The 1993 holiday issue: The volunteer spirit

Vol. 117, No. 20, December 17, 1993. 128 pages. View this issue

Volunteers were the theme of the 128-page holiday issue of December 17, 1993. JACL National President Lillian C. Kimura introduced it, and the pages that followed profiled people who kept chapters running: Sam Shoji in Seattle, Christine Noonan in the Twin Cities, three Omaha volunteers, and Chieko Okazaki. Julie Sasaki described how the Detroit chapter grew its membership by 126%, Hank Tanaka counted the value of volunteer hours, and Grayce Uyehara reported on the JACL Legacy Fund.

Elsewhere are Gwen Muranaka’s interview with Bill Hosokawa, a 50th anniversary reunion of Gila River camp, and the effort to rename a Texas road that carries a racial slur. Shake Ushio and Irene Mori looked ahead to the 1994 national convention in Salt Lake City, and Kenly Kato and Darryl Chiang debated the film The Joy Luck Club. About 87 of the issue’s pages carry holiday greetings.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Commentary: The Joy Luck Club, by Kenly Kato and Darryl Chiang, page 4. Two Harvard Law School students debate the merits and shortcomings of the film ‘The Joy Luck Club,’ discussing its portrayal of Asian American men as largely negative compared to sympathetic Caucasian male characters. They conclude that despite its flaws, the film represents an important breakthrough for Asian American representation in mainstream media.
• The Need for Asian American Studies, by Gary Mayeda, page 13. A college student argues for the necessity of dedicated Asian American Studies departments at universities, describing how such programs provide comprehensive historical education and serve as resource centers for student organizations. He encourages JACL chapters to build relationships with local Asian American studies programs and student groups.
• Throwing Japan in the Briar Patch: What the U.S. Hasn’t Learned from the Br’er Rabbit Stories, by Steven C. Clemons, page 14. The executive director of the Institute for Independent Japanese Studies argues that media reports of Japan’s economic collapse are exaggerated, comparing Japan’s strategic use of a recession to reshape its economy to the Br’er Rabbit fable. He explains how Japan’s Ministry of Finance manipulated currency and economic conditions to force restructuring while appearing to suffer.
• Leadership: A Different Approach, by Paul M. Shinkawa, page 19. A former JACL National Board member argues for a consultative decision-making model in JACL based on Dr. Lawrence Susskind’s five principles, contrasting it with the traditional top-down ‘Decide, Announce, and Defend’ approach. He calls for redefining leadership so that members are consulted and informed before major decisions are made.
• In Their Own Words: Why JACL Members Contribute to the Legacy Fund, by Grayce Uyehara, page 21. Uyehara compiles responses from JACL members explaining their reasons for donating to the Legacy Fund, including gratitude for redress efforts, honoring past leaders like Mike Masaoka, and ensuring JACL’s continued relevance for future generations. Contributors express both hope and concern about the organization’s direction under younger leadership.
• The Value of Volunteering, by Hank Tanaka, page 28. The author reflects on the psychology and economics of volunteerism, calculating the monetary value of volunteer hours contributed to JACL and arguing that volunteers are motivated by personal commitment rather than obligation. He suggests JACL has not yet reached its potential as an influential organization for social change.

In-Depth

• The Volunteer Spirit: Introducing the 1993 Holiday Issue Theme, by Lillian C. Kimura, page 5. JACL National President Lillian C. Kimura introduces the 1993 Holiday Issue theme of volunteerism, drawing on her YWCA background to explain the importance of civic participation in American democracy. She discusses statistics on volunteerism from the Independent Sector and thanks JACL’s thousands of volunteers who quietly do the work needed to keep the organization running.
• Japanese Pioneers of Oregon: The Yasui Brothers Store Exhibit, by Chris Komai, page 7. The Japanese American National Museum exhibit ‘In This Great Land of Freedom’ showcases artifacts from the Yasui Brothers Store in Hood River, Oregon, hidden away for 40 years and rediscovered as one of the most complete collections documenting early Japanese immigrant business life. The exhibit tells the story of Masuo Yasui and his brother Renichi Fujimoto, who built an economic and social hub for Japanese laborers before Masuo was arrested during WWII.
• Bill Hosokawa: On Journalism and JACL, by Gwen Muranaka, page 8. Longtime Pacific Citizen columnist and Denver Post editor Bill Hosokawa is interviewed about his career in journalism, his decades of involvement with JACL since 1935, and his views on leadership within the organization. He discusses Mike Masaoka’s legacy, the changing nature of Nisei identity, and offers candid criticism of JACL’s current direction and need for new blood.
• President Fujimori’s First 1000 Days, by Harry K. Honda, page 24. Pacific Citizen editor emeritus Harry Honda chronicles Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori’s controversial first years in office, including his 1992 ‘self-coup’ dissolving Congress, his economic reforms, and the capture of Shining Path leader Abimael Guzman. Honda notes Fujimori’s Japanese ancestry and his relationship with the Pan American Nikkei Association.
• San Diego Business Journal Honors Robert Ito for Community Contributions, by P.C. Staff, page 34. Robert P. Ito, CEO of Occupational Training Services and chair of Communities United for Economic Justice, was named to the San Diego Business Journal’s Who’s Who list for his work in job training, affordable housing development, and advocacy for minority business contracting. Ito represents JACL on multiple community boards and commissions in San Diego.
• Reaching for the Promised Land, by Joe Horiye, page 41. A young Japanese American reflects on the responsibilities and challenges facing his generation in charting their own path forward, distinct from that of their elders, while honoring the sacrifices of previous generations. He calls for renewed commitment and passion in striving toward a better future.

Community

• A Collective Effort in Portland: Japanese Pioneers of Oregon Exhibit, by George Katagiri, page 6. Hundreds of volunteers contributed to creating the successful ‘Japanese Pioneers of Oregon’ exhibit at the Oregon History Center, raising $65,000 and contributing countless hours to document Issei history before it disappeared. The exhibit demonstrates how collective volunteer efforts can preserve important community history.
• Is the JA Community Disappearing? Or Is the Choice Up to Us?, by Lane Hirabayashi, page 15. A professor challenges Harry Kitano’s assertion that the Japanese American community will disappear by 2050 due to intermarriage rates, arguing instead that community survival depends on inclusion and participation rather than blood purity. He shares his positive experience being welcomed into the Denver Japanese American community despite having no prior connections there.
• Taking a Train Back in Time: Cincinnati’s 50th Anniversary Remembrance, by Patricia Ikeda Carper, page 23. Cincinnati JACL chapter volunteers Frances Tojo and her brother Gordon Yoshikawa are honored for decades of dedication to chapter projects including redress advocacy and cultural events. The chapter plans a 50th anniversary remembrance event at Cincinnati’s Union Terminal, where resettlers arrived after leaving internment camps, featuring a photographic exhibit on Japanese American detention.
• San Diego Chapter Hosts Robert Ito: Making a Difference in the Community, by P.C. Staff, page 34. This profile expands on Robert Ito’s extensive community involvement including his roles chairing San Diego Crime Stoppers and various civil rights and business development organizations. Ito’s nonprofit organization broke ground on the first family housing development in Centre City East since 1940.
• Eden Chapter Installs ’94 Officers, by Tomi Miyamoto, page 39. The Eden Chapter JACL installed its 1994 officers and board members at Willow Park Golf Club, with Randy Senzaki as installing officer and Judy Sakaki as guest speaker. The chapter also held its annual community Christmas program featuring youth performances and a visit from Santa Claus.
• Solidarity in Sacramento: Community Dinner Honors First Responders After Firebombing, by Toko Fujii, page 40. Nearly 500 people attended Sacramento JACL’s ‘Community Solidarity Dinner’ honoring law enforcement, fire department, and city officials for their response to the firebombing of the JACL and NAACP offices. Newly appointed National JACL Director Randy Senzaki addressed the gathering along with elected officials and community leaders.

Incarceration & Redress

• History in Hawaii: Takao Ozawa’s Fight for Naturalization, by Allan Beekman, page 8. This historical account details Takao Ozawa’s 1914 petition for U.S. naturalization and his ultimately unsuccessful Supreme Court case challenging the racial restrictions on citizenship for Japanese immigrants. Ozawa’s son George would later die serving in the U.S. Army during WWII, the same country that denied his father citizenship.
• Saluting Volunteerism: Chizu Iiyama on the Strength and Diversity Exhibit, by Chizu Iiyama, page 28. A volunteer describes the two-year collaborative effort to create the ‘Strength and Diversity: Japanese American Women 1885-1990’ exhibit, which relied heavily on oral histories due to scarce artifacts and photos lost during internment. The exhibit successfully toured through the Oakland Museum and the Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit program.
• Before Jap Road Was Named: The Story of the Kishi Colony in Texas, by Gwendolyn Wingate, page 31. This historical account traces the Japanese pioneer settlements established by Yasuo Mayumi and Kichimatsu Kishi in early 1900s Texas, detailing their agricultural successes, community building, and eventual decline due to discriminatory land laws and the Great Depression. The piece also covers the ongoing effort by Sandra Tanamachi Nakata and Houston JACL to change the name of ‘Jap Road,’ a racial slur commemorating the colony.
• Gila Camp Marks 50th Anniversary, by Joe Allman, page 47. A 50th anniversary reunion of former Gila River Relocation Camp internees was held in Phoenix, drawing over 200 attendees who revisited camp sites and the Japanese American Memorial to servicemen from the camp. The Arizona JACL chapter is also raising funds for new monuments and searching for names of all servicemen who died during WWII whose families resided at Gila River.

JACL

• Our Man, Sam Shoji: Seattle Chapter’s Tireless Volunteer, by Arlene Oki, page 18. Sam Shoji, a retired social worker, is profiled as the Seattle JACL chapter’s indispensable volunteer who handles administrative tasks, mailings, and logistics that keep the organization running. He has received the National JACL Silver Pin and the Seattle Chapter’s Don Kazama Human Rights Award for his decades of service.
• A Membership Drive That Worked, by Julie Sasaki, page 19. The Detroit JACL chapter’s membership chairwoman details the market research and strategic planning that led to a 126% increase in new members in 1993, including demographic analysis and revamped programming to attract Sansei professionals and ‘new Issei.’ The strategy involved changing event formats, increasing publicity, and building relationships with local Asian American organizations.
• Volunteer Leadership for Changing Times: Legacy Fund Update, by Grayce Uyehara, page 20. The Legacy Fund committee chairwoman reports that fundraising has slowed significantly in its third year, having raised over $4.29 million toward a $10 million goal by October 1995. She shares a parable about geese flying in formation as a lesson on collective leadership and unity for JACL’s future.
• Set Your Sights on Salt Lake City for 1994 JACL Convention, by Shake Ushio, page 24. A longtime Salt Lake City JACL leader invites members to the 1994 National JACL Convention, recounting the city’s historical role as JACL’s wartime headquarters and home to the Intermountain District Council’s crucial financial support. The article also details the city’s attractions including Temple Square and the National JACL Credit Union.
• The Countdown Has Begun: 1994 Convention Preparations Underway, by Irene Mori, page 25. Preparations for the August 1994 National JACL Convention in Salt Lake City are detailed, including pre-convention golf and tennis tournaments, tours to the Topaz camp site, and a slate of social events. A list of local volunteers working on convention logistics and fundraising is provided.
• Twin Cities’ Christine Noonan: Always in Action, by P.C. Staff, page 31. Christine Nakamura Noonan is profiled for her extensive volunteer work with the Twin Cities JACL chapter, including developing the chapter newsletter, chairing children’s holiday parties, and her involvement with Asian American Renaissance arts organization. She also performs traditional Japanese dance and serves on her church’s governing body.
• Omaha’s Heart and Soul: Three Special Volunteers, by Sharon Ishii-Jordan, page 33. Three longtime Omaha JACL volunteers—Masako ‘Em’ Nakadoi, Gladys Hirabayashi, and Miki Allen—are honored for decades of service including fundraising, mentoring youth, and quietly supporting chapter activities behind the scenes. Nakadoi, who passed away in November, is remembered for her leadership as district governor and encouragement of Sansei involvement.
• Wisconsin Chapter: The ‘Roasting’ of Ed Jonokuchi, by Lil Kataoka, page 39. After 23 years as 1000 Club chairman, Ed Jonokuchi was honored with a surprise ‘roasting’ celebration featuring skits, taped tributes from former Milwaukee residents, and a National JACL certificate of recognition. The article chronicles his colorful history of themed annual fundraising events dating back to the 1960s.
• Chieko Okazaki: Mt. Olympus’ Dedicated Volunteer, by Eileen Namba Otsuji and Mark Morodomi, page 48. Chieko Nishimura Okazaki, a longtime educator and volunteer, is honored for her decades of service to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, becoming the first non-Caucasian to serve on any of its general boards. She has also authored several books and received numerous professional honors in education throughout her career in Hawaii, Salt Lake City, and Colorado.

Arts & Entertainment

• Author Ishmael Reed’s Latest Book: Comic Aggression, by Mei Nakano, page 22. African American author Ishmael Reed discusses his new satirical novel ‘Japanese by Spring,’ which features a Japanese antagonist character and explores themes of multiculturalism, opportunism, and academic politics. Reed explains his interest in fostering greater cultural exchange between African American and Japanese literature and his approach to satire as ‘comic aggression.’
• Dance Ambassadors: Arizona Chapter’s Traditional Japanese Dance Group, by Joe Allman, page 47. Members of the Arizona JACL chapter’s dance group perform traditional Japanese dances at community events across the state to promote cultural understanding, making their own kimonos and dedicating extensive practice hours. The group has performed at events including Martin Luther King Jr. breakfasts and Phoenix America Japan Week.

Military & Veterans

• Recalling the Battle of Attu, by Teruo Nishijima, page 29. A Japanese historian presents the Japanese perspective on the WWII Battle of Attu in the Aleutian Islands, describing Colonel Yamazaki’s final stand and the fate of Attu’s native Aleut population who were relocated to Japan. The piece also credits General Higuchi with saving thousands of Jewish refugees fleeing to Manchuria in 1938.
• Alaska at War: Recalling the Evacuation Story of Alaska’s Issei, by Harry K. Honda, page 29. Sylvia Kobayashi, a volunteer in ‘no-chapter’ Alaska, presented on the wartime experiences of Alaska’s Japanese pioneers and Nisei soldiers at a symposium marking Veterans Day, including stories of the Aleut evacuation and Nisei soldiers from Alaska. Kobayashi hopes to eventually establish a JACL chapter in Alaska.

Obituaries

• In Memoriam: Ruth and Hugh Kiino, by P.C. Staff, page 61. Ruth Haruko Dakuzaku Kiino, a longtime Kalamazoo, Michigan resident and former Florin JACL member, died of a heart attack just before her 80th birthday in February 1993, followed shortly by the death of her husband Hugh Masao Kiino. The couple, who met at UC Berkeley and were involved in Florin’s strawberry farming community before internment, are survived by their children and grandchildren.
• Charley Taketoshi Hayashida, by P.C. Staff, page 61. Charley Taketoshi Hayashida, a Nisei veteran and past president of a veterans organization, passed away and was memorialized at Green Hills Memorial in Rancho Palos Verdes. He is survived by his wife Sadako, son Rev. Dr. Larry Hayashida, daughters, grandchildren, and sisters.

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