Vol. 75, No. 12, September 22, 1972. 6 pages. View this issue
Communication inside JACL was the question on the front page of this six-page issue. A column asked why district councils, chapters and individual members spoke so little to one another, and suggested smaller workshops and more chapter-level dialogue. Hawaii politics followed close behind: Mike Masaoka wrote about Congressman Spark Matsunaga’s tough race, and Allan Beekman reported on Rep. Patsy Mink’s answer to a primary rival. Dr. Roy H. Doi described a sabbatical research year in Kyoto.
Elsewhere, Hito Okada recalled how Executive Order 9066 changed his life and led him to found the JACL National Credit Union in 1943. Gyo Obata’s design for the Smithsonian’s air and space museum had its own story. Commentary came from Masao W. Satow and William Marutani. Pages 5 and 6 carry a review of Legends of Japan and news of Little Tokyo redevelopment plans for Moline Alley.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Communication Gap Within JACL, page 1. The column argues that JACL suffers from a pervasive communication gap between district councils, chapters, and individual members. It suggests smaller workshop sessions and stronger chapter-level dialogue as remedies.
- National Council Minutes and Other Notes, by Masao W. Satow, page 1. Satow reports on the status of the 1972 National Council minutes, Convention finances, and donor recognitions. He also notes Sequoia Chapter honors and a Mine Okubo book sale.
- Quiet No More, by William Marutani, page 1. Marutani describes his experience as the lone Oriental in a predominantly Black community action group and the internal frictions within it. He reflects on losing his composure at a meeting and being labeled with an insult afterward.
- The Conversations With Japan, by Washington Post, page 1. This editorial reviews the Nixon-Tanaka meeting in Honolulu and the apparent easing of hectoring tones on trade. It argues that trade imbalances must be addressed multilaterally rather than through bilateral quotas.
- Sakura Sextet: Snacks of Snakes, by Jim Henry, page 3. A humorous column recounts a Nisei host explaining Japanese food to visiting Japanese and Caucasian guests at a Washington gathering. It reflects on the awkward cultural assumptions visitors often make about Nisei.
Community
- Honolulu to Host Nation’s Nisei Vets, page 1. Honolulu will host a National Nisei Veterans reunion on June 25 expected to draw more than 1,500 veterans and their families. The event is sponsored by the 442nd veterans group.
- Letters from Our Readers, page 1. Readers are urged to respond to an NBC-TV essay titled Guilty by Reason of Race aired September 19. Letters are invited to be sent to the producers and the San Francisco Historical Society.
- Health Fair a Continuation of Community Information Services Days, page 4. The Japanese Community Health Fair in Los Angeles continues prior Community Information Services Days providing legal, social, and medical information to Issei and Nisei. Organizers expect strong turnout based on previous events.
- Inside PSW Delegation, by Henry S. Sakai, page 4. A PSWDC delegate responds to Tom Shigekuni’s account of the National Convention, disputing claims about the presidential vote and the delegation’s handling of a position statement. He calls for more respectful dialogue within JACL.
- Rice Coating Ban Proposed, page 5. The Bay Area Community JACL urged an immediate ban on asbestos-contaminated food products following FDA proposals. The chapter argues the health of Americans should outweigh economic considerations.
- Local Scene, page 6. Roundup of community items including East-West Players registration, a stolen IBM typewriter at the JACCC, Asian studies courses in several cities, and Little Tokyo redevelopment planning for Moline Alley.
- Little Tokyo Redevelopment: First Action Area Scheme Approved, page 6. Schematic plans for converting Moline Alley into a commercial mall in Little Tokyo are complete, according to the consulting firm. The First Action Area covers about 120,000 square feet and is the first phase of a ten-year renewal project.
In-Depth
- A Nisei View of Japan, by Dr. Roy H. Doi, page 1. Dr. Roy Doi describes his sabbatical research year in Kyoto and his reflections on Japan and U.S.-Japan relations. He argues that strained relations affect Nikkei treatment in America and that Japanese Americans should see themselves as Japanese Americans.
National
- Language Barrier Blamed for Loss of Old Age Aid by Issei, page 1. A Los Angeles open letter accuses the County Department of Public Social Services of insensitivity after an Issei lost Old Age Security grants due to a language misunderstanding. Bilingual staff, the letter urges, should be used more effectively.
- Patsy, Sparky Facing Tougher Bid, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. Congressman Spark Matsunaga faces a heavy challenge from Fred Rohlfing in Hawaii, and mainland supporters are urged to donate to his campaign. The article also explains the new federal campaign disclosure rules for contributions.
- Patsy Mink Fighting Back Hard at Primary Rival’s Villification, by Allan Beekman, page 1. Rep. Patsy Mink responds angrily to smear tactics from Democratic primary challenger John Goemans, who relies on character assassination. Her supporters ran a full-page ad rebutting his claims.
- FDA Proposes Rule Against Use of Asbestos-Contaminated Talc, page 1. Asian Employees Organization and the Bay Area Community JACL endorsed an FDA proposal to ban asbestos-contaminated talc used on rice. They argue asbestos is a proven carcinogen and note Japan already bans talc in food.
- Sightless Institute Project, page 3. The Japanese American Sightless Institute in Los Angeles plans a 2.5-year educational program for blind Japanese Americans. The program aims to build independent living skills and train sightless community instructors.
Military & Veterans
- Matsunaga Bill Seeks Filipino Flood Relief, page 1. Rep. Spark Matsunaga introduced legislation authorizing $30 million in flood relief for the Philippines. The bill funds repair of roads, bridges, and buildings damaged by summer floods.
Arts & Entertainment
- Gyo Obata, Architect: Launching the Air and Space Museum, by The PC Washington Bureau, page 1. Architect Gyo Obata designed a $40 million building for the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, scheduled to open July 4, 1976. The museum will house notable aircraft including the Wright Flyer and Spirit of St. Louis.
- Tales from the Classics, by Allan Beekman, page 5. A book review of Hiroshi Naito’s Legends of Japan, retelling tales from the Konjaku Monogatari and Tsurezure Gusa. The review highlights the collection’s folklore, Buddhist tales, and insights into common life.
Incarceration & Redress
- Business Profile: Hito Okada, Pearl Harbor Changed His Life, page 3. Hito Okada, JACL National Credit Union treasurer-manager, recounts how Executive Order 9066 forced his evacuation and relocation to Salt Lake City. He describes founding the credit union in 1943 with $1,355.50 in assets, which has since grown substantially.
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