Vol. 76, No. 1, January 5, 1973. 8 pages. View this issue
Little Tokyo’s future filled the front page. Kajima International of Los Angeles won first rights to negotiate construction of a 400-room hotel, and the Sun Building, home of the JACL-Pacific Citizen offices, will eventually be razed for it. Asiamerica Inc. criticized the choice, and CRA administrator Richard G. Mitchell answered that criticism. Also on page one, National JACL announced a boycott of Hilton Corp., and Barry Matsumoto wrote about the lessons of 1972.
Elsewhere in this eight-page issue, Mike Masaoka recalled President Truman’s greeting to the 442nd, and Sue Kunitomi Embrey reviewed Estelle Ishigo’s Heart Mountain memoir. Bill Hosokawa and K. Patrick Okura wrote columns, and Asami Kawachi profiled Mary Kochiyama in New York. The Sonoma County and Pasadena chapters reported on 1972. Four pages carry holiday greetings.
What’s in this issue
Community
- Kajima International Awarded Rights to Build 400-Room Hotel in Little Tokyo, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Kajima International of Los Angeles was granted first rights to negotiate construction of a 15-story, 400-room hotel in downtown Little Tokyo. The Sun Building, home of the JACL-Pacific Citizen offices, will eventually be razed for the project, which is slated to begin construction in early 1974.
- Asiamerica Inc. Criticizes Selection of Kajima for Little Tokyo Hotel, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Asiamerica Inc. protested the CRA’s selection of Kajima, arguing its local equity commitment and architectural expertise were weaker than its own proposal. The group contends Kajima’s claimed deeper personal interest in Little Tokyo is unsupported.
- CRA Administrator Responds to Chuman Criticism, by Richard G. Mitchell, page 1. CRA administrator Richard Mitchell defends the selection of Kajima, explaining the review process and rejecting claims that the decision rested on subjective considerations. He notes Kajima’s commitment to supplement its architectural staff and its Prince Hotels partnership.
- JACL to Boycott Hilton Inns, by P.C. Staff, page 1. National JACL launched a boycott of Hilton Corp. over its unresponsive handling of the 1970 Palmer House tragedy that claimed Evelynn Okubo’s life and injured Carol Yamada. The boycott will continue until Hilton makes a meaningful response or the lawsuits are resolved.
- Mary Kochiyama: A New York Marvel, by Asami Kawachi, page 1. Kawachi follows activist Mary Kochiyama through a busy day of marches, court appearances, and political meetings in New York. The profile also traces her history from San Pedro to Harlem and her family’s longstanding open-door hospitality.
- Derogatory Street Name Rapped by Nisei, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. Frank Y. Kitamoto objected to the name ‘Jap Hill Road’ in Kitsap County, Washington. Officials said the road is officially named Jefferson Point Road, and the local newspaper editor pledged to avoid the derogatory name in future coverage.
- Newsweek Series: Little Tokyo and the Issei, by P. Brinkley-Rogers, page 4. This Newsweek feature examines Nisei attitudes toward discrimination and the struggles of poor Issei living in Little Tokyo. It highlights tensions over United Way funding and the community’s reluctance to acknowledge poverty.
- Essence of Greatness, by Edward M. Kitazumi, page 5. Kitazumi reflects on a visit to Disneyland, arguing that the park embodies patriotic and idealistic values beneath its commercial surface. He presents the experience as a reminder of America’s enduring strengths.
- Sonoma County Chapter Thrives in 1972, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Sonoma County JACL chapter summarizes its 1972 activities, including social events, fundraising, and civic engagement. It also outlines goals for 1973, such as encouraging members to seek public office and expanding community programs.
- Pasadena JACL: Community Work Results in $1,000 Award from Bullock’s Foundation, by Miyo Senzaki, page 6. The Pasadena JACL recounts its busy 1972, including the Mishima sister city celebration and participation in Nisei Week. The chapter received a $1,000 Bullock’s Foundation grant, part of which will establish a memorial scholarship.
- Fremont JACL to Install Officers at Hawaiian Luau, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Fremont JACL will install its new officers at a Hawaiian luau in Union City on January 20 with dancing and entertainment. Frank Iwama, national JACL vice-president, will serve as installing officer.
Commentary
- As I See It: The Lesson of 1972, by Barry Matsumoto, page 1. JACL’s new Washington representative argues that the organization must embrace diverse viewpoints and open debate to function as a true community organization. He urges separating policy questions from personalities to avoid petty bickering.
- A Nisei View of the News: From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa reflects on the start of the new year, comparing the rigorous entrance examination system in Japan with American education and noting how New Year’s celebrations have changed. He also comments on hotel security warnings and the frustrations of slow service.
- Community and Mental Health: Home Help, by K. Patrick Okura, page 3. Okura, an executive assistant at NIMH, describes how family members and volunteers can help people with mental illness at home. He argues that community-based care has largely replaced institutionalization and offers practical guidance for relatives.
- Japanese Education and the Pyramid of Selection, by Dr. Kiyoshi Kosugi, page 4. The author compares Japan’s national university entrance system with American education, examining how rigorous selection and the division of professorial duties shape academic life. He also discusses the funding pressures on California professors.
Military & Veterans
- Truman Greets 442nd, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. Masaoka recalls President Truman’s support for Japanese Americans, including his 1945 ceremony greeting the 442nd and his backing of evacuation claims and naturalization legislation. He also notes Truman’s vetoes and the JACL-led fight to override one of them.
Incarceration & Redress
- Manzanar Project Credit for Proposed Landmark Text, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL vice-president James Murakami clarified that JACL was not solely responsible for the state historic landmark plaque text for Manzanar, crediting the Manzanar Project Committee. The dispute centered on retaining the phrase ‘American concentration camp.’
Arts & Entertainment
- Lone Heart Mountain by Estelle Ishigo, by Sue Kunitomi Embrey, page 4. Embrey reviews Estelle Ishigo’s illustrated memoir of her years at Heart Mountain camp, praising the 108 sketches and their emotional power. She notes the book’s value as a personal record of the wartime incarceration experience.
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