Vol. 81, No. 24, December 12, 1975. 4 pages. View this issue
A JACL committee set out to study how the organization is built. Lillian Kimura’s front-page piece on the Ad Hoc Committee on Organizational Structure described its task: to review and reassess the organization so that it stays relevant, responsive to its members and ready for new conditions. Also on page one, Yuki Harada reported on the Intermountain District Council convention in Pocatello, Idaho, where over 300 people gathered despite a blizzard and elected Gerrold Mukai as district governor.
Other pages ran a mix of history and commentary. Terry Ishihara argued that Fountaingrove, the Kanaye Nagasawa ranch in Sonoma County, deserves state historical landmark status. Bill Hosokawa wrote about three Sansei writers, and Joe Oyama previewed Pacific Overtures. An ad offered Michi Weglyn’s Years of Infamy before publication. In Hawaii, Buddhists objected that a proposed anti-noise ordinance could ban temple bells.
What’s in this issue
Community
- Girl Theme Tops Weather at Intermountain District Council Convention, by YUKI HARADA, page 1. Over 300 JACL members and friends attended the 18th biennial Intermountain District Council convention in Pocatello, Idaho, despite a blizzard. The convention, themed ‘Giri,’ elected Gerrold Mukai as district governor and honored several chapters and individuals.
- Anti-Noise Ordinance May Ban Buddhist Bell, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A proposed comprehensive anti-noise ordinance in Hawaii drew opposition from Buddhists, who said it would prohibit bell ringing for religious services. Rev. Ryosho Kondo and others argued the bells are integral to their traditions, and the council indicated it would modify the bill.
Commentary
- Letter to the Nisei, page 2. A 1942 editorial reprinted from the Pacific Citizen describes the paper as more than a JACL house organ and urges Nisei unity in serving all Japanese Americans. It quotes Mike Masaoka’s remarks on the community’s common cause.
- On Conformity and Authority, by Terre Haute Hoosier JACL, page 2. A Nisei letter writer from Indiana reflects on growing up apart from Japanese American communities and on the value of appreciating one’s heritage. He discusses the balance between respecting authority and questioning unjust authority.
- From the Frying Pan: Three Sansei Writers, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Columnist Bill Hosokawa highlights three Sansei writers: Barbara Yasui’s history of Nikkei in Oregon, Delphine Hirasuna’s essay on camp and the no-no boys, and Ernest Imura’s poetry collection. He praises their work as evidence of emerging Sansei voices.
- Pacific Overtures, by Joe Oyama, page 3. Joe Oyama previews the Broadway production Pacific Overtures and the Asian American Bicentennial Blues performance. He profiles several Asian American performers involved in these productions.
- Going Back to School, by Wimp Hiroto, page 4. Columnist Wimp Hiroto recounts returning to the University of Southern California campus as a guest lecturer after two decades. He offers wry observations on the campus and on his own career in journalism.
- Taiwan Notes, page 4. A traveler describes impressions of Taiwan, including the national museum, the Taroko Gorge, airline security, and traffic. The writer contrasts Taiwanese customs with those of Japan.
Incarceration & Redress
- Fountaingrove Story Deserves Historic Recognition, by Terry Ishihara, page 2. The article recounts the history of Fountaingrove, the Kanaye Nagasawa ranch in Sonoma County, and argues it merits state historical landmark status. The author urges JACL support for recognition during the Bicentennial year.
- Years of Infamy Pre-Publication Offering, page 2. The Pacific Citizen offers a pre-publication order for Michi Weglyn’s book Years of Infamy, a history of the Japanese American internment. Endorsements from scholars and members of Congress are quoted.
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