Vol. 83, No. 6, August 6, 1976. 4 pages. View this issue
The JACL National Council wrapped up its work in this issue. Delegates adopted policy statements on education, the Japanese American elderly, political education, public education and youth, and approved a balanced 1977-78 budget of $492,300. Jim Murakami was installed as national president. Also on the front page: Russell Akiyama reported on Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld’s address to the Nisei Veterans Reunion in Chicago, where he praised Japanese American veterans and called Executive Order 9066 a contradiction of American ideals. In Seattle, the Keiro Home had raised nearly $240,000 toward its $500,000 goal.
Elsewhere in these four pages, Gordon Hirabayashi reviewed Frank Chuman’s book The Bamboo People, and Bill Hosokawa wrote about a call from Takayama vice-mayor Ryoichi Yamada. Readers will also find a note on the California Historical Society’s Executive Order 9066 exhibit, available to JACL chapters at special rates, plans for the JAYs convention in the Twin Cities, and the formation of an Asian-Pacific American caucus at the Democratic convention.
What’s in this issue
Community
- Keiro Home near halfway mark in $500,000 campaign, to open soon, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Keiro Home in Seattle, a 63-bed nonprofit nursing facility for elderly Japanese Americans, is nearing its fundraising goal. Nearly $240,000 has been raised toward the $500,000 target as the home prepares to open.
- Chapter Notes: Japanese families honored and local events, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Chapter news includes local events and recognition of Japanese families in the community. Several chapters reported activities and membership updates.
National
- Asian-Pacific American Democratic caucus formed at New York confab, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Asian and Pacific American delegates attending the Democratic convention formed a caucus to address issues affecting their communities. Representatives from several states and Guam will work to ensure federal recognition and fair treatment.
JACL
- Executive Order 9066 exhibit available to JACL chapters at special rates, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The California Historical Society’s exhibit on Executive Order 9066 is available to JACL chapters for a reduced rental fee. Chapters must contact the society to arrange shipping and terms.
- Las Vegas JACL chapter maintains Ichiban status with membership growth, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL national membership reached 26,213 as of June 20, with the Las Vegas chapter holding Ichiban status for its growth. Several chapters and districts exceeded their 1975 membership totals.
- National Council narrative: final session, policy statements, budget and elections, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL National Council adopted policy statements on education, the Japanese American elderly, political education, public education and youth, and approved a balanced 1977-78 budget of $492,300. Officers were elected, with Jim Murakami installed as national president.
- JAYs National Convention set for Twin Cities, Aug. 10-15, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The sixth biennial JAYs National Convention will be hosted by the Twin Cities JAYs at Concordia College in St. Paul, Minnesota. The program includes workshops, a forum with JACL president Jim Murakami, a riverboat cruise, and a dinner-dance.
Commentary
- End and a beginning for the JAYs, by Dale Shimasaki, page 1. The JAYs biennial convention in the Twin Cities marks the close of current leadership terms and the start of new directions, including a possible name change to AAYs. Delegates will act on recommendations and discuss the organization’s future.
- Frank Chuman’s book The Bamboo People reviewed, by Gordon Hirabayashi, page 2. Professor Gordon Hirabayashi praises Frank Chuman’s book The Bamboo People as filling a significant gap in the historical record of Japanese American wartime treatment. He argues the wartime violations of citizen rights were a natural outgrowth of existing prejudice.
- A Japanese-language media gap and the role of the Nikkei, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The author argues that Japanese television writers and producers often bypass Nikkei organizations like JACL when covering Japanese Americans. The piece calls for greater JACL visibility in Japan to bridge communication gaps.
- Visiting Takayama and the gracious vice-mayor Ryoichi Yamada, by Bill Hosokawa, page 4. The columnist recounts a telephone call from Takayama vice-mayor Ryoichi Yamada, who thanked Denver hosts during a July visit. Yamada’s wartime experience and his sense of appreciation are described.
Military & Veterans
- Rumsfeld praises Nisei war veterans’ record, by Russell Akiyama, page 1. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld addressed the Nisei Veterans Reunion in Chicago, praising Japanese American veterans who fought for freedom while their families were confined in camps. He called the executive order that created the camps a terrible contradiction of American ideals.
Incarceration & Redress
- JACL-Japan flight tickets lost; fellow travelers help out, by Lucie Doi Kunimoto, page 2. A letter writer describes losing return airline tickets on a JACL tour to Japan and the help she received from Japan Air Lines and fellow tour members. She thanks the JACL travelers for their generosity.
Arts & Entertainment
- Yoko Morishita’s New York debut with American Ballet Theater, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Japanese dancer Yoko Morishita made her New York debut with American Ballet Theater, and New York Times critic Clive Barnes assessed her talents. The piece notes her potential in the lead role of La Bayadere.
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