Vol. 69, No. 5, August 1, 1969. 6 pages. View this issue
JACL’s direction was the main question of this six-page issue. National President Jerry Enomoto reflected on the interim meeting of the National Board and its push to make the organization a relevant force in human relations. An open-ended forum on page 6 gathered views on whether JACL remained relevant, and Alan Kumamoto argued that the youth program needs real resources. Patti Dohzen of the National Youth Council wrote about stepping back from active involvement. Repeal of Title II of the Internal Security Act of 1950 drew support from the Denver Commission on Community Relations and Congressman Phillip Burton.
Other pages carry a Seattle Seafair queen, Nisei Week ball reservations, and John K. Hirasaki, the Texas engineer who entered the Apollo XI quarantine facility. Mike Masaoka wrote on the moon landing and on Okinawa. Edison Uno asked Earl Warren to apologize for his role in the wartime removal of Japanese Americans.
What’s in this issue
JACL
- Perspectives, by Jerry Enomoto, page 1. JACL National President Jerry Enomoto reflects on the National Board interim meeting and its emphasis on making JACL a relevant force in human relations. He also addresses youth dialogue and urges members to recognize the board’s diligent, responsible work.
Community
- Nisei Week coronation ball reservations urged, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Nisei VFW Post urges table reservations for the 1969 Nisei Week coronation ball at Century Plaza on Aug. 16. Seating is arranged for 10 persons per table at $35 per table, payable to VFW.
- Karen Tsukiji represents Seattle Nikkei at Seafair, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Karen Tsukiji was crowned queen of the Greater Seattle Japanese Community for the Seafair festivities. Princesses Christine Yamashiro and Elaine Aoki complete the court, and the coronation ball was co-sponsored by Seattle JACL.
- Cincy-Dayton all set as hosts for EDC-MDC meet, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Cincinnati and Dayton JACL chapters will co-host the biennial EDC-MDC joint convention over Labor Day weekend. The program includes speakers from California, workshops on human rights and youth, and a Sayonara dinner-dance.
- Denver group on Title II repeal, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Denver commission declared that repealing Title II would serve the best interests of the nation. The resolution was adopted in June.
- Calif. Tri-DYC conference Aug. 8-10 set, by Patti Iwatari, page 4. The three California district youth councils will meet in the Santa Cruz mountains for a workshop on Japanese American community change. Topics include Yellow Power and the Games People Play.
- Boise Valley JACL honors local area scholars, grads, by Midori Koyama, page 4. Boise Valley JACL honored local graduates and scholarship winners at a June 13 dinner in Caldwell. Tommy Miyasaki gave the address on the theme ‘Now Tomorrow.’
Military & Veterans
- Tex. Nisei greets astronauts of Apollo XI, by P.C. Staff, page 1. John K. Hirasaki, a Japanese American engineer from Vidor, Texas, was the first to enter the Apollo XI spacecraft’s quarantine facility after splashdown. He helped design the mobile quarantine facility and will remain inside for three weeks.
National
- Hate mail shows ‘yellow peril’ still feared, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Rev. Mineo Katagiri, a founder of the Asian Coalition for Equality, reported receiving hate mail showing the yellow peril notion persists. He argued Orientals have more to lose than blacks and must be included fully in society.
- Chief Justice Warren pursued to apologize for role in Evacuation, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Edison Uno sent a telegram urging former Chief Justice Earl Warren to publicly apologize for his role as California attorney general in the wartime removal of Japanese Americans. The request notes Warren’s silence and the Supreme Court’s constitutional ruling on the removal.
- Return of Okinawa to Japan forecast by newsman, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Japanese newsman Tomohisa Sukaya predicts Okinawa will return to Japan, though the U.S. may keep nuclear bases there. Masaoka’s Washington Newsletter column discusses the implications for U.S.-Japan relations.
- Sentiment growing for Title II repeal, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Denver Commission on Community Relations approved a resolution supporting repeal of Title II of the Internal Security Act of 1950. Congressman Phillip Burton also announced support for repealing the Emergency Detention Act.
In-Depth
- Islam prof surprised by Japanese professor teaching Islamic philosophy, by Jane Evinger, page 2. Dr. Toshihiko Izutsu, a Japanese Zen Buddhist scholar of Arabic philosophy teaching at McGill, describes how his interest in Islamic thought began. He spends time in Teheran and Montreal and reflects on his travels in the Middle East.
Commentary
- National Priorities, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Masaoka reflects on the moon landing and argues that national priorities should address earthly problems such as poverty and the Vietnam War. He ties this to JACL’s renewed commitment to social action.
- Sansei Slant: Sayonara JACL, by Patti Dohzen, page 4. Patti Dohzen, chairman of the National Youth Council, explains her decision to step back from active JACL involvement. She says her attachment to the organization remains strong despite her withdrawal.
- Interim Board—An Open-Ended Forum, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Participants in the JACL interim board discussion debate whether JACL remains relevant, the image of the organization, and the role of Sansei. The forum captures a range of views on needed change.
- Manhattan Echoes: Momiyama family, by Joe Oyama, page 6. Joe Oyama profiles the Martin Momiyama family of Portchester, New York, noting Martin’s adoption of his wife’s family name under the yoshi custom. The piece highlights Nanae Momiyama’s art career and the family’s interest in Japanese and American history.
- Hoover’s Warning, by P.C. Staff, page 6. FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover warned a House subcommittee about Red China’s propaganda and recruitment threats in the United States. The column urges readers to contact their representatives in support of repealing Title II.
- Gaikokujin Beheiren, by Jim Henry, page 6. A group of foreign residents in Japan calling itself Gaikokujin Beheiren opposes U.S. military intervention in Vietnam and Japan’s role under the security treaty. The article describes their activities and letter opposing immigration control revisions.
- Youth Program, by Alan Kumamoto, page 6. Alan Kumamoto argues JACL must support its youth program with resources, not merely sponsor it. He calls on members to provide feedback before the National Youth Commission meets.
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