Vol. 85, No. 9, August 26, 1977. 8 pages. View this issue
A Los Angeles tribute to George Knox Roth led the issue. More than 350 people filled the Little Tokyo Towers dining room to honor a man who tried to stave off the World War II incarceration (often called internment) of West Coast Japanese Americans. Congressman Norman Mineta keynoted the evening and praised Roth’s courage. Inside, excerpts from Roth’s 1942 radio program feature Masao Satow, and a second story lists the resolutions, portrait and $10,000 check presented to Roth.
Elsewhere, Loris Toki Kurashige was crowned the 1977 Nisei Week queen, and Dr. James K. Nagatani was sworn in on the Delano city council. The JACL-Hayashi Law awards were announced, and the Commentary pages carried columns by Karl Nobuyuki, Howard H. Maetani, Henry Tanaka and Bill Hosokawa. Harry K. Honda reviewed the album Yokohama, California.
What’s in this issue
Community
- Another ‘Profile in Courage’ filed, by P.C. Staff, page 1. More than 350 people attended a Los Angeles tribute to George Knox Roth, who opposed the wartime incarceration of Japanese Americans. Congressman Norman Mineta keynoted the emotional event and praised Roth’s courage.
- Miss Citrus Valley chosen Nisei Week queen, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Loris Toki Kurashige was crowned 1977 Nisei Week queen at the Bonaventure Hotel coronation ball over seven aspirants. Susan Takei was runner-up and Marie Yamanouye was named Miss Tomodachi.
- Dr. Nagatani sworn in Delano city councilman, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. James K. Nagatani was sworn in to fill a vacant Delano city council seat by unanimous appointment. The longtime JACLer and former local school board president said he accepted to serve his community.
- Mental health research grants covering 15 topics announced, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Asian American Mental Health Research Center’s advisory board selected 15 community research projects totaling about $45,000. The projects cover topics ranging from Filipino immigrant mental health to Japanese American elderly outreach.
- Senate OK’s Hayakawa’s first bill, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Senate passed S 1614, the Western States Conservation Act, Senator S.I. Hayakawa’s first bill to pass the Senate. The law extends soil conservation assistance to 22 western states.
- Sample Text of a George Roth Broadcast: Democracy under test, says Satow, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Excerpts from George Knox Roth’s 1942 radio program feature Masao Satow speaking on the uncertain position of Japanese Americans after the Pearl Harbor attack. Satow urged fellow Americans to show loyalty and avoid bitterness as the evacuation approached.
- Friends of George Knox Roth honored by Japanese American community, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Roth received resolutions from state legislators, county supervisors, and JACL levels, plus a portrait and a $10,000 check from the Friends of George Knox Roth. The account remains open for contributions until Sept. 30.
- Uwajimaya schedules $1.5 million expansion, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Seattle’s Uwajimaya market is undertaking a $1.5 million expansion that will more than double its space. The new 20,000-square-foot structure will maintain the Japanese design of the existing building.
- ‘Evening Magazine’ makes first year on S.F. Bay area TV, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Bay Area program Evening Magazine, co-hosted by Jan Yanehiro and Steve Fox, marked its first year on the air. The show has spawned four offspring in other cities.
- Picnic recalls breakfast meeting, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Ten Buddhist and Christian Nikkei ministers and their families gathered for a picnic in Mountain View commemorating a 1974 interfaith clergy discussion group. The group has met bimonthly since, covering topics from interfaith marriage to farm labor.
National
- Postwar Japanese American marriages still a problem, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The International Social Service in Tokyo reports thousands of children of U.S. servicemen face statelessness due to citizenship rules. Many Japanese wives cannot locate or obtain divorces from absent American husbands.
- HUD exempts Seattle housing for Asian elderly, by P.C. Staff, page 1. HUD granted International Terrace, a low-income elderly housing project in Seattle, an exemption from a housing compliance agreement. Inter*Im called it a victory but said other International District projects remain uncertain.
- Nominee under fire withdraws, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. Michael Geokas withdrew his nomination to the State Board of Medical Quality Assurance after criticism from Chinese Americans. He had been accused of discriminating against fellow physician Dr. Edmund Jung.
- 1977 JACL-Hayashi Law awards made, by Dr. Tom Tamaki, page 4. Bruce Hironaka and Carol Izumi each received $500 JACL Thomas T. Hayashi Law Scholarships for the 1977-78 law school year. Derrick Takeuchi also received an additional $500 for maintaining satisfactory grades at Georgetown.
- Japan Supreme Court issues first ‘one ruling on church-state’ Article XX, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Japan’s Supreme Court ruled 10-5 that a city’s contribution to a Shinto groundbreaking ceremony was constitutional. It was the court’s first judgment interpreting Article XX on separation of church and state.
JACL
- JACL-NIMH final report on retirement published, by P.C. Staff, page 1. An 82-page final report from the 1976 Nisei Retirement Planning Committee, sponsored by JACL and NIMH, was published. Copies were distributed to chapters to help members plan for retirement.
Commentary
- Togetherness, by Karl Nobuyuki, page 4. Karl Nobuyuki reflects on the Eastern-Midwest district convention theme of togetherness and its meaning for JACL. He argues that togetherness requires inclusive dialogue across generations rather than simple majority rule.
- San Benito teacher, by Nobuyuki Nakajima, page 4. A letter writer criticizes a San Benito teacher whose remarks about Japanese during World War II drew attention and whose attitudes were defended in a reprint. The writer argues the Pearl Harbor attack context and U.S. policies must be recognized.
- Reflections of a Sansei, by Howard H. Maetani, page 5. Howard Maetani reflects on a Provo eviction case involving Laotian families represented by Utah Legal Services. He urges Asian Americans to find the courage to get involved in worthy causes.
- Priorities, by Henry Tanaka, page 5. Henry Tanaka criticizes JACL for slow progress on reparations, the top priority chosen at the Sacramento convention. He notes the questionnaire response was poor and the national committee has been slow to act.
- Stories With a Smile, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Bill Hosokawa recounts humorous anecdotes shared by visiting commentator Rani Saruya and his wife Shima. The stories include confusion over restroom signs and a citizenship exam mishap.
Arts & Entertainment
- Yokohama, California, by Harry K. Honda, page 7. A review of the 12-inch LP Yokohama, California by five Sansei musicians on Bamboo Records. The album features original songs reflecting Asian American history and contemporary community issues.
Military & Veterans
- Thomas B. McGuire air base dedicated in New Jersey, by P.C. Staff, page 8. An air base in New Jersey was dedicated to WWII ace Thomas B. McGuire during the 30th reunion of the 49th Fighter Group. A wreath was placed by former Japanese opponent Mizunori Fukuda.
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