1970: JACL leaders on the generation gap, Issei honors and the Chicago trial

Vol. 70, No. 11, March 20, 1970. 6 pages. View this issue

Jerry Enomoto, the JACL National President, wrote in two front-page columns, one congratulating the Japanese American Postal Workers Association of San Francisco on its second anniversary, the other on the hostility between Sansei and Nisei. Several stories honored the Issei: San Benito County and Seabrook JACL chapters held Japanese Immigration Centennial dinners, and Reno JACL looked for relatives of eight Japanese buried in a condemned cemetery. Judge Earl Warren Jr. recalled the World War II incarceration (often called internment) and argued that today’s young people deserved a hearing.

Bill Marutani and Harold Gordon, both Chicago lawyers, wrote on the Chicago Seven trial. Elsewhere in the six pages: the 24th National JACL Bowling Tournament in Denver, a Denver Buddhist church’s $2.1 million complex plan, Roy Sano’s new column, and an editorial on the 1970 census forms.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Congratulations to the Japanese American Postal Workers Association, by Jerry Enomoto, page 1. JACL National President Jerry Enomoto congratulates the Japanese American Postal Workers Association of San Francisco on its second anniversary and annual dinner. He praises the group’s organization to protect workers’ rights and its compassionate handling of a fellow employee’s case.
• Once More: The Dulling of Voices, by Jerry Enomoto, page 1. Enomoto argues that generational hostility between Sansei and Nisei prevents meaningful communication and mutual understanding. He endorses Field Director Warren Furutani’s emphasis on building rapport and trust with the community through shared action and understanding.
• Hirano: Gambling Crackdown, by Dan Hirano, page 2. Dan Hirano discusses how California’s anti-gambling enforcement has affected community fund-raising, noting the Japanese cultural festival postponement. He also mentions a constitutional initiative filed for the November ballot.
• Youth of Today Better Than Ever, by Judge Earl Warren Jr., page 3. Municipal Judge Earl Warren Jr. recalls the WWII internment and his father’s efforts to repair injustices against Japanese Americans. He argues that today’s youth protests reflect a healthy questioning of hypocrisy and that older generations should heed their concerns.
• Strictly Marginal, by Roy Sano, page 4. Roy Sano introduces his new column by explaining the title as reflecting his marginal position as a Nisei minister and his perspective on the flow of events. He promises to address the pollution of both the environment and language in future columns.
• Potshots: Nerve to Ship Gas, by Don Hayashi, page 4. Portland columnist Don Hayashi addresses the controversy over shipping nerve gas from Okinawa to the Umatilla Army Depot in Oregon. He urges JACL chapters in the Pacific Northwest to examine the safety concerns and alternatives such as detoxification.
• Me, Too, by Bill Marutani, page 6. Chicago attorney Bill Marutani condemns riots but argues that society also engages in structural violence by denying minorities equal rights. He contends that the trial of the Chicago Seven was unfair and that the judge’s conduct undermined the defense.
• A Plague on Both Your Houses, by Harold Gordon, page 6. Chicago lawyer Harold Gordon critiques both the radical defendants and the trial judge in the Conspiracy 7 case. He argues the defendants’ antics harmed their cause and that the judge’s rulings denied the defense a fair trial.
• Editorial: Which Census Form Will You Get?, by Harry K. Honda, page 6. The editorial previews the 1970 census forms, explaining the short and long versions and their questions. It notes JACL’s advocacy for retaining ethnic statistics and predicts the Japanese American population will grow significantly.
• What’s Ahead for JACL in the ’70s, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The editorial urges JACL’s Planning Commission to develop bold ideas for the coming decade before the National Convention. It suggests possibilities including a broader Asian American identity, expanded staff, and an all-embracing federation.

Military & Veterans

• Japan Bowling Team Adds Color to JACL Event, Returning in 1971, by Mas Satow, page 1. Ken Namimatsu and Mary DeBarbrie won the all-events title at the 24th National JACL Bowling Tournament in Denver. Speaker Bill Hosokawa discussed his book on the Nisei, and the Japanese bowling contingent promised to return for the 1971 tournament in Salt Lake City.
• Monickers for Boxers, by Richard Gima, page 5. Richard Gima examines the colorful ring names adopted by Japanese boxers, from Fighting Harada to Ushiwakamaru and Benkei. He notes the trend and its connection to traditional Japanese figures.

Community

• JACL Executive Committee in Final Meeting April 3-5, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National JACL Executive Committee will hold its final meeting before the 1970 Convention in San Francisco on April 3-5. Agenda items include the 1971-72 budget, Washington office matters, endowment funds, and youth planning.
• Garden Project Fund Hits $33,000, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Orange County Japanese Garden Project fund drive has reached $33,610 from nearly 600 contributors toward a $50,000 goal. Organizers expect the remaining Japanese American community in the county to help close the gap as the garden nears completion.
• Reno Seeks Kin of Deceased Issei, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Reno JACL is searching for relatives of eight Japanese buried in the condemned Hillside Cemetery who may wish to transfer the remains to another cemetery. A list of the deceased and their death dates is provided along with local contacts.
• Milwaukee to Host MDC Sessions Apr. 3-5, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Midwest District Council and District Youth Council will hold their spring business meeting in Milwaukee April 3-5 with keynote speaker Rev. Perry Saito on the theme Understanding. The schedule includes an oratorical contest, workshops, and social events.
• $2.1 Million TSBC Proposal Adopted, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Denver Urban Renewal Authority accepted the Tri-State Buddhist Church proposal for a $2.1 million residential and commercial complex with a cultural center in lower downtown Denver. The project includes a 22-story apartment tower and a remodeled church, with construction scheduled to begin in one year.
• San Francisco JARF Housing Plan, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Japanese American Religious Federation formed a separate corporation, JARF Housing Inc., to develop a $5.5 million project east of the Nihonmachi area. The project is supported by 11 local churches of various faiths.
• Arboretum Director’s Job Denied to No. 1 Candidate, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors blocked the appointment of Francis Ching as director of the County Arboreta and Botanic Gardens and instead gave the governors more time to interview him and two other candidates. Ching, who has twice topped the civil service list, expressed disappointment but remained confident in his qualifications.
• ‘Staff Behavior’ on CCDC Special Agenda, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Central California District Council scheduled a special meeting to discuss the responsibility of JACL staff members regarding public conduct and speech, prompted by statements a staff member made at a Los Angeles peace rally. Several national JACL leaders were expected to attend.
• Students from Japan Organize Own Society in LA, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Students from Japan attending Southland colleges formed the International Youth Society to address loneliness and provide mutual support, with 73 members. The group plans social and athletic events and hopes to qualify for low-cost insurance through membership growth.
• Canada Couple Denied Compensation for WW2 Confiscation of Property, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Canadian Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling denying Torazo Iwasaki additional compensation for 600 acres of land confiscated and sold during World War II. Iwasaki’s counsel argued the 1942 order-in-council authorizing the sale was illegal.
• Anti-Castro Zealot Who Bombed L.A. JACL Office Sentenced, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Cuban exile Hector Cornillot was sentenced to one to five years in prison for his role in five anti-Castro bombings in 1968, including one at the Los Angeles JACL office. Cornillot claimed he was striking a blow for freedom and said he had been trained by the government.
• Anti-Gambling Law Puts Crimp Into Certain Fund-Raising Plans, by Dan Hirano, page 2. Strict enforcement of California’s anti-gambling law has forced many clubs and community organizations to abandon bingo, raffles, and similar fund-raisers that once brought in significant revenue. The article surveys the impact on Seattle-area Japanese American organizations and suggests alternative approaches.
• San Benito County Honors Issei, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The San Benito County JACL held its annual installation dinner and honored early Issei immigrants with medallions commemorating the centennial of Japanese immigration. Assemblyman Frank Murphy spoke, and Benny Yamaoka was installed as the new chapter president.
• 90 Seabrook Area Issei Honored, Efforts in U.S. Recognized in Japan, by Ellen Nakamura, page 4. The Seabrook JACL honored some 90 Issei at a Japanese Immigration Centennial Dinner attended by over 200 people. Consul Toshio Sato of New York praised the pioneers, and the National JACL presented special awards to 14 seniors aged 80 and over.

National

• Brazilian Terrorists Abduct Japan Consul, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Japanese Consul General Nobuo Okuchi was kidnapped in Sao Paulo by the VPR terrorist group, which demanded the release of five prisoners. The consul was released after the Brazilian government met the demands.
• Hawaii Attorney Sees ‘Hard Grind’ for Negroes, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Honolulu attorney Ralph Yamaguchi said Black Americans will need to endure the same hard struggle that Issei and Nisei faced to achieve civil rights goals. Panelists at a Kaimana Beach Hotel forum also discussed trade with Communist China and the Nisei role in the Pacific Basin.

Arts & Entertainment

• Graphic Exhibit at UCLA Campus, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A photographic exhibit on the Japanese American relocation experience, developed by Bob Nakamura, is on display in the Powell Library rotunda at UCLA. The exhibit uses photographs and quotations from private collections and National Archives material.
• Bill Hosokawa: The Taxi Episode, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Bill Hosokawa recounts a rude encounter with a New York City taxi driver and reflects on the impersonal hostility he perceives in the city. He then praises the camaraderie and warmth of the JACL bowling tournament banquet in Denver.

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