Redress, the Korematsu case and the ‘Go for Broke’ exhibit

Vol. 97, No. 13, September 23, 1983. 12 pages. View this issue

Redress and the wartime incarceration (often called internment) ran through this 12-page issue. A federal judge ordered the government to answer claims that it lied to the Supreme Court in Korematsu v. United States, a story the paper paired with Mike Masaoka’s review of Peter Irons’ book ‘Justice at War.’ Bill Fukuba and a Monterey Peninsula Herald editorial argued over the Commission’s $20,000 recommendation, and letter writers answered the Herald. The ‘Go for Broke’ exhibit on the 100th Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team opened at the California State Capitol.

Other pages carry the second part of the EDC-MDC JACL convention report, Harry Honda’s column on the Amache pilgrimage, and a story on the Kinenhi monument planned for Salinas. Former Ambassador Edwin Reischauer’s defense of the Hiroshima bombing ran on the front page, and photos from the Aug. 27 March for Jobs, Peace and Freedom in Washington appeared there too.

What’s in this issue

Military & Veterans

• ‘Go for Broke’ Exhibit Opens at State Capitol, by P.C. Staff, page 1. California legislators led by Gov. George Deukmejian held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the State Capitol opening an exhibit on the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team and MIS. Rep. Matsui issued a statement thanking Nisei GIs and their families for their wartime sacrifices and hoping the exhibit would inspire continued efforts to educate Americans about the injustice of internment.’

National

• Reischauer Defends Drop of A-Bomb over Hiroshima, Not Nagasaki, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Former U.S. Ambassador Edwin Reischauer defended the atomic bombing of Hiroshima as necessary but called the second bomb on Nagasaki a mistake, arguing Japan would have fought to the death otherwise. He said both cities have become powerful symbols against future nuclear weapons use.’
• Marutani Orders All-Male High School to Admit Females, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Judge William Marutani of Philadelphia’s common pleas court ordered Central High School, an all-male academic school, to admit female students after three girls sued for admission. A Jesuit weekly commentary questioned the ruling, suggesting improvements to Girls High might have been a better remedy.’
• Sen. Inouye Warns: Let’s Keep Our Cool, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Hawaii Sen. Dan Inouye said the Soviet attack on the Korean Air Lines flight appeared to be murder but cautioned against hasty reactions before all facts are known. He disagreed with calls to cancel the U.S. grain deal with Moscow in response.’
• Third Nikkei Sits on Hawaii Supreme Court, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Hawaii Circuit Judge James Wakatsuki was confirmed to a 10-year term as associate justice on the Hawaii Supreme Court by a 19-5 Senate vote. He joins fellow Nikkei justices Edward Nakamura and Yoshimi Hayashi on the five-member court.’
• Reischauer Op-Ed Continued: Japanese Attitude Toward A-Bomb ‘Changed’, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The article continues discussing Dr. Taro Takemi’s view that the atomic bomb saved Japan from total destruction, and recounts Count Nobuaki Makino’s efforts to convince the Emperor to accept the Potsdam Declaration. It provides biographical background on Makino as a key pro-U.S. figure in prewar Japan.’

Incarceration & Redress

• Court Orders Government to Open Korematsu Camp Case, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Federal Judge Marilyn Patel ordered the U.S. Attorney to respond to allegations that the government lied to the Supreme Court in Korematsu v. United States. Lead counsel Dale Minami said government attorneys suppressed key evidence contradicting claims of military necessity for the internment camps.’
• Ground-Breaking for Kinenhi Set for Sept. 23 in Salinas, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A ground-breaking ceremony for the Kinenhi monument at the former Salinas Assembly Center was scheduled for Sept. 23 at Sherwood Park, coordinated by Violet Kazue de Cristoforo. The bronze monument memorializing Japanese American internment is set to be dedicated Feb. 19, 1984, the anniversary of Executive Order 9066.’
• Ventura County Nikkei Uncertain over CWRIC Recommendations, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Willis Hirata, a pharmacy owner and former Gila River internee, expressed uncertainty about the CWRIC’s recommendation that Congress pay $20,000 to each surviving internee. Several Ventura County Nikkei interviewed said they feared the compensation discussion could stir up anti-Japanese sentiment and preferred not to speak publicly about it.’
• Story on Collins’ Effort with Nisei Renunciants Wins Contest, by P.C. Staff, page 10. San Mateo teacher John Christgau won an essay contest for his piece on attorney Wayne Collins Sr.’s decades-long legal fight for Nisei renunciants at Tule Lake. The case, which began during WW2, was not finally resolved until 1968 when the government restored citizenship rights to the last plaintiff.’

Community

• UC-Irvine Ph.D. Selected Congressional Science Fellow, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Dr. Ruby Y. Nishimi, who earned her Ph.D. in biological sciences from UC-Irvine, was selected as the seventh ASM Congressional Science Fellow. The fellowship allows microbiologists to apply their scientific background to public policy formation.’
• Director’s Own Program Results in Return of Stolen Radio, Shoes, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Shig Yabu, executive director of a Camarillo community club, had his stolen radio and running shoes returned after they were recovered by police from a transient who had earlier sought a job from him. The radio was identifiable because it had been engraved with Yabu’s name through the club’s free engraving service.’
• Calif. Reparation Recipients Recognize Priscilla Ouchida, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Community leaders held a testimonial dinner in Sacramento honoring Priscilla Ouchida for her role in passing AB2710, the Japanese American State Employees Reparations legislation. Attorney James Purcell, an early advocate for dismissed Nikkei state workers, was also honored at the event.’
• Tanimuras Buy Spreckels Farm, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A 704-acre Spreckels farmland was sold for a reported $11.6 million to the five Tanimura brothers, longtime Salinas Valley growers. The sale, handled by broker Brian Rianda, was the second largest row crop land purchase in recent history.’
• 9 Asian Americans from L.A. Start at Yale, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Nine Asian American students from the Los Angeles area began their freshman year at Yale University, part of about 400 Asian American students nationwide at the school. Information on admissions and financial aid is available through Yale Alumni Schools Committee chair Don Nakanishi.’
• Hawaii Gets $1 Million to Study Heptachlor, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Sen. Spark Matsunaga announced the Hawaii Pesticide Hazard Assessment Project at the University of Hawaii will receive $1 million from the EPA. The funding follows the 1982 statewide milk contamination incidents in which pesticide was found at excessive levels in nearly all milk sold in stores.’
• Gardeners Group Donates $5,000 to JACCC’s Theatre Program Fund, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Southern California Gardeners Federation announced a contribution to the Japan America Theatre’s program development fund at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center. SCGF president Ted Koseki noted the organization’s past role in building the award-winning James Irvine Garden.’
• Okinawa Folk Dancers to Be at Placer Festival, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Okinawa folk dancers Kaziko Larseth and Haruko Oliva will headline the cultural program at the 19th annual Placer Buddhist Church autumn festival and food bazaar. The two-day event is expected to draw over 15,000 attendees.’
• Riverside Slates 16th Annual Festival, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Riverside JACL will hold its 16th annual Sendai Festival at Canyon Crest Town Centre on Oct. 1, commemorating sister city relations. The Inland Empire Bonsai Association will have an all-day display along with flower arrangement demonstrations.’
• Capitol Mini Trip Set by Berkeley JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 10. Berkeley JACL is sponsoring a trip to the state capitol in Sacramento on Oct. 22, including a gourmet luncheon and visits to the governor’s mansion and Sutter’s Fort. Registration deadline is Oct. 7 with information available from coordinator Joe Oyama.’
• East Bay Issei Autobiographies Completed for Book in English, by P.C. Staff, page 12. Fourteen Issei women writers completed an autobiography project with a luncheon at the North Berkeley Senior Citizens Center, with essays translated into English by Michie Norikane. The book, including photos and documentary items, will be published in Japan with 2,000 hardcover copies planned.’

Obituaries

• David H. Bergamini, Tokyo-Born Reporter, Dies at 54, by P.C. Staff, page 2. David H. Bergamini, author of the controversial 1971 book ‘Japan’s Imperial Conspiracy’ which argued the Emperor bore personal responsibility for Japanese aggression, died of cancer in Connecticut. He spent four years in Japanese detention during WW2 and later worked as a reporter for Time Inc. in Tokyo.’
• Miele (Ito) Ichiyasu Dies at 65, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Miele (Ito) Ichiyasu, a UC-Berkeley graduate who received her diploma at Tanforan during internment, died at age 65. She studied at Smith College and the Art Institute of Chicago and is survived by her husband Harry and other family members.’

Arts & Entertainment

• 1983 American-Japanese Literary Award Goes to ‘The Loom’, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Ruth Aiko Sasaki’s novel ‘The Loom’ won the 1983 American-Japanese Literary Award established by novelist James Clavell. The story of a Nisei woman and mother was developed over five years from a first draft written at San Francisco State University to its completion in Japan.’
• East West Players Dedicate 1983-84 Season to Yuki Shimoda, by P.C. Staff, page 3. East West Players dedicated its 19th season to the late actor Yuki Shimoda, whose generous bequest helped the theater purchase its property. Shimoda, who played a leading role in ‘Farewell to Manzanar’ and was himself interned during WW2, continued working while battling cancer until his death.’
• ‘Live Oak Store’ Debuts at East West Players, by P.C. Staff, page 3. ‘Live Oak Store’, written by Hiroshi Kashiwagi, debuts at East West Players on Oct. 5, produced by Jim Ishida and Keane Young and directed by Shizuko Hoshi. Ticket information is available by calling the theater.’
• Dance Company Makes San Francisco Debut, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The June Watanabe Dance Company of San Rafael will make its San Francisco debut at CSU-SF’s McKenna Theater with a wide-ranging repertoire. Watanabe will perform ‘Mitchiyuki’, a solo adaptation of a Noh dance.’
• ‘Year of the Dragon’ to Be Presented at CSU-Los Angeles, by P.C. Staff, page 3. ‘The Year of the Dragon’ will be presented at CSU-Los Angeles in late September and October, directed by Frank Chin of Asian-American Theatre Arts. Reservation and ticket information is available by phone.’
• ‘Chan Is Missing’ Billed as Chicago Redress Fundraiser, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Chicago JACL will present the all-Asian produced film ‘Chan Is Missing’ as its annual benefit movie fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting the chapter’s redress program. The Wayne Wang-directed film follows a Chinese cabbie and his nephew searching San Francisco’s Chinatown for a missing businessman.’

Commentary

• WW2 Internees Say Redress Pay Won’t Exactly Ease Pain, by Bill Fukuba, page 4. Writing in the San Jose News, Bill Fukuba responds to criticism of reparations for interned Japanese Americans, arguing the issue is about constitutional rights violations rather than comparisons to POW suffering. He concludes that failing to act on the Commission’s recommendations could leave individual freedoms in a precarious position for all Americans.’
• Japanese Americans’ Claims, by P.C. Staff, page 4. A Monterey Peninsula Herald editorial questions why Japanese Americans should receive $20,000 each in reparations, comparing it to American POWs who were not compensated. The piece argues Congress is unlikely to accept the CWRIC recommendation and that courts may instead find the government liable for damages.’
• Sansei Momentum, by Harry Honda, page 4. A columnist expresses concern that JACL leadership is shifting away from Sansei representatives back to Nisei on the National Board, naming departing Sansei governors John Tani and Teresa Maebori. The piece argues JACL should encourage Sansei to take over leadership roles to avoid a repeat of the organizational setback following the 1972 convention.’
• East Wind: In ‘Gassho’, by Bill Marutani, page 4. Bill Marutani recounts attending the 38th Annual Eastern Buddhist League convention banquet hosted by the Seabrook Buddhist Church, reminiscing about his own participation in a 1941 YBL oratorical contest. He describes the installation of new officers including Shigeki Sugiyama and praises outgoing EBL president Dr. Ben Chikaraishi.’
• The Amache Pilgrimage, by Harry Honda, page 5. The columnist reflects on the Labor Day weekend Amache WRA camp reunion in Denver, exploring the various motivations people have for attending such costly gatherings. He concludes that the reunions demonstrate the resilience of the human spirit rather than lingering bitterness over the internment experience.’
• More Nikkei Generals, by Tom Tokuhisa, page 5. A letter writer supplements a previous article on Major General Walter Tagawa by listing additional Japanese American general officers including Brig. Gen. Thomas Ito, Brig. Gen. Allen K. Ono, and others in the National Guard and Army Reserve. He notes a nominee for promotion to Major General awaiting Senate confirmation.’
• Correction on First Nikkei Major General, by Esther Lee, page 5. A letter writer clarifies that Major General Arthur U. Ishimoto, an Air Force officer and Honolulu native, was actually the first Nikkei major general, not Walter Tagawa. She also notes other officers including Thomas Ito and Brig. Gen. Allen Kenji Ono who were not mentioned in the earlier article.’
• Pedagogic Perceptions, by Eiji Tanabe, page 5. A letter writer critiques professors Befu and Masugi’s academic arguments about the Constitution and redress, arguing that facts matter more than abstract notions of Truth. He states that this nation was built on laws, and that paying for breaking the law was the unanimous opinion of law professors who testified before the Commission.’
• Dance-a-Thon, by David Nakayama, page 7. National Youth Director David Nakayama recounts the success of a Dance-a-Thon fundraiser held at National JACL Headquarters that raised over $1,000 despite initial low turnout concerns. He thanks the 18 youth participants and organizers Sandy Doi and Frances Morodomi for the pilot fundraising project.’
• Letters Responding to Monterey Herald Editorial on Japanese American Claims, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Multiple letter writers including Violet de Cristoforo, Shigeya Kihara, and Richard Criley criticized a Monterey Peninsula Herald editorial opposing reparations, citing legal precedent for monetary redress and historical context distinguishing Japanese Americans from enemy citizens. Writers argued the editorial failed to understand the difference between citizens and foreign nationals and praised JACL’s efforts toward redress.’
• Editorial Continued: Equality, Not Identity, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The continuation of the editorial on Judge Marutani’s ruling discusses the tension between equal educational opportunity and the value of single-sex schools. It suggests the better remedy may have been improving Girls High rather than admitting girls to Central High.’
• ContraCosta CARP Meeting Resumed, by P.C. Staff, page 10. Contra Costa JACL’s Committee on Aging and Retirement Program will hold a forum titled ‘Why the JACL?’ covering chapter and national activities. Topics will include health insurance, youth scholarships, and the 1984 Hawaii Convention.’
• My (Korean?) Family Name, by Jin Konomi, page 12. The author recounts an awkward encounter with his wife’s aunt in which he jokingly suggested his Japanese family name might have Korean origins, causing unintended offense. He reflects on a college friend’s claim that a similar name exists in Korea, and muses about the mysterious history behind his unusual surname.’

In-Depth

• ‘Justice at War’ a Masterful Revelation, by Mike Masaoka, page 5. Mike Masaoka reviews Peter Irons’ book ‘Justice at War: The Story of the Japanese American Internment Cases’, which reveals that government lawyers suppressed and altered evidence presented to the Supreme Court in the Korematsu, Hirabayashi, and Yasui cases. The review details the internal conflicts among government and ACLU attorneys and praises the book as essential reading for understanding how constitutional rights were violated under claims of military necessity.’
• Dr. Irons’ Justice at War Continued, by Mike Masaoka, page 10. The continuation of the book review details internal conflicts within the ACLU and War Department over the handling of the Japanese American test cases, and discusses author Peter Irons’ involvement as lead attorney in the coram nobis cases seeking to reverse the Yasui, Hirabayashi, and Korematsu convictions. Masaoka defends JACL’s wartime cooperation as compelled by the government’s claimed military necessity.’

JACL

• We Made Our Move! EDC/MDC Convention Report (2), by Mitsy Kamada, Ron Osajima, B.J. Watanabe, page 6. The second part of a report on the EDC-MDC JACL convention in New York covers workshops on Japan/U.S. relations and Asian Americans in the workplace, plus social highlights including a ‘Dreamgirls’ theatre party and a dinner-dance that raised over $3,000 for redress. The convention closed with passage of six resolutions covering redress, Vincent Chin, and improved cooperation among Asian American organizations.’
• NC Youth Dance-a-Thon Raises $1,000, by P.C. Staff, page 7. A three-hour dance-a-thon held at National Headquarters by NC-WNPDC Youth raised $1,000 in net pledges for redress and youth activities. National Youth Director David Nakayama acknowledged the top pledge collectors including Dorothy Chang and Frances Morodomi.’
• Historic Gathering Between PSWDC JACL and Chinese American Citizens Alliance, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Officials of PSWDC JACL and the Los Angeles Lodge of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance met during the PSW quarterly meeting at Little Tokyo Towers. Judge Ernest Hiroshige and Leslie Furukawa were credited with bringing the two civil rights groups together.’
• Nomination Forms for PSWDC Seats Ready, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Nomination forms for PSW District Office elections to be held Nov. 19 in Las Vegas are now available through the JACL Regional Office. Offices open include District governor, vice-governor, secretary, treasurer, and six at-large board positions.’
• Consul General Keynoter for PSW Quarterly at Las Vegas, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Japan’s Consul General Yoshifumi Matsuda will be the keynote speaker at PSW’s Fourth Quarterly District Council meeting luncheon in Las Vegas on Nov. 19. National President Floyd Shimomura and National Director Ron Wakabayashi will also attend the event.’
• The New York Hustle, by Yuri Tateishi, page 8. New York chapter’s redress fundraising efforts, including a contribution tree and sales of autographed Mine Okubo books, raised over $4,000. The chapter plans continued legislative contacts and weekly updates on redress work in Washington and local districts.’
• Opening Eyes, by Randy Fujimoto, page 9. PSWDC representative Randy Fujimoto reflects on his growing awareness of the broader Japanese American community beyond his own neighborhood, crediting the JACL Washington D.C. Leadership Program for opening his eyes further. He argues Sansei and Yonsei must develop national perspective and leadership skills to carry forward Japanese American civil rights work.’

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