Vol. 81, No. 18, October 31, 1975. 4 pages. View this issue
President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Japan-U.S. Friendship Act on October 20 led the front page of this four-page issue. Manzanar also drew attention: unknown vandals damaged its state historical landmark plaque, and the Manzanar Committee asked for a preview of NBC-TV’s film Farewell to Manzanar, citing concerns about its accuracy. S.I. Hayakawa was reported to be weighing a Republican run for the U.S. Senate.
The Emperor’s visit shaped several columns. Edison T. Uno wrote about his time in San Francisco, and Bill Hosokawa compared the handshakes Emperor Hirohito gave officials with the protocol imposed on Japanese Americans at a reception. Toaru Ishiyama reflected on the EDC-MDC Convention, and Wayne Horiuchi wrote on job discrimination against Asian Americans. Law school admissions at UC Berkeley and the University of Washington, plus a reprint of a book on the 442nd Combat Team, round out the pages.
What’s in this issue
National
- President Ford Signs Japan-U.S. Friendship Act, Sets Up Trust, by P.C. Staff, page 1. President Gerald Ford signed the Japan-U.S. Friendship Act on October 20, establishing a trust fund in the U.S. Treasury to promote better understanding between the two nations. The fund is capitalized by Japan’s payments for facilities and projects related to the administration of Okinawa.
- Hayakawa Weighs Republican Senate Run, by P.C. Staff, page 1. S.I. Hayakawa, president emeritus of San Francisco State University, is considering a Republican bid for the U.S. Senate seat held by John Tunney, with a decision expected by mid-January. Hayakawa made pointed remarks at a Republican women’s club event about the party needing more diverse participation.
- Law Schools vs. Asians, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Protesters rallied at UC Berkeley’s Boalt Hall against a possible exclusion of Chinese and Japanese Americans from the law school’s minority admissions program. The Asian American Law Students Association argued the admissions test discriminates against low-income and minority applicants.
- Raw Fish Parasite Warning Issued, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The U.S. Center for Disease Control warned doctors that salt water fish caught on Atlantic and Pacific coasts can harbor Anisakian larvae parasites. Officials said the likelihood of infection from eating sashimi is extremely rare.
- Job Discrimination, by Wayne Horiuchi, page 3. Horiuchi discusses employment discrimination complaints against Asian Americans, particularly at the middle management and promotion level. He cites federal statistics showing Oriental employees remain underrepresented in government positions.
Incarceration & Redress
- Battered Plaque at Manzanar, page 1. Unknown vandals damaged the Manzanar state historical landmark plaque between September 1 and 10. The Manzanar Committee decided not to fund repairs, noting that maintenance is the sponsor’s responsibility.
- TV Preview Sought for Farewell to Manzanar, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Manzanar Committee called for a preview of NBC-TV’s forthcoming film Farewell to Manzanar amid concerns about its historical accuracy. The Committee said its input during shooting was largely ignored and asked for assurances from the producer and authors.
Community
- Asian Pacific Theme to Bicentennial to Unfold, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Leaders of Asian-Pacific ethnic groups in Los Angeles will host a City Hall reception to introduce their Bicentennial plans with Mayor Tom Bradley. The event will feature cultural performances and foods from the represented communities.
- Asian Americans Now ‘Special’ at U.W., by P.C. Staff, page 1. The University of Washington Law School reversed its policy of excluding Asian Americans from its special admissions program two years ago. Associate Dean Charles Z. Smith said the change led to increased Asian American enrollment.
- Groups Sue for Multi-Lingual Ballot in S.F., by P.C. Staff, page 2. Chinese for Affirmative Action and LULAC filed a class action suit against San Francisco and federal officials for failing to implement Voting Rights Act provisions for bilingual citizens. The suit seeks Chinese and Spanish ballots, bilingual registration staff, and expanded voter registration centers.
- 10,000 Issei Aged in Greater L.A., by P.C. Staff, page 2. The newly organized Southern California Japanese American Federation on Aging said 10,000 of the 60,000 Japanese Americans in Los Angeles are senior citizens. The group named Paul T. Takeda as its charter chairman.
Sports
- Tennis Star Suing for $1.2-Million, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Ann Kiyomura, 1975 Wimbledon doubles champion, filed a $1.2 million suit against the Hawaii Leis of World Team Tennis alleging breach of contract and fraud. She claims the club prevented her from playing WTT games during the 1974 season.
Commentary
- The Contra Costa JACL Way, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Contra Costa JACL chapter’s refugee resettlement committee offers a blueprint for local organizations assisting Indochinese refugees. The editorial outlines their approach to donations, job placement, and coordination with agencies.
- Emperor’s Clothes, by Edison T. Uno, page 2. Uno recounts the Emperor’s visit to San Francisco, noting Issei disappointment at seeing little of the royal couple in cold weather. He expresses admiration for Empress Nagako’s grace and hopes the visit strengthens Japanese American goodwill ties.
- Blowin’ Pink Balloons, by Ronald Taniguchi, page 2. A song lyric reflecting on a wayward journey and longing for a lost love. The verses use imagery of pink balloons and dreamlike reflections.
- Speaking Out, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Editorial columns on JACL matters and community issues. Content addresses organizational priorities for the chapter membership.
- Something Amiss at EDC-MDC, by Toaru Ishiyama, page 3. Cleveland JACL member Toaru Ishiyama reflects on the disappointing feel of the recent EDC-MDC Convention despite its logistical success. He argues the JACL lacks dynamic, crusading leadership needed to dispel suspicion and rally members.
- Trick or Treat! Double Standard, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa contrasts the handshakes Emperor Hirohito gave American officials with the rigid protocol imposed on Japanese Americans at a San Francisco reception. He recounts how JACL Director David Ushio shook the Emperor’s hand, an act many VIPs were denied.
- Oh, Henry!, page 4. A personal vignette describing an encounter with a sightseeing family in which a young boy studies the narrator with curiosity. The piece reflects on the passage of time and changed relationships.
Military & Veterans
- Book on 442 RCT, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The 442nd Association of Southern California announced it is reprinting Orville Shirey’s book Americans: The Story of the 442nd Combat Team for $10. The book chronicles the history of the famed Nisei combat unit.
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