Redress funding in the 1990 budget, and the fight to defend it

Vol. 108, No. 19, May 19, 1989. 8 pages. View this issue

Redress payments were the main news of this 8-page issue. Senate and House negotiators agreed on a $1.17 trillion budget for fiscal year 1990 that included $150 million for redress, and Rep. Robert Matsui announced it. Two groups of Japanese Americans, along with JACL/LEC, filed papers in federal court to oppose a lawsuit by Arthur D. Jacobs that sought to block the payments. National JACL also chose attorney Deborah Lim to research Resolution #7, a study of JACL’s policies during the World War II incarceration (often called internment). Editorials looked at the load on JACL’s volunteer leaders and at fair immigration policy, and Denny Yasuhara wrote about a proposed $20 million JACL fundraising campaign.

Also inside: Bill Hosokawa’s column on a shoe, a poem by Dr. Mitsuo Miura, and Harry K. Honda’s notes on new books including Justice Delayed. Community pages cover the Japanese American National Museum’s $24.1 million campaign, a Little Tokyo library book fair, and a Fort Sam Houston Nisei GI reunion.

What’s in this issue

National

• Senate-House Conference Approves $150 Million for Redress Payments in FY 1990 Federal Budget, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Senate and House negotiators agreed on a $1.17 trillion budget for fiscal year 1990 that includes $150 million for redress payments to Japanese Americans interned during WWII, Rep. Robert Matsui announced. The budget bill states beneficiaries 70 and older should be paid by the end of 1990, though Matsui continues pushing for the full $500 million funding level through the appropriations process.
• Adjusted Rate Mortgage Loan Payments Keep Increasing, Home Owners Hurting, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Los Angeles Times front-page story by Bill Sing featured JACLer Steven Doi of San Jose to illustrate the plight of homeowners facing rising adjustable rate mortgage payments, which have risen 15% in 18 months for his family. The story notes California homeowners are somewhat protected by rate caps and rising home values, but nationwide mortgage payment worries have increased significantly according to a survey.

Community

• Frank Views Traded at U.S.-Japan Conference of Mayors, by P.C. Staff, page 1. At the 20th Japan-U.S. Conference of Mayors and Chamber of Commerce Presidents in Los Angeles, Japanese Ambassador Nobuo Matsunaga called it a mistake to view U.S.-Japan economic relations adversarially, citing low U.S. savings rates and budget deficits as contributors to trade imbalances. Gov. Deukmejian and Mayor Bradley also spoke, with Bradley noting California’s positive trade balance with Japan contrasts with the national picture.
• Japanese Chamber Supports Nakanishi Bid for Tenure, by P.C. Staff, page 1. President Taro Kawa of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California urged UCLA Chancellor Charles E. Young to withdraw from the tenure case of Dr. Don Nakanishi, citing concerns about fairness given Young’s past involvement and comments. The letter argued it would be difficult for Young to decide the case impartially.
• Washington Asian Legislator Hails Enactment of ‘English Plus’ Law, by P.C. Staff, page 2. State Rep. Gary Locke hailed Washington state’s enactment of “English Plus” legislation, which encourages appreciation of diverse cultures and languages, as a victory for American ideals of equality. The law counters the English-only movement that has spread to 17 states and affirms the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity.
• Nikkei 1st Grade Teacher Earns Science Honors, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Seattle teacher Aki Kurose of Laurelhurst Elementary School was the only Asian American among 42 teachers nationally recognized by the Association of Science and Technology Centers for her use of community resources in science teaching. A University of Washington graduate and Seattle JACL board member, she was previously named Teacher of the Year in 1985.
• JCCCNC’s Capital Campaign Adds $10,000, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California acknowledged a $10,000 donation from the Sakai family as part of its Vision 80’s Capital Campaign to raise $3 million for construction of the center in San Francisco. The Sakai family previously owned the Uoki Sakai Co., a longtime Japantown business.
• Placer County JACL Scholarship Dinner Set, Okei Memorial Awards for Gold Hill School Students, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Placer County JACL announced scholarship awards including the Thomas M. Yego Sr. Award and the Staff Sgt. Masa Sakamoto Award, commemorating Okei Ito, a member of the Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Farm Colony who died in 1871. The colony’s monument at Gold Hill was dedicated in 1969 by Gov. Ronald Reagan and Japanese Consul General Seiichi Shima.
• Art Students to Join AADAP Creative Images, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Asian American Drug Abuse Program recruited 10 Asian Pacific American high school students for its Creative Images project, which combines arts and drug abuse education. Sponsors include multiple JACL chapters, Lions clubs, and community organizations.
• Book Fair for Little Tokyo Library Slated, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Friends of the Little Tokyo Branch Library announced their annual Book Fair will be held May 20-21 in the Japanese Village Plaza, with chairperson Tomi Yonemoto encouraging book donations and offering pickup service. The library was dedicated April 29 as part of the Centenary United Methodist Church community building.
• JCCCNC to Honor Distinguished Individuals, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The 1989 Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California’s Awards Dinner will be held August 19 at the Hyatt on Union Square, honoring individuals who have contributed to Japanese American cultural or community life. Nominations are being solicited with a submission deadline of June 9.
• 500 Expected for Tacoma ‘Furusato’, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Local Nikkei led by Del Tanabe are preparing for the Tacoma-Pierce County 47th “Furusato” Reunion August 18-20, expecting over 500 delegates from Japan, Hawaii, and the U.S. mainland. Events include a golf tournament, memorial services, a JACL-sponsored rededication of the Puyallup Fair Grounds Monument, and a dinner program as part of Washington State’s Centennial Celebration.
• Joe Hashima Elected Senior Vice President at Union Bank, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Joe Hashima, who joined the Bank of Tokyo of California in 1955, was elected senior vice president at Union Bank, and is serving as 1989 Nisei Week Japanese Festival general chairman. A Hawthorne, Calif. native active with Gardena Valley JACL, he has served as branch manager in several California cities during the 1970s-80s.
• Newsmakers: Mitarai, Kimura, Yamaguchi, Young, Nakamura, Lee, by P.C. Staff, page 6. This roundup covers several Japanese American achievers: Susumu Mitarai named head of Peat Marwick’s Japanese Practice in Southern California; Dr. Kazuo Kimura installed as president of the American College of Clinical Pharmacology; figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi honored by the Buddhist Churches of America; Dr. Serena Young named Disabled Professional Woman of the Year; Kevin Nakamura represented Oregon at a youth leadership seminar; and Yvonne Lee named national executive director of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance.
• $2,000 Nat’l Merit Scholars Named, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Eighteen Nikkei students were listed among approximately 1,800 winners of National Merit $2,000 Scholarships in the second of three major 1989 announcements. The list includes students from California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.
• Older American Day to Cite 3 L.A. Nikkei, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Three Nisei senior citizens from Southwest Los Angeles will be honored at the 24th annual “Older Americans Recognition Day” at the Hall of Administration, as announced by Supervisor Kenneth Hahn. Honorees include Seichi William Inouye, Mabel T. Ota, and Mary Sakamoto, each recognized for their community service and volunteer work.

Incarceration & Redress

• Japanese Americans Seek to Defend Redress in Court, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Two groups of Japanese Americans, including internment camp survivors, WWII veterans, and JACL/LEC, filed papers in federal court seeking to oppose a lawsuit by Arthur D. Jacobs that aims to block redress payments to Japanese Americans. Attorney Dennis Hayashi called the anti-redress lawsuit “frivolous,” while JACL president Cressey Nakagawa said the legislation is important for strengthening constitutional protections for all Americans.

JACL

• Researcher for Resolution #7 Chosen, by P.C. Staff, page 1. National JACL selected attorney and Asian American Studies lecturer Deborah Lim to research Resolution #7, which investigates JACL’s policies and actions during WWII evacuation and internment. The research, beginning June 1989 with a final report expected spring 1990, will inform a recommendation to be decided at the 1990 JACL convention in San Diego.
• Houston JACL Committed to Ambitious ’90 Asia Tour, One-Day Stop of Sister City in Japan Added for Group, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Houston JACL has committed to an ambitious 1990 Asia tour under the theme “Objective Asia 1990,” offering three options including flights to Tokyo and multi-city tours through Japan, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Seoul with a planned stop at sister city Chiba City. The chapter has grown from one 1000 Club member three years ago to three Life Members and 16 Thousand Clubbers currently.

Military & Veterans

• Ft. Sam Houston Nisei GIs to Hold 1st Reunion June 8-11, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Nisei GIs from the 40th and 41st Infantry Divisions who were transferred to Fort Sam Houston in 1942 will hold their first reunion June 8-11 at the Hollywood Palm Hotel. The article recalls their unique treatment under Col. Gottschalk during President Roosevelt’s troop review, contrasting with harsher treatment of Nisei soldiers at other installations.
• GFB Nat’l Veterans Assn. to Meet June 6, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Go For Broke National Veterans Association will convene June 6-7 at the Comstock Hotel in Reno to elect officers and complete unfinished business from inaugural sessions. Wilson Makabe is in charge of arrangements including a luncheon, dinner, and hospitality suite for delegates.

In-Depth

• J.A. National Museum Launches $24.1 Million Development Campaign, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Japanese American National Museum announced national co-chairmen Siegfried Kagawa, Dr. William Ouchi, and Noby Yamakoshi for a $24.1 million fundraising campaign to construct and endow the museum ahead of its November 1990 grand opening. Some 300 campaign volunteers will assist, with Kagawa stating the goal of giving every Japanese American an opportunity to contribute.

Commentary

• Too Few Doing Too Much, by P.C. Staff, page 4. This editorial discusses the resignation of JACL national officer Bob Sakaguchi as vice president for membership and services, noting the heavy burden placed on volunteer leadership in the organization. It calls for broadening the base of volunteer activity so responsibilities can be shared more widely rather than resting on too few dedicated individuals.
• Japanese Obligation: Fair Immigration Policy, by P.C. Staff, page 4. This editorial draws parallels between historical racist arguments against Chinese and Japanese immigration to the U.S. and current discriminatory attitudes in Japan toward workers from less developed Asian nations. It argues that Japanese Americans, having experienced racial bias themselves, have an obligation to speak out for fairness in immigration policy both in Japan and the U.S.
• If the Shoe Fits, by Bill Hosokawa, page 4. Hosokawa discusses an essay by Japanese writer Shun Daichi about confronting a stranger on an airplane whose shoes encroached on his space, noting Daichi’s observation that Japanese often have trouble voicing grievances with foreigners, especially Caucasians. The column reflects on cultural tendencies toward avoiding confrontation and maintaining civility even when annoyed.
• JACL’s ‘Mega-Fund’ Proposal: Another Perspective, by Denny Yasuhara, page 4. PNW Governor Denny Yasuhara critiques a proposed $20 million JACL fundraising campaign that would allocate 90% to national operations and programs and only 10% back to chapters/districts. He argues this split reinforces an elitist perception and fails to support the grassroots chapters that are the true foundation and engine of the organization.
• They Have Not Seen, by Dr. Mitsuo Miura, page 5. This is a poem by Dr. Mitsuo Miura reflecting on the desert internment camps and the silence surrounding the loss of inalienable rights for Japanese Americans during WWII. The poem laments that those who did not witness the camps cannot fully understand what was lost.
• Letters to the Editor, by Mas Odoi, page 5. A letter writer reflects on the moral complexities of pursuing redress funding, suggesting Nisei leaders should remain fair even with anti-redress extremists to avoid discrediting ancestors and future generations. The writer suggests invoking spiritual principles rather than relying solely on mortal resources for redress funding.

Arts & Entertainment

• Briefly Noted: Justice Delayed and Other New Books, by Harry K. Honda, page 5. This books column reviews several new titles including “Justice Delayed” edited by Peter Irons, which documents the legal campaign to vacate the WWII internment convictions of Yasui, Hirabayashi, and Korematsu, and “Hilo Rains,” a poetry collection by Juliet Kono recalling her family’s internment experience. Other books reviewed include “The New Americans,” “Exile Within,” “Reflections on the Way to the Gallows,” “Picture Bride” by Yoshiko Uchida, and “Asian America” by Roger Daniels.

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.