Vol. 79, No. 24, December 13, 1974. 4 pages. View this issue
What JACL members expect from their organization ran through the issue’s lead column. Shigeki Sugiyama wrote that JACL’s viability depends on whether its chapters, districts and national levels meet those expectations, and that members must make them known. He noted that the new Development Office could raise outside funds but not pay for everything. Also on the front page, Allan Beekman reported on George R. Ariyoshi’s inauguration as governor of Hawaii, the first Nikkei to lead any American state. JACL also protested a proposal to end affinity charter flights.
On page 3, an exhibit on Executive Order 9066 at the Pioneer Museum in Stockton set off a debate in the local paper, with Saburo Masada among those who replied. Other items include Ruth Asawa Lanier’s award from the San Francisco Foundation, Rev. Shoko Masunaga’s appointment as chaplain of the California State Senate, and a New York Times report on racism in Canada.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Expectations, by Shigeki Sugiyama, page 1. JACL’s viability depends on whether its chapters, districts, and national levels meet member expectations, which must be communicated and resourced. Sugiyama notes that external fundraising through the new Development Office will help but cannot fund everything, so priorities must reflect representative member input.
- We-They-Them: A Phenomenon, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The column examines the hierarchy of JACL through the relationships between chapters, districts, and national officers and staff. It uses a dialogue-style illustration to show how members perceive each level.
- Ruth Asawa honored, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Nisei sculptor Ruth Asawa Lanier received the ninth annual Robert C. Kirkwood Award from the San Francisco Foundation for her contributions to Bay Area community life. The award included a plaque and a $1,000 check.
National
- Suzuki alleges misuse of funds, by Jonathan Newmann, page 1. UMass School of Education dean Bob Suzuki alleged misuse of federal grant funds, prompting an administrative review amid reports of a threatening note left at his home. University officials and faculty declined to give details while the review proceeded.
- Princess Janet’s Mother from Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Janet Marcellus, a Japanese American princess selected for the 1975 Tournament of Roses, is profiled alongside her Tokyo-born mother, Eiko Marcellus. The article describes Janet’s background and the family’s pride in the honor.
- Gov. Ariyoshi inaugurated, by Allan Beekman, page 1. George R. Ariyoshi was inaugurated as governor of Hawaii, becoming the first Nikkei to lead any American state. The article describes the ceremony at Iolani Palace and his speech calling for unity and open government.
- Racism in Canada heats debate, by William Borders, New York Times, page 3. Canada faces a growing national debate over racism as immigration of blacks and Asians increases sharply, particularly from the West Indies. Officials and critics argue over immigration policy and absorptive capacity.
- Nisei congressman in Brazil killed, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Susumu Hiruta, a Brazilian congressman for 20 years, was killed in a head-on automobile crash on his way home from a campaign appearance. He was 60.
JACL
- JACL protests proposal to end CAB charter flights, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL strongly objected to a Civil Aeronautics Board proposal to eliminate affinity charter flights, which it said would price many members out of visiting Japan. The organization urged rejection of the ruling until a viable alternative exists.
Community
- Contributions of Boise Valley Nikkei topic of College of Idaho workshop, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The College of Idaho will host a six-week public series beginning Jan. 9 on the contributions of Japanese Americans in the Boise Valley, opened by Consul General Masatida Higaki. Sessions will include workshops, exhibits, and cultural demonstrations.
- Clovis JACL and Church host Issei Night, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Clovis JACL and Clovis Community Church sponsored an Issei appreciation night with a Christmas program featuring local talent. Sam Murakami chaired the event.
- California Senate appoints first Buddhist Nisei as chaplain for year, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Rev. Shoko Masunaga, head minister of the Buddhist Church of Sacramento, became the first Buddhist to serve as chaplain of the California State Senate. He succeeds Rev. David R. Swope of Oak Park United Methodist Church.
Incarceration & Redress
- ‘Executive Order 9066’ exhibit stirs reactions in Stockton paper’s forum, by P.C. Staff, page 3. An exhibit on Executive Order 9066 at the Pioneer Museum in Stockton drew letters to the local Record, including a provocative one from Livingston defending the evacuation. Evacuee Saburo Masada and others responded, debating the wartime treatment of Japanese Americans.
Military & Veterans
- Illegal aliens said to be living in U.S. military bases in Okinawa-ken, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Okinawa Prefectural government planned to protest to Tokyo over foreigners reportedly living illegally inside U.S. military bases. Residents alleged drug trafficking and other illegal business by some of them.
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.