Vol. 129, No. 17, October 22, 1999. 8 pages. View this issue
Sam Seiki’s wish to bring back San Francisco’s Japantown opened this eight-page issue. He recalled leaving the neighborhood in 1942 during the World War II incarceration (often called internment) and how hard it was to return. A story on page 8 described how Japantown became a multi-ethnic neighborhood, with a community task force working with Seiki to revitalize it. The front page also reported on a federal hearing in the discrimination lawsuit Asian American students filed against Denny’s.
Elsewhere, Dennis Masao Sui-on Sakai Wong, a JACL scholarship recipient, wrote about his grandparents at Tule Lake and Topaz. Christina Shigemura’s column looked at the lingering injustice of the camp years, and Martha Nakagawa reported on the National JACL Board’s talks about hate crimes. Letters from readers discussed the Heart Mountain resisters and the loyalty questionnaire.
What’s in this issue
National
- Sam Seiki Wants to Bring Back Japantown, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Sam Seiki, 76, recalls the forced evacuation of Japanese Americans from San Francisco’s Japantown during WWII internment and the difficulties returning afterward. He now advocates for revitalizing the neighborhood, hoping to restore its sense of community and cultural identity.
- Denny’s Discrimination Lawsuit Heard in Federal Court, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A federal judge heard arguments in a lawsuit filed by Asian American students against Denny’s, alleging discrimination and retaliation at a Syracuse-area restaurant in 1997. Attorneys for the plaintiffs argued Denny’s failed to provide adequate anti-discrimination training and oversight of its franchise, while Denny’s attorneys sought dismissal, claiming the company was not responsible for the franchise’s actions.
- JACL Announces Scholarship Program, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL is accepting applications for its scholarship program for students entering school in 2000, with awards available in several categories including undergraduate, graduate, and fine arts. Applicants must request forms by mail and allow several weeks for processing.
- Asian Pacific Americans Growing Political Force in Democratic Party, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus chair Robert Underwood highlighted growing APA populations in key districts across Hawaii and California as important for the 2000 elections. By 2000, several states including Minnesota, Oregon, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Georgia are expected to show significant increases in APA populations as well.
- National Newsbriefs, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A South Korean government investigation into a deportation case involving an Indian family remains pending, with the family stating they would return to India if their son were deported. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s Vuthy Pil is set to become the state’s first Southeast Asian conservation officer, working to bridge communication between the Department of Natural Resources and Southeast Asian communities amid high rates of citations for game violations.
- Boeing Settles Discrimination Lawsuit for $15 Million, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Boeing settled a discrimination lawsuit for $15 million brought by a group including Pakistani, Indian, Iranian and Vietnamese employees. Plaintiff Khalil Nouri and others alleged the aerospace giant fostered a discriminatory work environment, though Boeing stated it does not tolerate discrimination and takes action when allegations are substantiated.
- Wasabi Farmer Carver Aims to Bottle Fresh Wasabi Dressings, by P.C. Staff, page 3. An entrepreneur has begun growing wasabi on a 52-acre farm, aiming to produce a line of wasabi dressings. Fresh wasabi, which grows in streambeds using fast-moving ice water, fetches over $100 a pound in Japan and $45 a pound in North America.
Community
- Dennis Masao Sui-on Sakai Wong: JACL Scholarship Recipient Reflects on Heritage, by Dennis Masao Sui-on Sakai Wong, page 4. A JACL Fresno Hirasuna Scholarship recipient writes about his mixed Japanese American and Chinese American heritage, describing his grandparents’ internment at Tule Lake and Topaz and his father’s family history as ‘paper sons’ from China. He reflects on the sacrifices of his ancestors and his identity as a proud American Yonsei.
- Kenji Kasai Memorial Scholarship Essay: Citizen of the World, page 4. A scholarship essay recipient reflects on the meaning of being a ‘citizen of the world’ beyond traditional notions of community membership. The writer discusses broader civic duties and responsibilities that come with such a global perspective.
- Gongoro Nakamura Memorial Scholarship: Erin M. Nishimura, by Erin M. Nishimura, page 4. Erin M. Nishimura of Honolulu JACL is recognized as a scholarship recipient studying engineering. The brief profile notes her academic standing among past scholarship students.
- Japantown’s Changing Face: Multi-Ethnic Community Effort to Revitalize, by P.C. Staff, page 8. San Francisco’s Japantown has evolved into a multi-ethnic neighborhood, with many businesses now Korean-owned and fewer than half of local residents claiming Japanese descent. A community task force, including Korean and Black members, is working with Sam Seiki and others to revitalize the area while preserving its Japanese cultural character and encouraging Japanese-owned businesses to return.
Commentary
- Karen’s Congressional Fellowship Journey, page 6. Nicole Akemi Inouye of Huntington Beach and David Namura of Arvada were named to a congressional fellowship program designed to encourage public service among promising young people. The article profiles Karen, whose experience working in the Office of Civil Rights and handling employment disputes made her a strong candidate, while she also expressed concern about the glass ceiling limiting people of color from reaching management positions.
- Stranger Than Fiction: There’s Nothing ‘Comforting’ About Injustice, by Christina Shigemura, page 6. Columnist Christina Shigemura writes about the lingering injustice of the Japanese American internment experience. She draws connections between historical wrongs and contemporary issues of civil rights and fairness.
- National JACL Board Addresses Hate Crimes and Community Concerns, by Martha Nakagawa, page 7. The National JACL Board discussed establishing a hate crime task force in every U.S. Attorney’s office in response to a rise in fatal hate crimes this year, including the murder of Naoki. JACL officials also met with FBI and Department of Justice officials to discuss combating hate crimes, particularly those originating online, while continuing negotiations related to the San Francisco YWCA building litigation.
- Constitution Should Have Been Upheld, page 7. A letter writer responds to Fred Hirasuna’s earlier comments about the Heart Mountain resisters, arguing that wartime should not have been used to justify ignoring constitutional rights. The writer emphasizes their unwavering faith in the Constitution despite the injustices of the era.
- Loyalty Questionnaire Response Was Personal Choice, by Elmer S. Nagama, page 7. Elmer S. Nagama reflects on the personal nature of decisions made by Japanese Americans regarding the WWII loyalty questionnaire, noting that each man had to weigh his own circumstances carefully. He recounts a conversation with a friend born in the U.S. who ultimately served in the occupation forces in Japan after the war ended.
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