Defending Dr. Noguchi, and what JACL’s civil rights role should be

Vol. 69, No. 10, September 5, 1969. 6 pages. View this issue

Two subjects ran through this six-page issue. One was Dr. Thomas Noguchi: about 500 people attended a testimonial dinner for attorneys Godfrey and Roena Isaac, reported by Harry Honda, and an editorial praised the JUST Committee for winning justice in the case. The other was the direction of JACL. National President Jerry Enomoto wrote “Clarification” to say where he stood on civil rights and human rights work, while also asking for sensitivity toward more conservative members. JACL also planned to oppose California’s school guidelines on moral instruction, and Alameda County supervisors urged repeal of Title II, the Emergency Detention Act. Rep. Patsy T. Mink spoke on the same law at Seabrook.

Other pages cover Japan Week in San Francisco and the protests planned against it, and a New York protest at the United Nations over Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Bill Hosokawa reviewed Jerome Charyn’s novel American Scrapbook. Don Hayashi reported on the Youth Commission, and David T. Takashima wrote about work with Sansei youth.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Clarification, by Jerry Enomoto, page 1. National JACL President Jerry Enomoto clarifies his stance on JACL involvement in civil and human rights, affirming his support for activism. He also acknowledges the need to be sensitive to conservative members’ concerns and suggests dialogue to reduce resistance.
• American Scrapbook, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Bill Hosokawa critiques Jerome Charyn’s novel American Scrapbook, which depicts Japanese Americans in WWII camps in a degrading light. He argues the portrayal distorts the real experience of evacuees.
• Taco’s Shop, by David T. Takashima, page 5. David Takashima reports on his work with Sansei youth in Phoenix and a youth workshop in Portland. He urges communication among youth groups and notes the value of new friendships built at these gatherings.
• In the Name of Justice, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The editorial praises the JUST Committee and the community for winning justice for Dr. Thomas Noguchi and calls for JACL to address social inequality. It urges action on poverty and minority rights, arguing that justice requires dealing with the causes of injustice.
• Dr. Noguchi trial may be precedent for Canada Nisei, by A. B. Hotta, page 6. A. B. Hotta argues that the Noguchi trial shows Japanese Canadians can unite to defend one another and assert self-determination. He suggests the case may set a precedent for Japanese communities in Canada.
• Nisei Week and Hawaii festivals similar in spirit, by P.C. Staff, page 6. A writer compares the Los Angeles Nisei Week and the Honolulu Cherry Blossom Festival, finding them similar in spirit but different in scale. Suggestions include announcing pageant results to all attendees and encouraging more Nisei participation in talent contests.
• Seafair Festival, by Elmer Ogawa, page 6. Elmer Ogawa writes in the Letterbox that the Seattle Bon Odori drew only about 500 people this year, far fewer than in past years at the Buddhist Church location. He questions whether this represents progress.
• Dr. Noguchi Case, by P.C. Staff, page 6. A letter writer argues that County Administrative Officer Hollinger has not admitted error despite Dr. Noguchi’s reinstatement. The writer urges the JUST Committee to continue its work to hold officials accountable.
• The Myth Is Dying, by Jim Henry, page 6. Jim Henry argues that traditional images of Japan, including geisha, cherry blossoms, and silk, are fading as modern industrialization changes the country. He suggests the romantic image held by foreigners is losing its foundation.

Community

• 500 at testimonial to Godfrey, Roena Isaac, by Harry Honda, page 1. Some 500 people attended a testimonial dinner honoring attorneys Godfrey and Roena Isaac for their defense of Dr. Thomas Noguchi. Speakers praised the Isaacs and the Japanese American community for upholding justice in the Noguchi case.
• N.Y. Asian Americans remember Hiroshima-Nagasaki holocausts, by P.C. Staff, page 3. New York Asian Americans protested at the United Nations U.S. Mission during Hiroshima-Nagasaki Week, and eight demonstrators were arrested. Speakers including Mary Kochiyama linked nuclear victims to Okinawa and ongoing U.S. military actions in Asia.
• Youth Commission meeting productive, by Don Hayashi, page 4. The National JACL Youth Commission met in Los Angeles and reached productive decisions on youth programming and commissioner roles. Participants agreed that youth and adults can work together toward common goals.

Incarceration & Redress

• JACL to oppose Calif. report, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL will oppose the controversial state guidelines for moral instruction in California schools, which were accepted by the State Board of Education. The organization fears the guidelines may be used to target minority groups and will seek public hearings.

National

• Japan Week starts 16-day run at San Francisco, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Japan Week opens in San Francisco with a 16-day program of cultural, artistic, and economic events including films, parades, and a trade fair. Organizers describe it as the largest international celebration ever held in the city.
• Student, radical groups to protest Japan Week events, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Student and radical groups including SDS and Red Guards plan to protest Japan Week, calling it exploitation of the local Japanese community. Demonstrations are expected in connection with the International Industrial Conference in September.
• Alameda supervisors urge repeal of Tithe I, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Alameda County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to urge repeal of Tithe I, the Emergency Detention Act. The decision followed a recommendation from its board of social concerns.
• Patsy Mink tells Seabrook: Insure American dream, by Rep. Patsy T. Mink, page 1. Rep. Patsy Mink addressed the Seabrook JACL chapter, thanking members for their support and urging continued civic service. She warned against the Emergency Detention Act and called on Americans to protect civil rights for all.

Sports

• Mombusho Scholarship for 1970, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Application forms are now available for the 1970 Japanese Ministry of Education graduate scholarships. Eligible U.S. citizens under 35 may apply through the Consulate General in Los Angeles by October 8.

Military & Veterans

• Philadelphia JACL to the Rescue, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Nisei Ambassadors Drum and Bugle Corps received support from Philadelphia JACL members, including Dr. and Mrs. Tom Tamaki, during a trip to competition. The corps performed at events and enjoyed hospitality in the area.

Thank you for exploring the Pacific Citizen archive. The title, introduction and contents on this page were written by an AI model from scans of the printed issue, so they may contain mistakes. If you spot one, we would be grateful if you let us know.