Vol. 112, No. 12, March 29, 1991. 8 pages. View this issue
A JACL district conference in Visalia, Calif., led the March 29, 1991 issue. Members of the PSW district looked at anti-Asian violence, the lack of Japanese American material in social studies classes, and the Japanese American image in the media. Governor Ken Yokota said member involvement would help as redress nears its conclusion. Greg Marutani presented a textbook project, and Grayce Uyehara compared it to the redress campaign. Senior Editor Harry K. Honda reported on 1990 Census figures showing growth in the Asian American population, and a study on Asian Americans and welfare programs looked at immigration, income and education.
Other pages carry a tribute to Mike Masaoka from reader Fumio Yoshida, a Bill Hosokawa column on karaoke, and a Pacific Citizen editorial on supporting the arts. Chapter news came from Philadelphia, Contra Costa and the Greater Los Angeles Singles JACL. The community page notes Gerald Fukui as chairman of the 1991 Nisei Week Japanese Festival.
What’s in this issue
JACL
- JACL Conference Looks at Issues of the ’90s, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The PSW JACL District Conference held in Visalia, Calif., focused on anti-Asian violence, lack of Japanese American material in social studies curricula, and the Japanese American image in the media. Governor Ken Yokota said member involvement in these areas would help ensure better understanding as redress nears its conclusion.
- Textbook Project Seeks to Improve Japanese American Representation, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Greg Marutani presented a project on incorporating accurate Japanese American history into school textbooks, considered for a broader national JACL program. Grayce Uyehara commented on parallels between this campaign and the redress campaign, emphasizing the need for accurate curriculum materials nationwide.
- Conference Agenda Includes JACL Video and Speakers, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The JACL conference agenda featured a video presentation introduced by June, the chapter’s education chairwoman, discussing efforts to include Japanese American history in state curriculum. Joe Yasaki served as emcee, with Tom Arima handling scheduling and Emi Shinagawa managing publicity and printed programs.
National
- Asians Score High in 1990 Census, by Harry K. Honda, page 1. Senior Editor Harry K. Honda examines 1990 Census data showing significant growth in the Asian American population, driven largely by immigration under provisions of the 1965 immigration act. The article breaks down where Asians reside in the U.S. and compares 1980 and 1990 population figures.
- Asian Americans and Welfare Programs Study Findings, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A demographic study details statistics on Asian American immigration, socio-economic status, income, education, and poverty rates. The report also touches on residential segregation, intermarriage, and home ownership trends among Asian Americans, forecasting a growing political voice as their numbers increase.
Commentary
- A Reader Reflects on Gratitude and Faith, by Chiyoko Kawamura, page 2. A reader from Homeland, Calif., writes about gratitude for living in America compared to countries facing war and hardship, citing her faith in God for strength and wisdom. She reflects on avoiding criticism of others’ struggles, invoking the saying about those who live in glass houses.
- A Tribute to Mike Masaoka, by Fumio Yoshida, page 2. A reader from Gardena, Calif., writes to express gratitude to Mike Masaoka despite past disagreements, acknowledging the difficult work he did during World War II. The writer expresses hope for Masaoka’s recovery and praises his lifelong dedication to the community.
- In Support of the Arts, by P.C. Staff, page 4. This PC editorial argues that in the current political climate, education and the arts are underfunded and overlooked compared to power and money, and that the Japanese American community must not forget to support its artists. The piece contends that art defines a people’s humor, warmth, and community more powerfully than legislative work alone.
- Karaoke: An Opportunity to Perform/Entertain, by Bill Hosokawa, page 4. Bill Hosokawa writes about discovering karaoke and reflects on his family’s history with performing, noting his son Jon’s recent lead role in a high school production of “Music Man.” He humorously considers asking his son to coach him before his next trip to Japan so he doesn’t embarrass himself with a karaoke microphone.
Community
- Philadelphia Chapter News, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Philadelphia JACL chapter announces its second annual Wine and Cheese Party at the home of Masao and Wendy Nishi, alongside the 1991 Installation event featuring a speech by Grayce Uyehara. New chapter officers for 1991-92 were also announced, including Nancy Fukuyama as vice president.
- Greater Los Angeles Singles JACL Donates to Koreisha Chushoku Kai, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Greater Los Angeles Singles JACL presented a check for $569 to Emi Yamaki, director of Koreisha Chushoku Kai, to support its nutrition program. Money was raised through the group’s fundraising efforts, with several chapter officers present at the presentation.
- Contra Costa Chapter Plans Fundraiser and JACL Video Screening, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Contra Costa JACL chapter is planning an October event at the East Bay Free Methodist Church featuring a long-awaited JACL video documenting JACL involvement in the redress campaign. The program will include a talk on why the evacuation tragedy needs to be told, presented by June chapter education chairwoman.
- Personally Speaking: Nagata Selected for Junior World Championship Team, by P.C. Staff, page 6. A Lodi-area athlete named Nagata was selected as one of 15 girls nationwide to compete on the U.S. team in the Junior World Championship Tournament in Australia. She will also attend university following the tournament.
- Nakamura Appointed to National Home Builders Council, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Nakamura was appointed chairman of the National Association of Home Builders Remodelors Council. Details of her professional background in the home building industry accompany the announcement.
- Kawahara Named to UCLA Board of Visitors, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Kawahara was appointed to the newly formed Board of Visitors, a consultative body to UCLA Chancellor Charles E. Young. Kawahara graduated summa cum laude from UCLA and has served on the UCLA Foundation Board of Trustees.
- Michigan State Honors Civil Rights Advocate with Honorary Doctorate, by P.C. Staff, page 6. An individual was given an honorary doctorate in humane letters at Michigan State University for civil rights advocacy work related to Japanese Americans during World War II. The honoree was recognized for lifelong contributions to civil rights.
- Fujimoto Establishes Memorial Scholarship in Brother’s Name, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Fujimoto of Chicago, honored as one of 10 Nikkeis in the country, established a memorial scholarship in San Francisco in the name of his fallen brother Sadao, who was killed in action in France on Nov. 2, 1944, along with other Nisei GIs killed in the war. The scholarship is based at an address on Market Street in San Francisco.
- Fukui Heads Nisei Week Festivities, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Gerald Fukui, president of Fukui Mortuary in Los Angeles, was named chairman of the 1991 Nisei Week Japanese Festival. Fukui previously chaired the Coronation Ball Committee and has served on the event’s board of directors since 1978.
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