBI’s sting operation against Hitachi and Mitsubishi in the IBM espionage case, suggesting the investigation may have been less about stopping a crime and more about embarrassing Japanese competitors. The writer calls for a broader investigation into industrial espionage across the entire computer industry, not just Japanese firms.
• And Rev. Bill Decided to Retire, by Sachi Seko, page 4. Seko reflects on her long friendship with Rev. Bill Nishimura, who recently retired as minister of the Ogden Japanese Christian Church after serving the Issei community since mid-life. The column recounts their first meeting nine years earlier and the couple’s decision to return to California after decades in Utah.
• A Quick Catch-up with Old Friends, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Hosokawa recounts dinners in Tokyo with old Nisei friends working in media and communications fields, reflecting on how their gatherings have changed from nightlife to quiet conversation over the years. He also describes meeting younger Sansei and Yonsei JACL members living and working in Japan.
• Philadelphia, by Bill Marutani, page 5. Marutani reflects on his desire to better understand proper Japanese etiquette and the challenges Nisei face navigating Japanese social customs while visually blending in as locals. He suggests that tour organizers provide brochures on cultural do’s and don’ts for Nisei visiting Japan.
• Jr. JACL Reunion / Aug. 10, by Ron Wakabayashi, page 5. Wakabayashi previews the Junior JACL Reunion scheduled for the National Convention, highlighting the legacy of former Youth Directors like Alan Kumamoto. He expresses hope that former JAYS will attend or send letters to be shared at the reunion.
• Public Opinion, by Ron Ikejiri, page 5. In part two of a six-part series, Ikejiri discusses the importance of shaping public opinion for the upcoming Redress legislation campaign in Washington. He notes that Redress has often been perceived as a Japanese American issue rather than an American one, posing a challenge for JACL.
• Letterbox: ‘Techscam’ (continued), by M. Sumida, page 9. The continuation of the letter questions whether a crime was truly committed in the IBM sting case if information was provided by IBM itself to entrap buyers, and calls for broader investigation of industrial espionage across all companies. The writer argues singling out Japanese firms is counterproductive to U.S.-Japan relations.
• The Lily A. Okura Platform, by Lily A. Okura, page 10. Presidential candidate Lily Okura outlines her platform focused on membership growth, redress oversight, aging and retirement programs, youth engagement, long-range planning, and international affairs. She emphasizes her experience as Vice President for General Operations and her plan to take a leave of absence to focus on membership recruitment if elected.
• The Floyd Shimomura Platform, by Floyd Shimomura, page 12. Presidential candidate Shimomura details his platform addressing external affairs like redress, U.S.-Japan relations, and the Pan American Nikkei Association, as well as internal reforms including constitutional revision and dues restructuring. He advocates for individual monetary payments as the preferred form of redress and a professional marketing campaign to attract new JACL members.

Community

• Nisei Woman Slain in Parking Bldg., by P.C. Staff, page 2. Mrs. Eiko Nakashima, a 53-year-old Nisei librarian with the L.A. City Public Library, was found dead in a downtown parking garage, an apparent victim of rape, robbery and murder. Her husband reported her missing after she failed to return home from the Main Library.
• Noguchi Hearing Postponed to July 19, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Civil Service Commission hearing for former L.A. County Coroner Dr. Thomas Noguchi was postponed at his lawyer’s request. Noguchi is appealing his demotion and transfer, which partly stemmed from allegations he earned outside income while neglecting his duties.
• Framework of Kimochi Home Up, by P.C. Staff, page 2. San Francisco’s Kimochi Senior Citizens Organization held a traditional Shinto Joto Shiki ceremony to commemorate completion of the framework for its new Kimochi Home Project. The $1.3 million project will combine residential care, adult day care, and a senior center.
• 15 Candidates to Appear in Miss Sansei California Pageant, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Fifteen contestants, including three from Northern California, will compete for the title of Miss Sansei California at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Reigning titleholder Joyce Horiuchi of Monterey Park will crown the new winner at the event featuring a live orchestra.
• Torrance Harrassment Ceases, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Harassment of three Asian immigrant families by local teenagers in Torrance has stopped due to the efforts of concerned neighbor Violet Irvine, who publicized the incidents in the Daily Breeze. Parents lectured their children and residents formed a neighborhood watch group with police assistance.
• Korean American Art Exhibit Opens in L.A., by P.C. Staff, page 3. An exhibit featuring works by more than 50 prominent Korean American artists opens at the KCS Gallery, co-sponsored by the Korean Cultural Service and Korean Artist Association. A preview reception was scheduled ahead of the exhibit’s three-week run.
• UCLA Asian Center Seeks Coordinator, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Asian American Studies Center at UCLA is accepting applications for a Coordinator position for its Student/Community Projects unit. The role serves as a liaison between Asian Pacific students and community programs, with an application deadline of July 30.
• Slide Show on Chinese History Made, by P.C. Staff, page 5. UCLA’s Asian American Studies Graduate Student’s Association produced a seven-minute multimedia presentation commemorating the centennial of the Chinese Exclusion Act. Organizations interested in the presentation can contact the Asian American Studies Center.
• Eden to Host July 18 DC Session, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The NC-WNPDC district council will hold its next session at the Blue Dolphin in San Leandro, focusing on the 1982 national budget and convention. Eden Township JACL will host, with committee reports expected on membership, youth programs, aging, and redress.
• Pacific Square to Stage Tanabata Fete, by P.C. Staff, page 9. The traditional Tanabata Matsuri will be celebrated at Pacific Square in Gardena featuring koto concerts, odori dancing, aikido demonstrations, taiko performances, and folk dancing over two days.
• CCYBA Sets Carnival Dance for July 9-10, by P.C. Staff, page 9. The Central California Young Buddhist Association will hold a weekend of festivities including a ‘Midnight Magic’ dance and its 37th Annual Carnival at the Fresno Buddhist Church. The carnival will feature food and game booths, music, and prizes.
• Six Win San Mateo JACL Awards, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Six students received scrolls and $100 cash awards as part of the 1982 San Mateo JACL scholarship program, presented at their respective high school ceremonies. The scholarship committee expanded from the usual four awards to six this year.
• WSU Asian Studies Wins Grant, by P.C. Staff, page 9. The Washington State University Foundation granted $7,000 to the WSU Asian American Studies Program for a year-long series called ‘Living Treasures of Asian American Culture.’ The program will bring Asian American writers, artists and scholars to campus for lectures and speaking engagements.
• Pocatello-Blackfoot Holds Honor Banquet, by P.C. Staff, page 9. The Pocatello-Blackfoot JACL held its annual Honor Night Banquet, presenting chapter scholarships to Jennifer Endo and Karen Ugaki. Longtime JACL volunteers Bob Endo and Sanaye Okamura were honored with pins for their years of service.
• ‘Calif. People’ TV, by P.C. Staff, page 9. A local KTTV show called ‘California People’ will focus on the Japanese community, co-hosted by George Takei and Judy Jernudd with assistance from JACCC’s Kats Kunitsugu. The program airs twice in July.
• Mid-Columbia JACL Honors Area Graduates, by P.C. Staff, page 10. Mid-Columbia JACL honored high school and college graduates at its annual banquet, featuring guest speaker Eileen Rose of Portland State University. Several graduates also received chapter scholarships.
• Philadelphia JACL Picnic Set July 31, by P.C. Staff, page 10. The Philadelphia JACL will hold its annual picnic at the home of Tak and Yuri Moriuchi. Contact information for RSVPs was provided for two chapter members.
• Cleveland JACL Seeks Ideas to Raise Funds, by P.C. Staff, page 10. Cleveland JACL chapter president Tom Nakao Jr. is seeking fundraising ideas to raise at least $5,000 for programs, including rummage sales and festival booths. The chapter also held a scholarship dinner featuring guest speaker Cynthia Ikuta Watson and is raising funds for Hank Tanaka’s national vice president campaign.
• ELA JACL Scholarships Awarded to 7 Students, by P.C. Staff, page 10. The East L.A. JACL presented scholarships to seven graduating high school seniors, announced by scholarship chair Miki Himeno. Recipients included students from Mark Keppel, Schurr, Woodrow Wilson, Montebello, Theodore Roosevelt, Alhambra, and Reseda high schools.
• Latin America JACL Holds Fund Drive, by P.C. Staff, page 10. The newest PSWDC chapter, Latin America JACL, extended its fund drive for chapter programs through October 15. Consuelo Betty Morinaga announced the extension.
• PC People, by P.C. Staff, page 11. A roundup of community news includes awards given by the University of Hawaii Foundation to Hisaji Onoye and Mackay Yanagisawa, and a national award for student Koh Watanabe. Other items cover courtroom convictions by Deputy DA Lance Ito, organizational honors for Ruth Kodani and Dr. Bruce Tamanaha, and choreographer David Toguri’s work in Los Angeles.

In-Depth

• The Asian American Female: Discarding Old Images, by Akemi Kikumura, page 6. Kikumura explores the stereotyping of Asian American women as passive and submissive, and how women are reclaiming their own narratives through writers like Merle Woo, Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, and Mitsuye Yamada. She reflects on her own mother’s quiet strength, contrasting it with the shame she once felt about her mother’s foreignness.
• Is There a Need for an Asian Men’s Movement?, by Roy Nakano, page 7. Nakano examines survey data from UCLA revealing hostility toward Asian American men, exploring stereotypes of emasculation and examining how these compare to more favorable (if still sexist) perceptions of Asian women. He argues for an Asian men’s movement that addresses sexism while fitting into the larger context of the women’s movement.

Obituaries

• William T. Maebori, by P.C. Staff, page 8. William T. Maebori, 68, of Auburn, Washington, died June 18. A JACL Thousand Club member and two-term chapter president, he was active in the Lions Club and St. Matthews Episcopal Church, and is survived by his wife and several children.
• James Nakagawa, by P.C. Staff, page 8. James Nakagawa, 63, of Los Angeles, died June 28 following a brief illness. An MIS veteran and Boy Scout leader, he is survived by his wife and children.

Military & Veterans

• ‘Go For Broke’ Book-Signing Set, by P.C. Staff, page 9. A book-signing party for ‘Go For Broke,’ the pictorial history of the 100th Infantry and 442nd RCT, will be held at the JACL Mas Satow Building with author Chester Tanaka, a 442nd veteran. Advance order customers can pick up and have their copies autographed.

Arts & Entertainment

• ‘Mitsuye and Nellie’ to Air on KCET-TV, by P.C. Staff, page 9. A film weaving poetry by Mitsuye Yamada and Nellie Wong with historical footage of Japanese and Chinese immigrants and WWII internment camps will air on KCET-TV. The film also includes scenes from the Asian Pacific Women’s Conference in Washington, D.C.

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