JACL weighs Pan-Asianism and a Hilton boycott

Vol. 76, No. 8, March 2, 1973. 6 pages. View this issue

JACL’s debates over its direction filled this issue. National President Henry T. Tanaka reported that chapters had sent only four of the 20 candidates sought for a proposed Pan-Asianism Commission, and he offered reasons for the slow response. Harry K. Honda’s editorial explained the Hilton Hotels boycott, citing the 1970 Palmer House incident. Bill Hosokawa wrote in “The War Is Over” about what the Nisei experience should mean for younger members and for JACL.

Other news came from the districts and the community. Portland hosted the 1973 National JACL Bowling Tournament, Fresno prepared for a Tri-District meeting, and the Pacific Southwest District Council set a goal of 9,500 members. Elsewhere, Little Tokyo merchants looked ahead to higher import prices after the dollar’s devaluation, and Susan Sunada’s article on the evacuation was reprinted from the Deseret News.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Pan-Asianism Commission Draws Slim Chapter Response, by Henry T. Tanaka, page 1. JACL National President Henry Tanaka reports that chapters have offered few candidates for a proposed Pan-Asianism Commission. He suggests the lack of response reflects unclear purpose, existing coalitions, and reluctance to represent groups, and urges focus on mutual Asian American concerns.
• Boycott of Hilton Hotels, by Harry K. Honda, page 2. The editorial explains the reasons behind JACL’s boycott of Hilton Hotels, citing the 1970 Palmer House incident in which Evelynn Okubo was murdered and Carol Ranko Yamada assaulted. It criticizes the hotel’s lack of security and its response to the victims’ families.
• The War Is Over, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Hosokawa reflects on how the Nisei experience during and after World War II should guide the younger generation and JACL. He urges members to support new JACL staff and to weigh US-Japan trade relations carefully.
• Scholarship Applications Available for San Franciscans, by P.C. Staff, page 4. San Francisco JACL-JCYC scholarship applications are available to high school students. The article gives details on nomination for the National JACL scholarship program.
• Names in the News and Press Row, by P.C. Staff, page 5. This column reports on community figures, awards, and appointments in the Japanese American community. It includes notices of honors and new positions for local leaders.
• Yoshida: Diplomacy and Recovery, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A book review discusses Japan’s postwar recovery under Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida and the shifting relations among world powers. The review evaluates Yoshida’s diplomacy and his role in the economic revival.

Community

• Portland Hosts 1973 National JACL Bowling Tournament, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The 1973 National JACL Bowling Tournament will be held in Portland March 5-10, dedicated to the late Susumu ‘Choppy’ Umemoto. Teams from Japan, Hawaii, and across the mainland are entered in the event.
• Pacific Northwest to Be Invited to 1973 Intermountain Confab, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Intermountain District Council held its first quarterly session in Pocatello, reviewing chapter reports and membership matters. An invitation is being extended to the Pacific Northwest District for a joint convention in November.
• Judoist Foils Robbery Attempt, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Pasadena judo practitioner named Yanai subdued an armed robber at his business and held him until police arrived. The robbery suspect was identified as Fredrick Smith, 47.
• Bank of Tokyo Files for Branch in Guam, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Bank of Tokyo of California filed applications with the State Banking Department for new branches in Guam and Oxnard. The locations were described in the filings.
• JAL Denies Boycott Under Arab Pressure, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Japan Air Lines denied that it had joined an Arab-inspired boycott. The airline’s statement addressed concerns raised about its operations.
• PSWDC Eyes 9,500 Members, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Pacific Southwest District Council increased membership 15 percent in 1972, from 6,868 to 7,939. A district goal of 9,500 members was set during the Washington’s Birthday weekend meeting in Pismo Beach.
• Imported Food Items from Japan Expected to Rise by 15 Percent, by Ellen Endo Kayano, page 1. Japanese food importers expect prices to rise about 15 percent following the dollar devaluation of February 12. Merchants in Little Tokyo said the full effect on prices would take time to become clear.
• Marriage Mix, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Census data showed a sharp increase in interracial marriages involving Asians, with white men married to Japanese wives doubling over the decade. The article notes these figures amid broader demographic trends.
• Fresno Ready for Tri-District JACL Confab, by P.C. Staff, page 1. California JACL delegates from three district councils will gather in Fresno March 3-4 for a first biennial Tri-District Meeting. The program includes workshops on legislation, the Hilton boycott, employment, membership, and drug issues.
• Chinn Appointed to S.F. Supervisor Seat, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Attorney George Y. Chinn was appointed by Mayor Alioto to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, becoming the first Chinese American to serve on the board. He fills the vacancy left by Roger Boas.
• Oxnard Nisei Businessmen Report Earthquake Damage as Minimal, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Nisei businesses in Oxnard suffered limited damage from the February 21 earthquake, mainly broken glassware and canned goods. Merchants said cleanup was the most difficult part.
• Two Churches Share Facility, Not Merger, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Sage United Methodist Church in El Monte voted to relocate by sharing facilities with El Monte First United Methodist Church. Leaders stressed the arrangement is not a merger and that the congregation will keep its ethnic identity and programs.
• Asian Americans in L.A. TV Spotlight, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Several Los Angeles television stations scheduled programs on Asian Americans and minorities in March. The programs include KHJ-TV’s minorities series, KCOP’s segment on authentic portrayals, and KNEC’s Expressions: East-West series.
• JACL Plaque to Wilson Victory, by P.C. Staff, page 2. JACL planned a plaque honoring Congressman Sadao Munemori’s memory. The item was brief.
• Supt. Wilson Riles Urges JACL Input on Textbook Selection, by P.C. Staff, page 2. California Superintendent Wilson Riles told the Northern California-Western Nevada District Council that JACL members should help shape public school textbooks. National President Henry Tanaka announced a three-pronged educational campaign.
• Koseki: Japanese Family Register, by P.C. Staff, page 3. An article discusses the koseki, the Japanese family register that records birth, marriage, and other family facts. The piece explains its historical role and how it affected Nisei with Japanese fathers.
• PSWDC Quarterly Meeting Report, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Pacific Southwest District Council held its quarterly meeting in San Luis Obispo with clam digging, a barbecue, and business sessions. Delegates made plans for future quarterly meetings and the Nisei Relays.
• Eden Township Slates Benefit Movie for Fund, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Eden Township JACL will offer achievement awards to Japanese American graduates and will hold a scholarship benefit movie on March 30. Tickets are $5 per family or $1.50 single.
• CCDC Gov. Izumi Taniguchi Addresses Fowler JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Central California District Governor Dr. Izumi Taniguchi spoke at the Fowler JACL dinner meeting on February 27 in Fresno. His remarks focused on economic issues.
• Asians for Bradley Plan March 11 Luau, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Asian Americans for Tom Bradley Committee will hold a luau featuring Kalua roast pig on March 11 in Los Angeles. The event supports Bradley’s campaign for mayor.
• Hawaii Today, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Hawaii news covers Bank of Hawaii forecasts that visitor spending will top defense expenditures in 1973. Other items include Japanese investment concerns and the University of Hawaii tuition costs.

National

• Tokyo Hijacker Abandoned Plan to Go to Cuba, Told Court, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Fujio Paul Nakaoka, a Japanese American, told a Tokyo court he had given up plans to hijack a jetliner to Cuba before his capture. He had seized a Japan Air Lines plane for about eight hours and was charged with hijacking-related crimes.

Military & Veterans

• Evacuation Story Reprinted, by Susan Sunada, page 3. Susan Sunada’s article on the evacuation first appeared in the Deseret News to coincide with an exhibit in Salt Lake City. Sunada is a staff member of the Deseret News in Logan, Utah.
• Military News, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A short military news column covers service-related items affecting Japanese Americans. It summarizes assignments and recognitions.

Arts & Entertainment

• Chiyogami Demonstrated at SLC Auxiliary Meeting, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Donna Bundane and others demonstrated chiyogami paper crafts at a Salt Lake City auxiliary meeting. The event was part of the group’s February programming.
• Evening with Chiz, by P.C. Staff, page 4. A social evening honoring Chiz Satow was planned by San Francisco JACL. The event was scheduled for March 24.
• Pomona Professor’s Kabuki Production Wins Regional Honor, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Leonard Pronko, a Kabuki authority, was named regional winner in the American College Theater Festival for a Kabuki-style production at Pomona College. The honor recognized his staging work.

Sports

• 1000 Club Corner, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The 1000 Club corner lists members who renewed or joined in February. The listing recognizes contributions to JACL’s membership program.

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