The Wendy Yoshimura trial and a Manzanar book title change

Vol. 84, No. 2, January 21, 1977. 12 pages. View this issue

The trial of Wendy Yoshimura in Oakland led the news in this 12-page issue. Lee Ruttle reported on the closing arguments and the jury instructions, and defense attorney James Larson urged acquittal on all counts. Also on the front page, former Rep. Patsy Takemoto Mink of Hawaii was named to a sub-Cabinet post, and JACL’s Ethnic Concerns Committee objected to the original title of an oral history book on Owens Valley residents and Manzanar. The publisher agreed to change it to ‘Camp and Community.’

Wayne K. Horiuchi’s annual report on the JACL Washington Office covered 1976, including the termination of Executive Order 9066. Several pieces remembered Edison Uno, by Horiuchi, Sachi Seko and Rev. Dave Nakagawa. Japanese Canadians marking their 1877-1977 centennial appeared in columns by Toyo Takata and Gordon Hirabayashi. Bill Hosokawa, Bill Marutani and Chiz Satow wrote columns.

What’s in this issue

National

• Wendy Yoshimura’s lawyer sees acquittal, by By Lee Ruttle, page 1. The defense and prosecution delivered closing arguments in the Wendy Yoshimura trial in Oakland during the week of January 10. Defense attorney James Larson argued reasonable doubt and urged acquittal on all counts.
• Patsy Mink selected for sub-Cabinet post, by P.C. Staff, page 1. President-elect Jimmy Carter named former Rep. Patsy Takemoto Mink of Hawaii as assistant secretary for oceans and international environmental and scientific affairs. The position includes representing the U.S. in scientific matters and continuing Law of the Sea negotiations.
• Controversy boils over ‘Jap’ in book title, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A forthcoming oral history book on Owens Valley residents and Manzanar was originally titled ‘Jap Camp,’ drawing objections from JACL’s Ethnic Concerns Committee. The publisher agreed to change the title to ‘Camp and Community’ and add a publisher’s note explaining the change.
• FCC won’t censor anti-racial jokes, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Federal Communications Commission ruled it could not censor broadcasters airing offensive jokes, such as those on All in the Family, following complaints from the Polish American Congress. The FCC cited First Amendment protections.
• Michener given Medal of Freedom, by P.C. Staff, page 12. President Ford awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 22 Americans, including author James Michener of the Philadelphia JACL. The honor recognizes significant contributions in a wide range of fields.

Community

• Seabrook dancers at Carter inaugural, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Thirty-five dancers from the Seabrook, New Jersey, community performed in Washington at the invitation of the Presidential Inaugural Committee. Ellen Nakamura coordinated the performances, which included a program at Union Station.
• Start fund drive for $100,000, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Chicago’s Japanese American Service Committee launched a $100,000 fund drive to furnish a 200-unit senior citizens housing facility called Peace Terrace. Construction is federally funded, with occupancy expected by 1979.
• Membership recruitment underway, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Midwest District Council launched its 1977 membership drive, aiming for a 10 percent increase from about 2,200 members. Strategies include chapter growth, new chapters, and better public relations.
• Call of the Midwest, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Cleveland Chapter Education Committee proposed a Midwest youth summer program to help Sansei find jobs and experience other Japanese American communities. The MDC page editor endorses the idea.
• Yoshikawa chairs San Joaquin board, by P.C. Staff, page 12. Richard S. Yoshikawa was elected 1977 chairman of the San Joaquin County board of supervisors. He had first been appointed to a vacancy in 1944 and later won a full term.

JACL

• Annual report of JACL Washington Office, by Wayne K. Horiuchi, page 2. The JACL Washington Office reviewed its 1976 accomplishments, including passage of the Rice Production Act and termination of Executive Order 9066. Other achievements included convention preparations, congressional testimony, and creation of an Asian American Office of Special Concerns in the U.S. Office of Education.
• JAL-JACL fellowship applications now available, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Applications opened for the 1977 JAL-JACL Cultural Heritage Fellowships, which provide a summer study program at Sophia University in Tokyo for four winners. Eligibility requires JACL membership, age 18 to 26, and limited prior travel to Japan, with an application deadline of April 1, 1977.
• 1977 JACL Travel Program, by P.C. Staff, page 3. JACL announced group flights and charters to Japan and Europe for 1977 open to bona fide members. Fares, departure dates, and administrators for each group are listed.
• Japanese Canadians: From 1877-1977 in pics, by Gordon Hirabayashi, page 9. A photographic exhibit on the history of Japanese Canadians is being developed for the centennial and will open in Toronto in May 1977. The volunteer committee collected 1,500 photos and conducted interviews with Issei and Nisei.

Commentary

• It will cost a little more to travel in Japan—30-50% on railways, by Barry Saiki, page 3. Japanese National Railways fare increases of about 50 percent will push up transportation costs for visitors to Japan in 1977. The column argues that JNR’s debt and bureaucratic problems make it a poor example of a nationalized industry.
• Editorials: Canada’s Hyakunensai, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial praises Japanese Canadians for celebrating their 1977 centennial and recalls the JACL-assisted U.S. centennial in 1969. It notes the Canadian community’s small size relative to the population and wishes them success.
• Wanted: National JACL director in two persons, by Chiz Satow, page 4. Chiz Satow argues JACL needs a permanent national director, ideally two people, one for external public relations and one for internal administration. He notes that funding limits and the difficulty of finding dedicated candidates complicate the search.
• Dilemma: How to Cope (Without Surrendering), by Bill Marutani, page 4. Bill Marutani describes the tension between retaining Japanese cultural restraint and the blunt competitiveness of American life. He suggests that one can adapt when necessary while keeping those cultural values intact.
• From the Frying Pan: The JACL in Milwaukee, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Bill Hosokawa reports on the inaugural banquet of the Milwaukee JACL chapter, which drew over a hundred people despite severe cold. He notes the chapter’s close-knit membership and its racially mixed board.
• For Today and Tomorrow, by Jon Inouye, page 7. Jon Inouye, a new assistant editor, writes about science fiction as a form of literature that explores how science affects humanity. He describes his own goals as a writer to both entertain and provoke thought about Japanese American experience.
• The Leadership Gap: Thanks to the Nisei?, by Toaru Ishiyama, page 8. Toaru Ishiyama argues that Nisei claim to respect elders but often sideline Sansei and Yonsei from organizational leadership. He calls for an integrated process in which generations share leadership responsibilities.
• Centennial—Last Round-Up?, by Toyo Takata, page 9. Toyo Takata warns that Japanese Canadians, numbering about 40,000 and widely dispersed, face assimilation after the centennial. She urges youth to find renewed pride and purpose in their heritage.

Obituaries

• Conscience of JACL, by Wayne Horiuchi, page 5. Wayne Horiuchi remembers Edison Uno as the moral conscience of JACL who championed repeal of the Title II Internal Security Act and reparations. He highlights Uno’s commitment to educating Americans about the Japanese American evacuation.
• The Hyacinth Uprooted, by Sachi Seko, page 5. Sachi Seko mourns the death of Edison Uno at age 47, whom she had never met in person despite planning to meet. She reflects on his writing, his generosity, and his commitment to Japanese American expression.
• Final words for Edison Uno, by Rev. Dave Nakagawa, page 11. Rev. David Nakagawa delivered a eulogy at a private family service for Edison Uno, describing him as a universal idealist who reached across causes and communities. He recalls Uno’s personal kindness and his sense of spiritual purpose.
• JACL Washington Office report continued, by Wayne K. Horiuchi, page 12. The Washington Office reports on its congressional and advocacy work, including civil service retirement credit efforts and representation at various events. The report credits JACL volunteers for the year’s successes.

Incarceration & Redress

• Wendy Yoshimura trial: court scenes and rebuttal, by Lee Ruttle, page 10. The Yoshimura trial reached the jury phase, with Judge Pulich delivering instructions and the jury beginning deliberations on January 13. Lee Ruttle also reports on earlier prosecution witnesses and the disputed notebook exhibit.

Military & Veterans

• Munemori film updated, by P.C. Staff, page 12. The silent film Pfc. Sadao Munemori, based on the Medal of Honor recipient’s life, was updated with audio and archival footage. It is available for rental from the Buddhist Churches of America Film Library.

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.