Vol. 78, No. 1, January 4, 1974. 6 pages. View this issue
Mike Masaoka returned to the paper with his Washington Newsletter, and his first column argued that U.S.-Japan relations shape how Japanese Americans are seen in this country. Edison T. Uno’s column urged JACL to pursue wartime reparations legislation in 1974. Two book reviews looked back at the World War II incarceration (often called internment): Allan Beekman on The Kikuchi Diary, kept at Tanforan Assembly Center, and Lee Ruttle on Farewell to Manzanar, by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston.
The front page also carried K. W. Lee’s account of an Issei visit to Angel Island, the JACL Credit Union’s 5.75% dividend, a call to nominate Shosuke Sasaki to the FCC, and a protest over the abbreviation ‘Jap’ in medical indexes. Inside are the Supreme Court’s Lau v. Nichols hearing, Harry K. Honda’s Editor’s Desk, chapter news, and a tribute to Lucile Nakamura.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Washington Newsletter: U.S.-Japan Relations, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. Masaoka argues that U.S.-Japan relations directly shape how Japanese Americans are perceived and treated in the United States. He traces the strained relationship since 1971 and Japan’s pro-Arab oil-driven policy shift, warning that rising anti-Japan sentiment could harm Japanese Americans.
- On the Margin: Living with In-Laws, by Kats Kunitsugu, page 3. Kunitsugu reflects on the adjustment of living with her father-in-law, describing unrealistic expectations on both sides. She concludes that mutual tolerance has become a comfortable arrangement for them.
- A Minority of One: Tora, the Year of the Tiger, by Edison T. Uno, page 5. Uno urges JACL to pursue wartime reparations legislation in 1974, arguing the Evacuation was an unconstitutional injustice. He calls for a national trust fund for communities rather than individual payments.
Community
- World-Wide Use of ‘Jap’ Noted in Book Indexes, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dayton JACL chapter member Dr. James T. Taguchi protested the continued use of the offensive abbreviation ‘Jap’ in medical journal indexes published by the National Library of Medicine. Library officials said changing the abbreviation requires international concurrence and may take time.
- JACL Credit Union Declares 5 3/4% Dividend, Highest Rate Yet, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National JACL Credit Union declared a 5.75% dividend for the second half of 1973, the highest paid by the union. The annual meeting is set for Feb. 23 at Prudential Plaza.
- Chicago JACL Launches Own Building Fund Drive, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Chicago JACL appointed former national president Kumeo Yoshinari to chair a building fund drive with a tentative goal of $50,000. The funds would support the two-story JACL Midwest Office building on North Clark Street.
- Gardena Valley JACL Stu Tsujimoto Re-elected President; Volunteerism Cited, by Frances Tsujimoto, page 1. Gardena Valley JACL held its installation banquet, re-electing Stuart Tsujimoto as president and honoring community volunteers. Assemblyman Paul Bannai presented recognition awards to several members, including Helen Kawagoe.
- Kishimoto Gets Vacant Seat in State of Washington, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Richard N. Kishimoto was appointed by Clark County commissioners to fill the vacant 49th District seat in the Washington state legislature. He becomes the second Asian American in the legislature.
- New York JACL to Hold Media Seminar on Ethnic Images and Defamation, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The New York JACL scheduled a February 16 seminar to examine how media portrayals of minorities are shaped and challenged. The chapter responded to a New York Times editorial that labeled minority efforts against stereotypes as censorship.
- West L.A. JACL Protests Widening of Sawtelle Boulevard, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Japanese American businessmen in West Los Angeles opposed a city plan to widen Sawtelle Boulevard, arguing it would damage local commercial establishments. The city council action was followed by a rally of residents at the council chambers.
- Letter Offering Asian ‘Houseboys’ Labeled Racism by UCLA Director, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A letter circulated by Associated Colleges of California offered Oriental students as houseboys, which UCLA Asian American Studies director Ken Izumi called blatant racism. The organization apologized after the story broke in the Daily Bruin.
- Seattle JACL Elects Sam Shoji President, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Sam Shoji was elected president of the Seattle JACL, with installation planned for February 1 at Bush Garden. Shoji is a psychiatrist and active in local community and church organizations.
National
- Nixon Urged to Nominate Sasaki for FCC Post, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL reiterated its recommendation of Shosuke Sasaki for a Federal Communications Commission vacancy after two commissioners resigned unexpectedly. Asian American groups hope an Asian American commissioner would reduce racial stereotypes in broadcasting.
- Home Rule Finally Comes to Washington, by P.C. Staff, page 1. President Nixon signed the District of Columbia home rule bill, allowing residents to elect a mayor and council for the first time since 1965. The bill also reflects long-standing efforts for local self-government.
- U.S. Supreme Court Urged to Protect Right of Chinese-Speaking Pupils to Meaningful Education, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Lawyers argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in the Lau v. Nichols case that San Francisco schools must provide special English instruction to Chinese-speaking students. The school district countered that the Constitution does not require such programs.
- Gen. Chapman Confirmed as New I&N Commissioner, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Senate confirmed Gen. Leonard F. Chapman Jr. as Commissioner of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. Chapman stated his intent to strengthen enforcement against unlawful employment of aliens.
- Rep. Mink Calls for Single ‘U.S.A. Time’ Zone, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Rep. Patsy Mink proposed legislation to eliminate the downgrading of Hawaii’s time zone by combining time zones into a single U.S.A. Time. The bill would be considered by the House Commerce Committee.
Incarceration & Redress
- Memory Flies Back 57 Years to 1916, An Issei Rendezvous with California History, by K. W. Lee, page 1. Mrs. Kiyo Okada visited Angel Island and found herself in a photo of 1916 picture brides, including herself, arriving as immigrants. The visit by Sacramento Issei and Sansei moved the group deeply and recalled the immigrant experience.
JACL
- Sacramento to Host 1974 JACL Bowling Tournament, March 4-9, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The 28th National JACL Bowling Tournament returns to Sacramento March 4-9 at Country Club Lanes. Committee chairmen were named, and entry forms are due January 21.
Military & Veterans
- JACL Student Aid: 16 Recipients Named for ’73 Awards, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL Student Aid Committee awarded $4,500 in 1973 Abe Hagiwara Memorial Awards to 16 recipients from 33 applications. Awards are based on financial need, potential, and desire to continue studies.
In-Depth
- Editor’s Desk: Holiday Issue 1973, by Harry K. Honda, page 2. Editor Harry K. Honda explains the production difficulties behind the holiday issue, including ad placement and proofreading problems. He also remembers pioneers Earl Tanbara and Tokutaro Slocum, both early JACL leaders who recently died.
Arts & Entertainment
- Book Review: The Kikuchi Diary, by Allan Beekman, page 5. Beekman reviews Charles Kikuchi’s diary kept at Tanforan Assembly Center in 1942, describing the hysteria and identity conflicts of internees. The reviewer notes the diary’s frank, unvarnished view of camp life and official censorship.
- Farewell to Manzanar, by Lee Ruttle, page 5. Ruttle reviews Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston’s memoir of childhood at Manzanar, a factual account of one family’s wartime experience. The reviewer praises its subtle observation and emotional honesty.
Obituaries
- Lucile Nakamura: 1930-1973, A Tribute from Her Neighbor, by P.C. Staff, page 6. New York JACL members paid tribute to Lucile Nakamura, a social worker and longtime chapter leader who conducted surveys of aging Issei and led community organizing. She was remembered as the driving force of the New York Chapter and as a dedicated volunteer.
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