THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER OF THE JACL Aug. 16-29, 2019

Contra Costa JACL’s Ben Takeshita, who was incar- cerated at Topaz, points to a picture of himself as a young boy at the site. On Aug. 4, JACLers who IN THE SPIRIT OF attended the National Convention were able to take part in an excursion trip to the “Central Utah Relocation Center,” better known as Topaz, one of 10 RECONCILIATION American concentration camps administered by the War Relocation Authority to house Japanese Americans who were forcibly removed from their homes on the West Coast AND UNITY during World War II. PHOTO: TOSHIKI MASAKI In its 90th year, JACL comes Convention together in Salt Lake City Photo Spread to ensure the Japanese American story continues and INSIDE! the message of ‘ADVOCACY, INCLUSION, ACTION’ remains at the forefront.

» PAGE 4 » PAGE 6 Tom Brokaw and Judge JACL Passes Resolution R-3, Lance Ito Honored at Heart Offering a Formal Apology to Mountain Pilgrimage Tule Lake Resisters

#3348 / VOL. 169, No. 3 ISSN: 0030-8579 WWW.PACIFICCITIZEN.ORG Celebrating 90 Years 2 Aug. 16-29, 2019 JACL NATIONAL CONVENTION

PHOTO: GEORGE JOHNSTON 2019 NATIONAL JACL CONVENTION HOW TO REACH US Email: [email protected] Online: www.pacificcitizen.org Tel: (213) 620-1767 COMPLETED IN SALT LAKE CITY Mail: 123 Ellison S. Onizuka St., Suite 313 By Floyd Mori, Inouye, an activist and educational Los Angeles, CA 90012 JACL 2019 National Convention leader from Los Angeles. U.S. Sen. STAFF co-chair Mazie Hirono of Hawaii was given Executive Editor the Ralph Carr Award. Allison Haramoto Senior Editor he National Convention of The Japanese American experien- Digital & Social Media the JACL, which was held ce of incarceration and subsequent George Johnston in Salt Lake City, Utah, from redress, which was achieved with Business Manager TJuly 31-Aug. 4, is now a memory and the passage of HR 442 and the Civil Susan Yokoyama Production Artist part of history. The convention, which Liberties Act of 1988, was one of Marie Samonte was experienced by more than 500 the main topics of the convention. Circulation people in some capacity, celebrated The egregious act against Ame- Eva Ting the 90-year anniversary of the JACL, ricans and immigrants of Japanese which was established in 1929 to heritage during World War II of The Pacific Citizen newspaper Floyd Mori served as the 2019 JACL National Convention (ISSN: 0030-8579) is published fight prejudice and discrimination. being imprisoned in concentration semi-monthly (except once in This year’s theme was “Advoca- camps was a matter of discussion in co-chair. The confab welcomed more than 500 JACLers. December and January) by the cy. Inclusion. Action.” The theme plenary sessions, workshops, business Japanese American Citizens League, Pacific Citizen, 123 Ellison reminds us that the fight for civil sessions and films. Advertising, My529, Union Bank Native American, presented a bles- S. Onizuka St., Suite 313 rights is real and ongoing. Diversity With the participation of the and the JACL Intermountain District sing at the Sayonara Banquet. Elder Los Angeles, CA 90012 in America is acknowledged and en- Japanese American Confinement Council. Gary Stevenson of the Quorum of Periodical postage paid at L.A., CA POSTMASTER: Send address couraged. It will take our continued Sites Consortium, there was also Other supporters included ABC, the Twelve Apostles of the Church changes to National JACL, 1765 advocacy, inclusion and action to an emphasis on camp preservation. Caesars Entertainment, Mount of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94115 help make a better nation and world. The JACL and other organizations Olympus JACL chapter, Salt Lake gave remarks. The Honorable Midori JACL President: Jeffrey Moy Serving as convention hosts were have partnered with the JACSC to JACL chapter, Wasatch Front North Takeuchi, Consul General of Japan Executive Director: David Inoue the three Utah JACL chapters and ensure that funding will continue JACL chapter, Snake River JACL in Denver, spoke at the banquet and P.C. EDITORIAL BOARD their presidents: Mount Olympus, for the preservation of the camps to chapter, Janet and Bob Komoto, WFC went on the Topaz tour. Rob Buscher, chairperson; Ron Dick Mano; Salt Lake, Michael Iwa- teach and educate others. Insurance and Zions Bank. Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes Kuramoto, MDC; Marcia Chung, In addition, many others donated, and Mayor Jenny Wilson of Salt Lake CCDC; Nancy Ukai, NCWNPDC; saki and Devon Matsumoto; and Throughout convention, attendees Sheldon Arakaki, PNWDC; Kayla Wasatch Front North, Sandra Grant. enjoyed Open Mic night with the purchased tables of 10 for the ban- County spoke at the Opening Wel- Watanabe, IDC; John Saito Jr., The co-chairs for the convention youth, a golf tournament, visits to quet and placed ads in the program come Reception, as did Utah State PSWDC; Juli Yoshinaga, Youth Rep. were Lynne Aoyama, Sandra Grant, the Family History Library and the booklet. Thanks to all who contri- Sen. Jani Iwamoto, who introduced SUBSCRIBE Sherrie Hayashi and Floyd Mori. Tabernacle Choir, a hike and films. buted, including the exhibitors, ven- other senators and representatives Get a one-year subscription of the Janet Komoto, IDC Governor, was The convention ended with an op- dors, committee members, speakers, from the State of Utah. Pacific Citizen newspaper at: on the committee. Marissa Kitaza- tional trip to the site of the Topaz filmmakers, color guard, volunteers Former JACL staff members Ron www.pacificcitizen.org or call (213) 620-1767 wa, VP for General Operations on camp and the new Topaz Museum and hotel staff. Ikejiri, John Tateishi and Ron Wa- the JACL National Board, worked in Delta, Utah. The bus ride started It is always great to have Sec. Nor- kabayashi, as well as past National ADVERTISE man Mineta and his wife, Deni, President Frank Sato were on hand To advertise in the Pacific Citizen, closely with the local committee, as early on Aug. 4 with more than two call (213) 620-1767 or e-mail: did National President Jeffrey Moy, busloads filled with participants. participate in the conventions, as to share their experiences on redress. [email protected] Executive Director David Inoue and Sponsors who helped make the well as former Congressman Mike Other former JACL staff and fellows LEGAL other members of the JACL staff. convention a success were Platinum Honda. Dr. Brian Shiozawa, who who attended the convention were No part of this publication may be Wat Misaka, a Utah legend who Sponsor: State Farm; Gold Sponsors: is a regional director for the U.S. Kenzie Hirai, Paul Igasaki, Brandon reproduced without the express was the first nonwhite person to play Comcast NBCUniversal, AARP, Department of Health and Human Mita (currently general counsel on permission of the Pacific Citizen. Services in the current administration the JACL National Board), Debra Editorials, letters, news and the in what is now called the National APIA Vote; Silver Sponsors: National opinions expressed by columnists Basketball Assn. after being drafted JACL Credit Union, Motion Picture and a former Utah State Senator, and Nakatomi, Jean Shiraki and Amy other than the national JACL by the New York Knicks, was ho- Association of America, Verizon; his wife, Joye, attended the Sayonara Watanabe. president or national director do nored by the organization with a Community Sponsors: AT&T, The Banquet. not necessarily reflect JACL policy. In keeping with the spirit of di- Events and products advertised in President’s Award. Also receiving Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day the P.C. do not carry the implicit the President’s Award was Arlene Saints Foundation, Reagan Outdoor versity, Virgil Johnson, a Goshute » See SLC on page 12 endorsement of the JACL or this publication. We reserve the right to edit articles. © 2019 Periodicals paid at Los Angeles, Calif. and mailing office.

JACL MEMBERS Change of Address SPRING The P.C.’s mission is to “educate on the past Japanese American experience and preserve, promote and help the current and future AAPI communities.” If you’ve moved, please send new CAMPAIGN information to: Name : National JACL 1765 Sutter St. Address 1: San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 921-5225 City : Phone Number : ext. 26 Allow 6 weeks for E-mail : address changes.

JACL MEMBER? To avoid interruptions in delivery, PLEASE USE MY CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS: please notify your postmaster to include P.C. Archive Project ___ P.C. Production Costs ___ Issues to the Camps ___ periodicals in your change of address * Your donations will help build and preserve a cohesive library of the Pacific Citizen to educate future generations.* (USPS Form 3575) JACL NATIONAL CONVENTION Aug. 16-29, 2019 3 FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

cently come across an improperly stored gun ENOUGH IS ENOUGH rights of wealthy white men. Now, wealth in a bedroom and think it is a toy. may be less of a factor, but in the case of In fact, a strict reading of the Constitution shooting, seven people were shot, one fatally, gun ownership, it remains a right of primari- says nothing about self-defense, rather the need in Chicago, Ill. The previous night, another ly white men. Black male gun ownership is for a militia is the basis for the right to bear seven were shot in another part of Chicago. In almost automatically seen as illegal, without arms. I will leave the constitutional arguments my own city of Washington, D.C., gun violence constitutional protection. Philando Castile is to a lawyer, but even an elementary school By David Inoue, has become a part of the regular news, easy the perfect example of this double standard. level reading comprehension would come to JACL Executive Director to fall into the background and be ignored. I see the recent increase in mass shooting a very different understanding of the Second We have a problem as a nation, and we need events as a manifestation of this early American Amendment than the most recent Supreme n Aug. 3, we concluded our 50th JACL to do something now. history pattern of using violence to intimidate Court interpretation. National Convention. The National For JACL, we haven’t waded into this area minority communities. Although not on the Gun violence is an epidemic, and we need Council passed Resolution 3, which much. Perhaps it is our history of having our scale of slavery, the intent is the same. to treat it as such. It disproportionately affects Ooffered a long-overdue apology to Tule Lake constitutional rights taken away that we are The difference is that it is now individuals minority communities, both directly and now Resisters. At the Sayonara Banquet that evening, hesitant to challenge the Second Amendment acting without explicit official sanction from in the fear that is felt from the possible terror we recognized civil rights pioneers and leaders right to bear arms. I would argue that it is the government that slavery had. Unfortunately, of being a victim of a shooting. in Arlene Inouye, Wat Misaka and Sen. Mazie exactly because of that history that we do have we do see rhetoric from even our president, This past week, a single gunman in Phi- Hirono of Hawaii. All things to be celebrated. something to say about this issue. which gives unofficial credence to the mani- ladelphia held off police for hours, injuring But the celebration has been tempered. Second Amendment proponents make the festos of hate that have accompanied several six of them, and terrorizing that community. As we were beginning discussion of re- argument that the constitutional basis of gun of these mass shootings. Our Declaration of Independence has the solutions that Saturday morning, a gunman ownership is to enable the citizenry to fight It is also implicit to the regressive immigra- line we all know, “We hold these truths to be in El Paso, Texas, was entering a Walmart the tyranny of the government. I’ve even heard tion policies that hearken back to the discrimi- self-evident, that all men are created equal, to ultimately kill 22 and wound another 24. some make the ridiculous suggestion that the natory policies against Japanese immigrants that they are endowed by their Creator with Minutes after the Sayonara Banquet conclu- Japanese American incarceration could have at the turn of the last century. certain unalienable Rights, that among these ded, another gunman entered a Dayton, Ohio, been prevented had Japanese Americans been And there is the epidemic of guns in minority are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” bar and shot 27 people, 10 fatally, in the 34 armed in opposition. communities that we must also address. It The Bill of Rights is intended to affirm these seconds from his first shot until police arrived Our incarceration was going to happen however is not the high-profile shootings that kill or rights, but we now must recognize that the right and killed the shooter. unfortunate or unconstitutional, and an armed wound 20 or 30, but the steady impact of one of gun ownership has taken precedence over Such horrific events came on the heels of uprising would have been disastrous. or two at a time. the fundamental unalienable rights of “Life, another mass shooting in Gilroy, Calif., where Why that would have been especially The stereotype is that it is criminals that are Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” the local JACL chapter had been tabling that disastrous needs to be looked at in the context in these communities, and guns are therefore It is time to say enough is enough. day but had left an hour before the shooting of how gun rights, and many rights in this needed for self-defense in the home. that claimed four lives and injured another 13. country, have been upheld. The reality is that more often, guns in the David Inoue is Executive Director of These are the shootings that make the na- From the beginning, the Constitution, despite home result in accidental shootings of family the JACL. He is headquartered in the tional news. On the same night of the Dayton its lofty rhetoric, was created to ensure the members or friends, often children who inno- organization’s Washington, D.C., office. A MOTHER’S TAKE THE POWER OF STORYTELLING

Nikkei LGBTQ Stories.” I was so honored to be on a panel with Stan Yogi and Sarah Baker. Introduced by PHOTOS: COURTESY OF MARSHA AIZUMI OF MARSHA COURTESY PHOTOS: our moderator, Michael Iwasaki from Salt By Marsha Aizumi Lake City JACL, Sarah, Bill and I shared our stories of feeling invisible and not whole, but he week of the JACL National Conven- finding a place at “Okaeri: A Nikkei LGBTQ Jim and Lois Azumano tion really reinforced to me the incre- Gathering” in Los Angeles and realizing how dible power of storytelling. Listening empowering it is to be seen at the intersection Tto the stories in favor of Resolution 3, asking of being Japanese American, mixed-race JA I need to be as I do this work for JACL to apologize to those imprisoned or gay, queer, transgender or, for me, as a “Intersecting Identities: Nikkei Go! Oh Go! in Tule Lake, really opened my eyes to the mother and an activist. LGBTQ Stories” workshop Go out to see the world! negative impact and intergenerational trauma When people see all of you and love you featured (from left) Sarah Baker, And wherever you go . . . be brave of being in Tule Lake, perceived as disloyal anyway, the feeling is overwhelmingly affir- Stan Yogi, Michael Iwasaki and To whomever you meet . . . be kind or called “No-No Boys.” ming. Having JACL provide a workshop on Marsha Aizumi. With whatever you have . . . be good And yet, those on the opposing side told LGBTQ identities within the Nikkei commu- emotional stories of fighting for their country nity made me feel that here was another safe I am now a regular listener of “Listen, Learn, and now feeling not respected and valued. space that was being created. Thank you so Love” opened up my heart to the LDS (Latter Love,” and because of my time with Richard So many stories just tore at my heart. much, David Inoue! Day Saints) community. and the JACL National Convention, I will What I was equally moved by were the At the JACL conference, I also met Jim and I took a Lyft to his home 20 minutes from continue to strive to be brave, kind and do good. people who dedicated hours, late into the night, Lois Azumano from Oregon, who shared with SLC, and then we dialed up Aiden, who was Thank you to all the people who shared their trying to bring the two sides together, so that me that at their family reunions, they take just getting off work in California. It was 90 stories so that I could leave Salt Lake City if Resolution 3 was passed, both sides would photos in groups . . . and one of the groups minutes of storytelling with much laughter and a more enlightened, empowered and loving have felt seen, heard and respected. is for their LGBTQ family members. How a few tears . . . from me, of course. human being. I hope that goal was accomplished, but I had heartwarming it was to hear how they wanted I walked away with a whole different a sense there might still be some hurt feelings, to uplift their LGBTQ family members in such perspective of the Mormon community. Marsha Aizumi is an advocate in the LGBT which over time can possibly be healed. a special way! Richard, a devout Mormon, is bringing our community and author of the book “Two After an emotional morning of hearing While in Salt Lake City, I also had an op- LGBTQ stories to over 7,000 listeners. As I Spirits, One Heart: A Mother, Her Trans- stories from camp, it was off to my portunity to meet with a Mormon podcaster, left his home, this plaque that was hanging in gender Son and Their Journey to Love and workshop called “Intersecting Identities: Richard Ostler, whose podcast “Listen, Learn, Richard’s home seemed to remind me of who Acceptance.” 4 Aug. 16-29, 2019 IN-DEPTH

PHOTOS: RAY LOCKER HEART MOUNTAIN REVISITED The eighth annual pilgrimage features newsman Tom Brokaw and Judge Lance Ito.

PHOTO: MARVIN INOUYE By Ray Locker Honoree and former NBC news anchor Tom ace “is not in any fashion in America Brokaw addresses the pilgrimage crowd. Bro- a measure of worthiness,” former kaw has continued to report on the injustice NBC anchorman Tom Brokaw told of the Japanese American incarceration ever Shinsuke Sugiyama (right), the Rattendees at the eighth annual Heart Mountain since first speaking at the 2011 grand open- Japanese ambassador to the Pilgrimage on July 27. “We’re all the same.” ing of the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center. United States, stands with Norman Brokaw received the Heart Mountain Mineta before the start of the Heart Wyoming Foundation’s LaDonna Zall Com- Mountain pilgrimage. Sugiyama passionate Witness Award, which goes to those later told the pilgrimage crowd that who have provided exceptional service to the all Japanese citizens need to know Heart Mountain community. about what happened to their Zall is a Heart Mountain board member Honoree and former Los Angeles kinsmen in the United States who lived as a child in nearby Ralston, Wyo., County Superior Court Judge Lance during World War II. and watched the last train filled with Japanese Ito holds up a book about the farms American incarcerees leave the camp on Nov. at Heart Mountain during his keynote “Japanese people need to know better what 10, 1945. speech. Ito praised the work done happened here. I am here to lead a course of In an at times tearful speech, Brokaw said by Heart Mountain farmers during understanding.” Heart Mountain “was a concentration camp, Duncan Williams, a Buddhist monk the war. His father, James, led the Sugiyama’s appearance was the result of nothing less,” as he waded into a debate that and professor at the University of farming efforts at the camp, where extensive work with the Japanese Embassy by pervaded much of the three-day event that was Southern California, said a Buddhist he also met Toshi Nagamori, who Higuchi and other members of the foundation located 14 miles north of Cody, Wyo. prayer at the Heart Mountain Pil- would become his wife and Lance’s who met with diplomatic officials several times A day earlier, former Cabinet Secretary grimage. His latest book, “American mother. in Washington, D.C. The embassy also held an Norman Mineta, a former Heart Mountain Sutra,” explores the treatment of event for members of the Japanese American prisoner, and former Sen. Alan Simpson said When they clicked back, Gibbons told Buddhists during the World War II Confinement Sites Consortium in Washington, they leaned away from using that term because Brokaw, “They didn’t say, ‘I’m an Italian Japanese American incarceration. D.C., in February that spurred the invitation of the sensitivity surrounding the Holocaust American.’ . . . Those are the guys I’m going to the pilgrimage. that killed 6 million Jews in what were also to fight with.” Heart Mountain Board Members Claudia known as concentration camps. Brokaw was introduced and presented the told the attendees that every Japanese citizen Wade and Kathleen Saito Yuille chaired the That was one of the few differences between award by Heart Mountain Board Chair Shirley needs to know about what happened to their entire pilgrimage and took special care of the the three men, who appeared in a piece by Bro- Ann Higuchi, who has a book about Heart friends and relatives in the United States Japanese delegation. kaw on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” on July 30. Mountain and the incarceration that is set to during WWII. The pilgrimage drew a record crowd to events Dianne Fukami, the co-producer of a docu- be published in the spring. Brokaw wrote that “Heart Mountain is a place of moral signi- in Cody and at the Heart Mountain Interpretive mentary about Mineta that showed Friday, also book’s afterword. ficance,” Sugiyama said, adding that he first Center. Higuchi recognized the more than 50 called Heart Mountain a concentration camp. became interested in going to Heart Mountain Dignitaries and a Record Crowd Nisei former incarcerees who appeared at this “I didn’t want to go back to euphemisms” to after a visit to the Japanese American National For the first time ever, the Japanese am- year’s event, with many saying they would explain what happened, she said. Museum in Los Angeles. “I had to come here bassador to the United States appeared at a return next year with their families. Brokaw said the “race card” is played too and see how you did it and got to redress. pilgrimage. Ambassador Shinsuke Sugiyama Authors Duncan Williams, Bradford Pearson, often in American politics as a means to di- “Back in Japan,” Sugiyama continued, Andrea Warren and Higuchi appeared in two vide its citizens, which Mineta and Simpson panels on July 26. Author and documentarian echoed in their interview with Brokaw and Frank Abe and California State University, their comments during a panel discussion Fullerton, Professor Arthur Hansen appeared on July 26. in panels about the Heart Mountain draft Brokaw closed his speech with the story resisters, who were convicted and sent to of former U.S. Rep. Sam Gibbons, a Florida prison in 1944. Democrat who was a paratrooper who jumped In addition, there were multiple multigenera- behind German lines on D-Day on June 6, tional panels in which former incarcerees and 1944. Brokaw quoted Gibbons, saying Gibbons their families talked about the trauma that still didn’t care about the ethnicity of his fellow remains from the incarceration. Many of the paratroopers, who could tell friend from foe former prisoners resisted talking about it for by using a little brass clicker. (From left) Alan Simpson, Norm Mineta and filmmaker/producers Dianne Fukami and Debra Nakatomi speak during a panel held after a screening of their film “Norman Mineta and His Legacy: An American Story.” PHOTOS: RAY LOCKER

Heart Mountain leaders and diplomats gathered for a photo at the Heart Mountain pilgrim- Alan Simpson and Norman Mineta meet with former NBC age. Pictured (from left) are Midori Mukai, Minister Kenichiro Mukai, Cody Mayor Matt Hall, anchorman Tom Brokaw (right) for an interview for a story Yoko Sugiyama, Alan Simpson, Ambassador Shinsuke Sugiyama, Shirley Ann Higuchi, that appeared on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” Norman Mineta and Doug Nelson. PHOTO: DAVID FUJIOKA IN-DEPTH Aug. 16-29, 2019 5

(From left) Tom Brokaw, Heart Mountain Chair Shirley Ann Higuchi and Executive HMWF board members and dignitaries at the Director Dakota Russell share a laugh while pilgrimage included (standing, from left) Midori listening to Alan Simpson and Norm Mineta. Takeuchi, consul general in Denver; Midori Mu- PHOTO: DAVID FUJIOKA kai, wife of Minister Kenichiro Mukai; Kenichiro Mukai; Marc Sugiyama; Raymond Uno; Bacon years, even with their closest family members. Sakatani; Shig Yabu; Claudia Wade; Hanako There was also footage shown of a documen- Wakatsuki; Kathleen Saito Yuille; R. Dana Ono; tary in progress called “Return to Foretop’s Prentiss Uchida; Kris Horiuchi; Sam Mihara; Father,” about Crow Nation elder Grant Bulltail, Eric Sandeen; Aura Matsumura Newlin; Takashi who participated in a panel discussion with Hoshizaki; Ambassador Shinsuke Sugiyama; documentarian Preston Randolph and Uni- Dakota Russell; Yoko Sugiyama (wife of the am- versity of Wyoming Professor Mary Keller. bassador) and (seated, from left) LaDonna Zall; The Crow, who were driven from the land Heart Mountain board member Shig Yabu, a former incarceree, Doug Nelson; Alan Simpson; Norman Mineta; in the 1880s, gave the mountain its name and Tom Brokaw; Shirley Ann Higuchi (HMWF chair) also called it Foretop’s Father, Bulltail said. speaks to Japanese Ambassador Shinsuke Sugiyama and his delegation inside a reconditioned barrack at the camp site. and Pete Simpson. Remembering James and Toshi Ito PHOTO: DARRELL KUNITOMI PHOTO: RAY LOCKER Former Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Lance Ito, whose parents met at Heart incarcerees, many of whom lost everything home and into Santa Anita Mountain, gave the keynote address to the the beginning of World War II when they when they were forced to leave their homes before the end of the school year. pilgrims on July 27, honoring the farmers and 120,000 other Japanese Americans were and businesses on the West Coast due to James Ito died at age 98 in 2012, while Toshi who turned the dusty high desert soil of the incarcerated in the series of 10 camps run by Executive Order 9066. Ito was 93 before she passed away last July. Big Horn Basin into rich farmland. the War Relocation Authority. “My parents never talked about [the incar- Those farmers were led by his father, Ja- The Mineta Documentary “I cherish the term ‘citizen’ because of our ceration],” Ito said. “Every now and then, they mes Ito, who used his skills developed at the Mineta appeared throughout the pilgrimage, own government being unwilling to acknow- would say, “I knew him in camp.’ Until I was University of California, Berkeley, to analyze starting with a morning screening on July 26 ledge us,” Mineta said. “That threat still exists. in middle adulthood did I persuade my parents the area’s soil and determine which crops of the new documentary by Fukami and De- What’s our democracy all about?” to tell me about it.” could thrive when the farms finally received bra Nakatomi that features him — “Norman Simpson, who first met Mineta in 1943 when Eventually, however, James and Toshi Ito irrigation. Mineta and His Legacy: An American Story.” his Boy Scout troop from Cody traveled to became fixtures at Heart Mountain events, Ito showed a series of seven posters high- The documentary, which has aired nationally Heart Mountain for a jamboree with the scouts and Toshi Ito even gave the Heart Mountain lighting the work done by his father and the on PBS, tells about Mineta’s journey as a child behind barbed wire, said he has to “keep it Foundation’s Interpretive Center some of its fellow farmers, who raised more than 1 million from San Jose, Calif., to Heart Mountain and light because [the incarceration] is heavy on most treasured artifacts. pounds of produce that they stored in a root then to the U.S. House and the Cabinet under the heart.” Ito showed the audience a poster of his cellar, which is currently being restored by Democratic President Bill Clinton and Repub- He told the crowd to get a copy of the dissent mother’s high school diploma, which was the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation. lican President George W. Bush. in the 1944 Supreme Court decision Korematsu delivered to her at the Santa Anita Assembly “You talk about organic farming,” Ito said. During the documentary and a panel discus- v. United States by Justice Frank Murphy. Center by the principal of Los Angeles’ John “They had to pick the bugs off the plants.” sion that followed afterward, Mineta said he “He used the word racism six times,” Simpson Marshall High School. Toshi Nagamori Ito had Like Brokaw before him, Ito grew emotional cherishes the term “citizen” because he and said, adding that Murphy called the incarce- to leave school six weeks before graduation n when talking about his parents and their fellow his family were called “enemy non-aliens” at ration a product of war hysteria and racism. because her family was forced from their

eporter Tadashi Ideishi was touring was 49, as well as her brother-in-law, Yoshi- the Heart Mountain Interpretive nori, 52, and two of their children, Mitsuru, MAKING A FAMILY DISCOVERY Center on July 26 while preparing 8, and Yasuko, 5. Yasuko sits next to her A Japanese TV reporter uncovers his family’s Rfor a story for the Japanese NHK TV network mother in the photo, while Shigeo had his when he saw a familiar face looking back at back to the camera. roots while at Heart Mountain. him from one of the center’s exhibits. Missing, however, was Tadashi Ideishi’s “There is my grandmother,” Ideishi said father, Hajime, who was born in 1928 in the By Ray Locker while looking at an enlarged United States but sent to Japan for school. photograph of one of the camp’s Such Nisei who were sent to Japan for their mess halls. education were known as Kibei. Asa Ideishi was 33 when she After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and her family were forced from on Dec. 7, 1941, the Kibei in Japan were their home in Santa Monica, stuck. Hajime Ideishi, his son said, could not Calif., and sent first to the San- return to his family in the U.S. during the ta Anita Race Track in Arca- war, and when it was over, he remained in dia, Calif., and then Japan, married and started a family. Shirley Higuchi, chair of the Heart Mountain Wyoming to Heart Mountain The Ideishi family stayed in Heart Moun- Foundation board of directors, speaks with NHK World in Wyoming, where tain until Oct. 20, 1945, just 20 days before reporter Tadashi Ideishi. Ideishi’s grandparents were they arrived on Sept. the camp closed its doors. They then moved In this photo in the Heart Mountain incarcerated during WWII. Ideishi’s father, Hajime, was 6, 1942. to Los Angeles, where they have remained Interpretive Center, Asa Ideishi in Japan for school when the war broke out and never She came with her since. Ideishi said his aunt and uncle still live n looks toward the camera as she made it back to the U.S., where he had been born. husband, Shigeo, who in the area. eats in one of the camp’s mess PHOTOS: RAY LOCKER halls. Her grandson, Tadashi Idei- shi, discovered this photo while visiting Heart Mountain to conduct interviews for his report on NHK World, a Japanese TV network. Details about Tadashi Ideishi’s family in camp from the Heart Mountain archives 6 Aug. 16-29, 2019 JACL NATIONAL CONVENTION

Chip Larouche Haruka Roudebush Nancy Takayama (left) and Sharon Norman Mineta speaks in PHOTO: GEORGE JOHNSTON speaks on behalf of R-3. Uyeda prepare voting cards. opposition of R-3. Mas Hashimoto speaks against R-3. PHOTO: TOSHIKI MASAKI PHOTO: GEORGE JOHNSTON PHOTO: GARY OKAMOTO PHOTO: TOSHIKI MASAKI SLC CONFAB: JACL APOLOGIZES TO ALL

An emotional Karen Korematsu speaks TULE LAKE INCARCEREES in favor of R-3. Resolution 3 passes overwhelmingly after a lengthy National Council debate. PHOTO: TOSHIKI MASAKI Eric Langowski during WWII. hara and featured activist/filmmaker Satsuki PHOTO: TOSHIKI MASAKI With JACL marking the 90th year since its Ina, who also has a private psychotherapy foundation in 1929, the passage of R-3 was practice specializing in community trauma, and known as the Old Tuleans, who didn’t want an olive branch and birthday present of sorts Floyd Shimomura, an attorney and past JACL to be moved. to Japanese Americans whose families were National President from 1982-84. “Living conditions had degraded to a point incarcerated at the Tule Lake WRA Center, Ina, who was born in Tule Lake, recounted where there was growing dissent and conflict. JACL Board Members Marissa which was among the 10 “internment” camps how the Loyalty Questionnaire brought about There were extremists on both sides of the Kitazawa and Jeffrey Moy with operated by the federal government during intense fear and confusion, ultimately pitting camp,” said Ina. “It was the perfect pitch to Executive Director David Inoue WWII for American citizens of Japanese people in anger toward their government and get people to move their anger against the PHOTO: ALLISON HARAMOTO ancestry and legal resident aliens from Japan eventually each other. government away from that and toward each who were barred from becoming naturalized “People didn’t know why this questionnaire other. It was the perfect way for the govern- By P.C. Staff U.S. citizens. was being posed to them. They didn’t know ment to control people who were oppressed.” To Japanese Americans and the authorities what its purpose was because the government Regarding JACL’s role during that time, -3 passes.” that operated the camps, Tule Lake, however, was not being forthright in what it was trying Shimomura spoke about JACL’s mission to With those words, spoken by JACL was popularly known as the camp where the to do,” Ina said. “There was fear that this was support the war effort and be good, loyal Resolutions Committee Chair Joy “troublemakers” were sent. a government strategy to get rid of anyone who American citizens. ‘RGoto on Aug. 3 during the 2019 JACL National According to the Japanese Americans who opposed them. . . . It was a way to manipulate “I think the loyalty side of the JACL cam- Convention in Salt Lake City, an amended were incarcerated there, having been sent to the prison population, a way for the govern- paign in a practical sense was successful and version of Resolution 3 became reality. Tule Lake during WWII was a scarlet letter of ment to reach its intended goals. The truth is, actually helped us in the redress campaign,” With the “in favor of” votes overwhelming the shame and stigma that unfairly marked them before the war, during the war and after the Shimomura said. “. . . I think the JACL needs “against” votes, it was an emotional ending to and their descendants. war, we never had a crisis of loyalty. What we to consider its own involvement in support- a JACL National Council meeting that began To WWII-era Japanese Americans striv- had was a crisis of faith in our own country.” ing this program during its loyalty campaign on Aug. 1 with the completion of voting on ing to be seen as “good Japanese” by the Shimomura elaborated on the uncertainty during WWII, which had positive effects, but constitutional bylaw changes, paused on Aug. U.S. government, Tule Lake residents who that resulted from the questionnaire’s poorly this was something that was not intended but 2, and then carried over to and completed on answered “no-no” to a pair of questions on worded structure, elaborating on its initial something that happened as a direct result of it.” Aug. 3 with voting on three resolutions. a poorly worded loyalty questionnaire or purpose to screen people for military service, Decades later, intense feelings arose for and With only two hours from 8-10 a.m. allot- dissented against having their right violated even though that also included women and against R-3 during the National Council confab. ted to the unfinished business from Aug. 1, were indeed troublemakers. children from the age of 17. Some of those against R-3 said passage would debate on R-3 was extended numerous times The result was a conflict that festered within “The primary problem was that the consequence compel them to quit JACL and warned that into the lunchtime hour and even included a the greater Japanese American community for of your answer was not clear. Why was the veterans groups would withdraw support for failed proposal that needed to be voted upon decades to come, even after the success of the government asking this question? . . . So, here the organization. to postpone a decision on R-3 until next year’s redress movement. you have a questionnaire that had the full range Watsonville-Santa Cruz’s Marcia Hashimoto JACL National Convention. The final vote on Since the convention’s start on July 31, pro- of maybe it will help you get out of camp, put recounted how JACL leaders were beaten up the resolution arrived about 12:17 p.m. MDT. ponents and opponents of R-3 met nightly you into prison or put you in the military, and by protestors and resisters, with others even Among the three resolutions, however, R-3 to discuss ways to bring about an amicable you’re doing it in a very coercive environment, labeled “dogs” for being pro-American. was different because its purpose was to have end, however the vote might go. And before and people were already distrustful. This was a “This issue of a resolution of apology is JACL officially apologize for its stance toward the start of business on Aug. 3, special time horrible, horrible thing to make people answer complicated because of the effects of war on an aggrieved subset — residents of the Tule was set aside for a panel discussion to give yes or no to,” he said. each of the incarcerees. The Watsonville-Santa Lake WRA Center — of a larger aggrieved National Council members more background When the people who answered “no no” Cruz chapter urges delegates to vote no on this group, namely ethnic Japanese whose rights context on R-3. arrived at Tule Lake, they were mixed with a resolution,” Hashimoto said. “If this resolution were disregarded by the federal government The panel was moderated by Paul Uye- population that was already previously there,

Historic National Council voting on R-3 PHOTO: ROB BUSCHER JACL NATIONAL CONVENTION Aug. 16-29, 2019 7 is in the spirit of reconciliation and unity, it After hours of conversation, the final, over- divisive. JACL has long embraced the incred- tional copies of a condensed version of the needs to be more balanced to recognize the whelming vote was in favor of the resolution, ible legacy of our Japanese American veterans Curriculum Guide, which would be amended hardships of our veterans, all incarcerees and which may have marked a generational chang- and their valor in fighting for a country that did to add additional content related to the out- our JACL leaders.” ing of the guard for JACL’s now-diminished not fully see them as American. The passage come of R-3. But those speaking in favor of R-3 outnum- national membership. of this resolution signals our intention to be In his membership report, VP Haruka Roude- bered those against. Said Ina at the conclusion of the panel discus- more inclusive lf all of our community, par- bush continued his push to increase JACL “We need to know that the JACL today will sion: “My hope is that when our community ticularly those who resisted the incarceration.” membership to 10,000, stating that as of July, stand with us,” said Mike Ishii. “. . . Our entire can unify and move forward, there will be a In other business, the National Council also there are currently 8,559 in the organization. community is submerged in intergenerational powerful healing, a healing that will give us voted to approve the following: And in VP Secretary/Treasurer James Kiri- trauma imposed by an outside entity, and 76 a united voice that will unite us today. I hope • R-1: A resolution calling on Midwestern hara’s report, as of Dec. 31, 2018, JACL’s total years since the camps, we are still in distress. this can happen before all of us who were in colleges to address exclusionary practices assets are $11,755,000 (unaudited), down from We have all made mistakes. . . . It is OK to camp are gone. I see the possibility that this toward Japanese Americans. $12,806,000 from the previous year, mainly say that. . . . The real enemy was never a can be a historic moment for all of us to really • R-2: A resolution regarding Midwest district due to a reduction in investment valuations. Japanese American but racism. . . . We must heal from the injustice of being incarcerated.” staffing. Regarding the fiscal year 2019 outlook, key begin treating one another differently.” JACL also released a statement that expressed • CBL-2: An amendment to the JACL bylaws focus areas include improving JACL’s financial Echoed Stanley Shikuma: “Those who the need for the organization to continue its relating to the supervision of the editor/ impact from the National Convention, improv- answered ‘yes yes’ or ‘no no’ or anything in work toward further reconciliation between general manager of the Pacific Citizen by ing P.C. revenue results, upgrading technology between still suffer from the consequences JACL and those incarcerated at Tule Lake, as the Executive Director. systems and equipment, reassessing leasing from that questionnaire. It has created a split well as the need for improved education on During the National Board session on July arrangements and improving the financial in our community that has carried on through the Tule Lake experience. 31, a proposed recommendation was made reporting structure to improve transparency generations. I can see that even Yonsei and “It is imperative that we bring our community by the Education Com- across the board. n Gosei are feeling that, and we need to do together in order to build power to face the mittee’s Greg Marutani something to stop that bleeding. This resolu- civil rights challenges of today,” JACL National to reprint 2,000 copies tion, however imperfect it may be, is a step President Jeffrey Moy said. “The diverse of the Power of Words in the right direction, and I think it’s time we experiences of Japanese Americans should handbook and consider took that first step.” be celebrated as a strength, not as something reprinting 500 addi-

National Council chapter delegates MDC delegates PHOTO: SUSAN YOKOYAMA PHOTO: TOSHIKI MASAKI A little extra...... goes a long way! Upgrade to a Premium JACL Membership today!

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JACL National WELCOME RECEPTION President Jeff Moy gives To kick off convention, a Welcome Reception a welcome was held inside the Little America Hotel, where speech. PHOTO: GEORGE Convention Co-Chair Floyd Mori introduced JOHNSTON Utah JACL chapter presidents, state and local dignitaries including Utah Attorney General Richard Mano and Raymond Sean Reyes, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Janet Komoto Uno in the Jan-Ken-Pon finals. PHOTO: GEORGE JOHNSTON PHOTO: ALLISON HARAMOTO Wilson and Sen. Jani Iwamoto, as well as recognized JACL honorees Wat Misaka and Arlene Inouye, convention sponsors and JACL’s Utah State National Board and staff, led by President Atty Gen Sean Jeffrey Moy and Executive Director David Reyes PHOTO: ALLISON Inoue, respectively. As Inoue said, “Convention HARAMOTO is all about coming together to set the priorities Dignitaries included (from left) for this organization. It all comes down to the Sen. Luz Escamilla, Sen. Derek concept of a moral compass. What is right and Kitchen, Sen. Jani Iwamoto and Salt Lake what we do as an organization to make this Amy Fowler of the Salt Lake City County Mayor world a better place.” Council. Jenny Wilson PHOTO: GEORGE JOHNSTON PHOTO: ALLISON HARAMOTO Floyd Mori welcomed JACLers. PHOTO: ALLISON HARAMOTO

Taiko was per- formed by mem- JACL Execu- Sarah Baker and bers of the Ogden tive Director Brandon Mita play Buddhist Temple. David Inoue Jan-Ken-Pon during PHOTO: GJ Mike Honda PHOTO: GEORGE JOHNSTON an icebreaker activity. PHOTO: GEORGE JOHNSTON PHOTO: ALLISON HARAMOTO

Bob Komoto and Haruka Roudebush (left) and Ron Mori Janet Komoto Gavin Tachibana Sam Mihara (left) and PHOTO: GARY OKAMOTO PHOTO: GARY OKAMOTO and Thu Quach Prentiss Uchida JACLers ready PHOTO: GEORGE JOHNSTON PHOTO: GEORGE JOHNSTON for the Sayonara Banquet PHOTO: GARY OKAMOTO

(From left) Joy Goto, Arlene VIP RECEPTION Inouye and Paul Uyehara (From left) Marcia Hashimoto, Victor Kimura, PHOTO: GEORGE JOHNSTON Before beginning the festivities of the Sayonara Banquet to close this year’s convention, a VIP David Inoue and Mas Hashimoto Reception was held to thank and honor this PHOTO: GARY OKAMOTO year’s award honorees — Ralph Carr awardee Sen. Mazie Hirono and President’s awardees Wat Misaka and Arlene Inouye — as well as acknowledge this year’s convention sponsors. It was also an excellent opportunity to meet with State Farm’s David old friends, make new ones and celebrate the Chikahisa and Junya 90-year history of JACL and this year’s theme: (From left) Anne and Inoue of the Denver “Advocacy. Inclusion. Action.” A job well-done. Rob Buscher and Matthew Farrells and office of the Japan Larry Oda with Judge Mariko Fujimoto Sarah Baker Consul Raymond Uno PHOTO: GEORGE JOHNSTON PHOTO: GARY OKAMOTO PHOTO: GEORGE JOHNSTON PHOTO: GEORGE JOHNSTON JACL NATIONAL CONVENTION Aug. 16-29, 2019 9

Mieko Kuramoto with her Elaine Kaneshiro (left) parents, Christine and Ron and Marsha Aizumi Kuramoto PHOTO: GEORGE JOHNSTON PHOTO: ALLISON HARAMOTO The Inouye family (from left): Nicole Inouye, Amelia Karen Floyd Mori and Kawaguchi and Ken Inouye Kido Satsuki Ina PHOTO: GARY OKAMOTO PHOTO: GEORGE JOHNSTON (left) and Jeanette Misaka wel- come attend- ees. PHOTO: ALLISON HARAMOTO Sheldon Arakaki takes in Kai Uno and (From left) Ethan Hirabayashi, the Utah photo exhibit. Lily Anne Tamai Alex Hirai and Trey Imamura PHOTO: ALLISON HARAMOTO PHOTO: GEORGE PHOTO: ALLISON HARAMOTO JOHNSTON CANDID PHOTOS This year’s convention celebrated 90 years of JACL — nine decades of advocacy and civil rights work on behalf of all U.S. citizens. Conventiongoers were treated to the very best Utah had to offer during their five-day stay in the “Beehive State,” and the (From left) Paul hospitality and convention schedule did not disap- Igasaki, Louann point. From taking in a jam-packed slate of plenaries Igasaki and Karen JACL memorabilia, among them, and workshops to film screenings, delicious dining Korematsu the California DOR Proclamation PHOTO: GEORGE JOHNSTON PHOTO: GARY OKAMOTO options and excursions outside of the Little America Hotel to see the world-famous Tabernacle Choir, the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Open-Mic Night at the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple and the Topaz Museum Tour and Site visit, there was plenty to see and experience in Utah. Thank you to the Convention Committee and Utah JACL chapters for making this anniversary convention one JACLers will never forget. Don Kajioka Jefferson Itami with a Kent Kawai (left) and historic P.C. issue. Itami (left) and Kai Toshi Abe was in the audience Uno Ronald Wakabayashi PHOTO: ALLISON when President Reagan HARAMOTO PHOTO: ALLISON reads the latest P.C. HARAMOTO signed HR 442. PHOTO: GEORGE JOHNSTON PHOTO: ALLISON HARAMOTO

First- time Detroit’s Mika Kennedy (left) and attendee Janice Okamoto and Celeste Geodert Samia Wat Misaka Gary Okamoto PHOTO: TOSHIKI MASAKI Husain and Matthew PHOTO: GEORGE JOHNSTON Weisbly PHOTO: MATTHEW WEISBLY

Salt Lake Nihon- machi Exhibit Nelson Photos Akagi Minidoka’s Mia Russell PHOTO: PHOTO: SUSAN NY/SC members MATTHEW and Rob Buscher YOKOYAMA WEISBLY PHOTO: ROB BUSCHER PHOTO: JOSEPH GU 10 Aug. 16-29, 2019 JACL NATIONAL CONVENTION

PHOTOS: GEORGE JOHNSTON PLENARY REVEALS MANEUVERS THAT HELPED REDRESS SUCCEED JACL vets swap behind-the-scenes stories at 2019 JACL National Convention. John Tatei- By P.C. Staff shi was chair of ver wonder why Japanese Americans the JACL’s Panel participants were who received monetary compensation National key JACL leaders and for having had their constitutional Committee witnesses to the re- Erights abrogated during World War II recei- for Redress dress journey. in 1978. ved $20,000 instead of the initially proposed Modera- $25,000? tor Floyd And how was Sen. S. I. Hayakawa (R-Calif.), Shimomu- who in his keynote speech at the 1978 JACL ‘Keep in mind, there was no ra served National Convention’s Sayonara Banquet model we could work with as JACL expressed his “total opposition” to redress National (Pacific Citizen, Aug. 11, 1978),persuaded only because it was the only President a few years later to join Sens. Daniel Inouye from (D-Hawaii) and Spark Matsunaga (D-Hawaii) time in the history of the 1982-84. in backing a bill to form the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of country that any group had Civilians? a year and a half as the chair of the National Or, did you know that the decision to create attempted to seek redress Redress Committee following the death of the CWRIC, which resulted in emotionally Ron Wakabayashi was the JACL Edison Uno, who is regarded as one of the wrenching public testimony from former from the United States National Director for 10 years. “founding fathers” of the campaign for redress. incarcerees and a report that concluded that Congress.’ Tateishi said that what pushed Uyeda over what happened to ethnic Japanese in America the top in voting was “ . . . a resolution that was because of race prejudice, war hysteria — John Tateishi “They were all working on redress, but was introduced here at the convention. It was and a failure of political leadership, was not everybody’s focus had been a little different,” a resolution that defined what we would do initially embraced by many in the JACL or, Shimomura said. as a policy of redress, and it said $25,000 per for that matter, by the majority of Japanese Shimomura also noted how it was fitting person affected by the government’s orders Americans? man and cabinet member Norman Mineta, that the plenary was taking place in Salt Lake during WWII.” And that four years to the day before redress whose name came up again and again in the City — at the same hotel, no less — since the Also included was a call for a trust fund, became a reality on Aug. 10, 1988, there was panelists’ recollections. JACL National Convention of 1978 was “ . . . but left out were specifics on how any of this a meeting in the Reagan White House among ¤¤¤ probably one of the most-historic conventions” might happen. Also not included: a call for JACL leaders that had to be kept secret for Shimomura, who served as the panel’s mo- because the JACL’s National Council approved an apology, even though the Civil Liberties decades? derator and former JACL national president the resolution to pursue redress legislation. Act actual redress legislation of 1988 did With the success of the Japanese American from 1982-84, told the audience that the panel Shimomura also noted that panelist and include one. redress campaign now more than three de- would focus on three topics: 1) the resolution former JACL National President Sato (1984- “We decided not to include an apology cades in the past, those “hows,” “whys” and that the JACL National Council approved in 86), whose role in the run-up to redress would because the feeling was that if we put that “didja knows” were discussed at the plenary Salt Lake City at the 1978 JACL National be discussed later in the session, had been out there in front of politicians, that’s what titled “Early Redress Years: 1977-1984,” Convention to pursue redress legislation; 2) born in 1929, meaning he was the same age they would choose, and they would ignore which took place at the 2019 National JACL how the CWRIC came into being; and 3) the as JACL itself. the money,” Tateishi said. Convention, held at the Little America Hotel “significant role that Frank Sato played in ¤¤¤ ¤¤¤ in Salt Lake City. helping to lay the foundations” for the passage The discussion began with Tateishi, who Tateishi, noting that there were many young The session featured Ronald Ikejiri, Frank of the redress bill in August 1988 by President was appointed as the chair of the JACL’s people in the audience, later gave some context Sato, Floyd Shimomura, John Tateishi and Ron Ronald Reagan. National Committee for Redress in 1978 to the attitudes toward redress at the time, Wakabayashi, all of whom were associated with In his opening remarks, Shimomura noted and later served as JACL’s national director, especially by the Nisei. JACL as leaders, participants and witnesses that while the JACL played an important role in national redress director and principal redress “When we started the redress campaign, during a critical “seven-year period” in the the eventual passage of redress legislation, the lobbyist until 1986. there was a lot of dissension,” he said, recalling 20-yearlong journey of redress from idea to campaign was “much bigger that just JACL,” Tateishi referenced the 1978 JACL National that at the 1978 convention during the debate, reality. (Carole Hayashino, who was scheduled referring to other organizations such as Nikkei Convention’s election of Clifford Uyeda, who there was “so much anger at us for doing this, to be on the panel, had to bow out due to a for Civil Rights & Redress ran as the “redress candidate” after serving for for pushing it.” family emergency.) (NCRR), National Coun- Still, the JACL was more unified than the Toward its end, the session also featured cil for Japanese American greater Japanese American community. additional perspectives from former congress- Redress (NCJAR) and the “There were pockets or groups of people who coram nobis team. supported it, certainly the younger, post-WWII Sanseis were pushing it. But in general, the Nisei did not want this to happen,” Tateishi said. They didn’t want to talk about the camps, which was exactly what would happen after the legislation to create the CWRIC was enacted by President Jimmy Carter in the summer of 1980 led to hearings in several U.S. cities where Nisei and Issei publicly — and cathartically — exposed their long-buried traumas, many for the first time. The Redress Plenary featured (from left) Ron Wakabayashi, Ronald The plenary participants with the The eventual decision to form a commission Ikejiri, John Tateishi, Frank Sato and moderator Floyd Shimomura. Hon. Sec. Norman Mineta (center) was one that came about after a meeting in early » See PLENARY on page 13 Aug. 16-29, 2019 11 SAYONARA BANQUET HONORS STALWART JACLER GREG MARUTANI WITH RUBY PIN PHOTOS: GEORGE JOHNSTON President’s Awards are also given to Wat Misaka,

Arlene Inouye; Carr Award to Sen. Mazie Hirono Sean Miura and Tamlyn By P.C. Staff “As I told many people, I was the one Tomita person on that committee that was not in the n recognition of many years of activity education field. But I learned about primary in, service to and leadership within the sources, photos, double-checking your work ABC7’s JACL that benefited the greater Japanese — it made a difference,” Marutani said. David IAmerican and Asian American communities, “I was the one that spent a lot of time reading Ono (left) JACL President Jeffrey Moy presented the up on things, providing the materials for with Greg Ruby Pin — the organization’s highest service the experts on my committee to work over Marutani award — to the San Francisco JACL Chapter’s and prepare the revisions to the Education Greg Marutani on Aug. 3 at the Little America Committee guide. Hotel in Salt Lake City. “I worked hard to try and make sure that (ABC’s “The Good Doc- tor”) and news anchor Also honored at the Sayonara Banquet of things such as the ‘Power of Words’ handbook Honoree Sen. Mazie David Ono of KABC-TV the 2019 JACL National Convention were met the criteria for the group that pushed for Hirono videotaped her in Los Angeles. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), who received the resolution some years ago and the need acceptance speech. in absentia the Ralph Carr Award, as well as now, with the passage of Resolution 3, the In his opening re- marks, Ono referenced basketball pioneer Wat Misaka and educator recognition of the Tule Lake Resisters, I look Denver’s Japan who, during WWII, welcomed the then-breaking news and labor activist Arlene Inouye, both of whom forward to revising and updating the curricu- Consul General voluntary Japanese American of the mass killing in received the JACL’s President’s Award. lum guide to deal with the term ‘no-no’ and Midori Takeuchi evacuees from the West Coast at El Paso, Texas, saying, In his prepresentation remarks, Moy recognize the significance it has to them as a great cost to his political career. “. . . we need to get back to that country that recalled attending his first JACL National derogatory term,” Marutani acknowledged. In his introduction to her prerecorded video is about the land of the free, where we’re open Board meeting and wondering just who was Marutani closed his remarks by noting message that was played for the audience, Moy to people from other countries coming here the guy delivering the lunches. that the one project he is still trying to get said Hirono “has been a champion not only and being American simply by accepting what “Over the many years since, [Greg’s] been a off the ground is to develop a curriculum for Japanese Americans, but for education, an American is.” constant presence at every board meeting in guide and learning activities to “focus on the health care, immigration and women’s rights.” Tomita then introduced Virgil Johnson, a San Francisco, always willing to help, however story of redress” so students would learn not In her remarks, Hirono acknowledged the former tribal chairman of the Confederated he can,” Moy said. “As VP of Public Affairs, only about instances where their government JACL for its decades of advocacy undertaken Tribes of the Goshute Nation, former tribal my role before this one, I got to know him a erred, such as what happened to Japanese on behalf of people who have faced discrimi- chair of the Eight Tribes in Utah and member lot better, and I got to fully understand how Americans, but also learn that “redress worked nation, and she also thanked the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day passionate he is about education.” because the Constitution provided for people for singling her out, even though “there are Saints, who performed a smudging ceremony. After receiving his award, Marutani said his with a grievance to seek redress” — and he so many of us fighting this administration’s As noted, the JACL honored Hawaii’s Sen. appreciation for receiving the award was not promised to continue to help provide lunch at horrible policies.” so much for his time but for “ . . . the work National Board meetings. Hirono with its Ralph Carr Award, which “epi- of the people who served on the Education The banquet, held in Ballrooms A, B and tomizes courageous action in the protection of Committee over the years.” C, was co-emceed by actress Tamlyn Tomita civil rights,” named for the Colorado governor » See SAYONARA on page 16

Foundation; and Kathy Masaoka, a longtime ac- tivist affiliated with the Manzanar Committee. Fight Over Art Sale Forged the Japanese JACS a Plan to Improve Sites JACSC is aimed at using money provided by the federal Japanese American Confinement American Confinement Sites Consortium Sites program, which is administered by the National Park Service and Interior Department. A plenary panel discusses It was created from a 2006 law that Mori and others helped push through Congress. the formation of the JACS Mori said he was helped by his alliances with Consortium in 2018, Republican members of Congress, though he was a Democrat. Rep. Bill Thomas, the Repub- its united platform and lican chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee in 2006, was a friend of Mori’s where it goes from here to On hand to participate in the JACSC panel discussion were (from from their service in the California Assembly preserve the JA legacy. left) Larry Oda, Mia Russell, Shirley Ann Higuchi, Norman Mineta and in the 1970s, and Thomas shepherded the bill Moderator David Inoue. PHOTO: JULIE ABO through Congress. It turned out, Mori said, that Thomas had By Ray Locker known Japanese Americans in his hometown Aug. 2 at the JACL National Convention in Salt the auction, Mineta said, the groups decided of Bakersfield, Calif., who had been incarce- he Heart Mountain Wyoming Lake City. He said the move, led by HMWF to come together to boost the efforts of all rated during World War II. “Tough as nails Foundation’s legal action to stop the Board Chair Shirley Ann Higuchi in 2015, confinement sites. Bill Thomas,” Mori said, getting tearful every sale of artwork created inside the World stopped the proposed sale in its tracks and Mineta’s remarks came during the first of time the subject came up. TWar II Japanese American concentration camps encouraged Japanese American groups to get three panels or meetings about the JACSC The initial authorization for JACS was $38 led to the creation of a consortium aimed at together to push for their common interests. during the JACL convention. They involved million, of which about $2.9 million was supporting the efforts to restore all of the The action spurred by Higuchi and the Heart Brian Liesinger, the former Heart Mountain granted in 2018. But last year and this year, the wartime confinement sites, former Cabinet Mountain board also involved the Japanese executive director who is now the JACSC Trump administration proposed eliminating Sec. Norman Mineta said. American National Museum in Los Angeles’ coordinator; former JACL president Floyd the program’s budget, only to have bipartisan Mineta spoke on a panel about the Japanese Little Tokyo and a coalition of activists led by Mori; Mia Russell, the executive director of majorities in Congress restore the funding. American Confinement Sites Consortium on Nancy Ukai of 50 Objects. After they stopped Friends of Minidoka; Larry Oda, the chairman of the National Japanese American Memorial » See CONSORTIUM on page 16 12 Aug. 16-29, 2019 JACL NATIONAL CONVENTION CARRYING ON AND MOVING FORWARD SLC » continued from page 2 It was nice to see the youth taking a (who very deservedly received the The JACL National Convention’s Legacy Luncheon awards eight prominent role in the convention un- Ruby pin), Ted and Yeiko Naga- der the leadership of Kota Mizutani ta, Terry and Leah Nagata, Travis chapter projects with 2019 grants and a fireside chat talks about and Mieko Kuramoto. Some of the Nishi, Tom Nishikawa, Walt Sato, younger generation involved included Marielle Tsukamoto, Kai Uno, Paul how people today can still make a difference. PHOTOS: ALLISON HARAMOTO Seiji Hayashi, Brian Heleker, Ethan Uyehara, Valerie Yasukochi, Sadie By P.C. Staff Hirabayashi, Michelle Huey, Kurt Yoshimura (who provided the gifts Ikeda, Jason Kunisaki, Eric Lan- for the Opening Reception) and sing our voices to relay stories of strength, gowski, Devon Matsumoto, Quinn many others. hope and solidarity was the primary message Susuki, Eric Tokita and Watanabe. Mary Kawakami, a 106-year-old conveyed to attendees of this year’s Legacy Past National Presidents of the member of the Mount Olympus ULuncheon during the 2019 JACL National Convention JACL who were in attendance were Chapter, was recognized. We miss on Aug. 2 at the Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City. Ken Inouye, David Kawamoto, Mori, Shea Aoki, who had attended every This year’s event, emceed by Sarah Baker, president Larry Oda, Sato, Floyd Shimomura JACL convention ever held until of Seattle JACL and National JACL vp of public affairs, and Judge Raymond Uno. she could no longer attend in her and Kurt Ikeda, chair of the JACL Young Professionals In addition to the past national 90s. Shea is now 104 and still lives Caucus and education manager of the Oregon Nikkei presidents and their spouses, it was in Seattle. The Fireside Chat included (from left) Endowment, recognized the 2019 Legacy Fund grant good to see some of the stalwarts Notably missing was Richard Ama- Norman Mineta, Satsuki Ina and Sean Miura recipients, as well as featured a fireside chat with Hon. who have been supporting JACL no, a longtime supporter of the JACL Sec. Norman Mineta and psychotherapist/co-organizer conventions for years, including who was “always” at the conventions of Tsuru for Solidarity’s Satsuki Ina and moderated by • Chip Larouche accepted for the Alaska chapter’s some current and former members with his daughter, Michelle, and his BuzzFeed’s Sean Miura. “Collecting Alaska Histories of the WWII Japanese of the National Board of the JACL: mother-in-law, Etsu Mineta Masaoka, JACL recognized eight chapters for 2019 Legacy Fund Internment — Phase 1,” which memorializes the his- Toshi Abe, Michelle Amano, Sheldon until her passing. Our sympathies to grant awards. Legacy Fund Grant Program Co-Chairs tory of all ethnic Japanese and Japanese Americans Arakaki, Jim and Thaya Craig, Jim Michelle for the loss of her father in Roberta Barton and Toshi Abe introduced the winners living in Alaska who were incarcerated during WWII Duff, Larry Grant, Mas and Marcia January 2019. Our condolences to and detailed their respective projects. at Fort Richardson. Hashimoto, Marion Hori, Paul and the families of other JACLers who Barton went on to show appreciation for the internees • Rob Buscher accepted for the Philadelphia chapter’s Lou Igasaki, Judge Dale and Debbie have passed on since the convention who contributed their redress monies to establish the “American Peril — Imagining the Foreign Threat Ikeda, Nicole Inouye, Jeff and Linda in Philadelphia one year ago. JACL Legacy Fund endowment and grants program (Portrait Series),” which will feature a new gallery Itami, Miyako Kadogawa, Don Ka- Thanks to all who attended the in 1990. of photographs showing the human impact of racial jioka, Stanley Kanzaki, Mark and 2019 JACL National Convention. “Today’s grant recipients carry forward the legacy of propaganda. Lisa Kobayashi, Tom Kometani, Chip Hope to see you at the 2020 JACL these original visionaries,” she said. Appreciation was also given to Legacy Fund com- and Setsy Larouche, Greg Marutani National Convention in Las Vegas! n Following are this year’s grant awardees: mittee members Sheldon Arakaki (PNW), James Craig • Deborah Ikeda accepted the award on behalf of the (NCWNP), Janet Komoto (IDC), Carol Kawamoto CCDC project “Japanese American Film and Cultural (PSW), Mika Kennedy (MDC), Jeannette Ishii (CCDC), Series,” which aims to bring the community together Teresa Maebori (EDC) and Aiko Dzikowski (NY/SC). to engage in dialogue about the Japanese American Comcast’s Johnnie Giles then introduced the luncheon’s AMERICAN HOLIDAY TRAVEL incarceration experience. fireside chat participants, who began their conversation 2019 TOUR SCHEDULE • Cathy Yasuda accepted the award on behalf of the following a video presentation featured on Democracy Western Mediterranean Holiday Cruise (Carol Hida)...... Aug 18-31 Snake River JACL and IDC’s project “Structural Ra- Now! that showed Japanese Americans, among them Rome, Gibraltar, Malaga, Barcelona, Provence, Monte Carlo, Monaco, Florence/Pisa. Holland America Line cism in Oregon: Gallery Exhibit,” which is a follow Ina, protesting the unjust incarceration of immigrants Yellowstone & Mt. Rushmore Holiday Tour (Elaine Ishida) Waitlist . . . Sep 22-29 up to 2018’s exhibit at the Four Rivers Cultural Center. at Fort Sill near Lawton, Okla. Jackson Hole, Yellowstone National Park, Sheridan, Mt. Rushmore. Japan Autumn Countryside Holiday Tour (Ernest Hida...... Oct 17-28 • Mari Yamagiwa accepted the award for the Chicago Ina, who was born in the Tule Lake Segregation Tokyo, Sado Island, Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Amanohashidate, JACL’s project “Never Again Is Now: A Program Center and is now a private-practice psychotherapist Tottori, Matsue, Tamatsukuri Onsen, Kobe. Series for Social Justice,” in which the chapter’s new specializing in collective trauma, detailed Tsuru for Kenya Wildlife Safari Holiday Tour (Carol Hida) Waitlist ...... Oct 9-21 Nairobi, Amboseli-Nakuru Lake-Masai Mara National Parks, Mt. Kenya Safari Club, youth board, Next Generation Nikkei, plans to show Solidarity’s participation along with Buddhist priests Sweetwaters Tented Camp, Jane Goodall Chimpanze Sanctuary. the negative effects of mass incarceration. at Fort Sill on July 20. Kyushu-Shikoku Holiday Tour (Ernest Hida) Waitlist ...... Nov 10-22 Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Ibusuki, Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Beppu, • Sarah Baker accepted the award for Seattle JACL’s “Four days after this large protest of 500, it was an- Matsuyama, Kochi, Takamatsu, Shodo Island, Tokushima. “Mixed Race Gathering (working title),” an event the nounced that Fort Sill would not be housing the 1,400 2020 TOUR SCHEDULE PREVIEW HOKKAIDO SNOW FESTIVAL HOLIDAY TOUR (Ernest Hida) ...... Feb 2-12 chapter plans to hold to talk about and raise awareness children that was anticipated,” Ina declared proudly. Abashiri, Sounkyo, Sapporo, Otaru, Lake Toya, Tokyo. Hyobaku Ice Festival, on the issues faced by multiracial children. Miura then spoke about the importance of telling our Asahikawa Snow Festival, Sapporo Snow Festival, Hyoto Winter Festival. • Karen Ishizuka accepted the award for the Venice- stories and asked Mineta to talk about what drove his HAWAII 3-ISLAND HOLIDAY TOUR (Carol Hida) ...... Mar 3-11 Honolulu, Big Island Hawaii, Maui. Los Angeles chapter for its “Legacy” project, which decision to enter politics. JAPAN SPRING COUNTRYSIDE HOLIDAY TOUR (Ernest Hida) ...... Apr 2-14 features a documentary that tells the unknown story of “When I became a member of the (San Jose) City Tokyo, Shimoda, Lake Kawaguchi, Takayama, Kyoto. Geisha Show in Kyoto. NEW ORLEANS GETAWAY TOUR (Elaine Ishida) ...... Apr 15-19 how filmmaker Robert Nakamura created a traveling Council, I said that I was going to speak on behalf of Walking tour of the French Quarter, City tour, Louisiana swamp cruise, photographic sculpture for the national JACL campaign those who had no voice or who were underrepresented. enjoy Jazz club, beignets at Café Du Monde, New Orleans Cooking School. TULIP FESTIVAL & GREAT LAKES ADVENTURE TOUR (Carol Hida) . . . May 7-15 to repeal Title II of the Internal Security Act of 1950. . . . The whole idea was to represent people who clearly Chicago, Grand Rapids, Holland Tulip Festival, Mackinac Island, • Amy Watanabe accepted the award for the Venice-Los had no representation before . . . because we clearly had Green Bay, Milwaukee. Angeles chapter’s “Camp Musubi Goes to Manzanar,” no representation in 1942,” Mineta recalled. GRANDPARENTS-GRANDCHILDREN JAPAN TOUR (Ernest Hida) . . Jun 21-Jul 1 Tokyo, Hakone/Atami, Hiroshima, Kyoto. and in Spring 2020, Camp Musubi will take youth to Mineta eventually went on to become the first Japanese CANADIAN ROCKIES-GLACIER NATIONAL PARK TOUR (Carol Hida) . Jul 28-Aug 3 the Manzanar Pilgrimage on an extended day trip. American mayor of a major U.S. city, then was elected Calgary, Glacier National Park, Kootenay National Park, Lake Louise, Columbia Icefields Parkway, Moraine Lake, Banff. KENYA WILDLIFE SAFARI HOLIDAY TOUR (Carol Hida) ...... Sep » See LEGACY on page 16 CLASSICAL JAPAN HOLIDAY TOUR (Ernest Hida) ...... Oct 7-19 Tokyo, Lake Kawaguchi, Nagoya, Gifu-Cormorant fishing, Hiroshima, Kyoto. PAINTED CANYONS OF THE WEST TOUR (Elaine Ishida) ...... Oct 4-12 Denver, Grand Junction, Bryce-Zion Canyon National Park, Springdale-Utah, Arches–Canyonland-Capitol Reef-Grand Staircase National Parks, Las Vegas OKINAWA HOLIDAY TOUR (Ernest Hida) ...... Nov 11-20 Naha, Onnason, Islands of Ishigaki, Iriomote and Taketomo.

For more information and reservations, please contact: AMERICAN HOLIDAY TRAVEL 312 E. 1st Street, Suite 240 * Los Angeles, CA 90012 Tel: (213)625-2232 * Email: [email protected] Ernest or Carol Hida Elaine Ishida (Tel: 714-269-4534) JACL NATIONAL CONVENTION Aug. 16-29, 2019 13

PLENARY » continued from page 10 structure who said he was only one of two JACLers to resign twice (and get rehired), credited the absent Hayashino for a scheme 1979 between the JACL’s National Redress For the National Redress Committee, a big a mistake. that ultimately proved effective — but showed Committee and members of Congress that problem was what they wanted to do was “I don’t know if you’ve ever seen Sen. Inouye how difficult it would be to get people to talk Tateishi dubbed “the Big Four”: Sens. Inouye unprecedented. get mad. He doesn’t get angry. He just looks about their experiences. and Matsunaga, and Reps. Norman Mineta “Keep in mind, there was no model we at you. And he looked at this staff person, and The idea was to hold mock hearings in and Robert Matsui, both Democrats from could work with because it was the only time he knew he had to keep quiet. Northern California to prepare the Nisei to talk California, all Japanese Americans. in the history of the country that any group “Despite the uproar by his own staff, Sen. about what happened to them. They convened While the National Redress Committee knew had attempted to seek redress from the United Hayakawa agreed to go on. . . . I always a group of JACL chapter presidents to give five “that Norm Mineta was 100 percent behind States Congress. Everybody said it was doomed thought that was a very interesting meeting,” minutes of testimony. this,” Tateishi said, what was unknown was to failure,” Tateishi said. he concluded. “We got Quentin Kopp, kind of a curmud- where Inouye and Matsunaga stood on the issue. ¤¤¤ ¤¤¤ geonly member of the San Francisco Board (During the session, it was noted that Matsui, To create the commission, both the Senate and From Shimomura’s perspective, after the of Supervisors, and a couple of judges to play who had just been elected to Congress in 1978, the House would need to pass their own bills, commission bill passed, he began to notice a commissioners, just to kind of do a walkthrough was still a newcomer to national politics.) after which a version that was acceptable to change in the Japanese American community’s because there was not enough experience with Tateishi related how they went into the both bodies would need to be sent to President attitude toward a commission. commissions. meeting with the Big Four with a couple of Carter. “Even those that were skeptical, I think “So, we go and do this and the first chapter different concepts. One was the “bootstrap Ikejiri remembered the following exchange they started to feel like, ‘Maybe this wasn’t president goes up, and then he can’t continue. plan,” an idea from the Seattle coalition, which from the meeting with the Big Four. our first choice, but now it’s going to go into He breaks down. Second guy. He breaks down. was a check-off on the IRS 1040 form. The “Inouye said, ‘Spark and I can get this past existence, so we’re going to do everything we Third guy breaks down. Fourth guy. We didn’t other idea was for legislation that asked for a the Senate.’ And he looks at Norm. ‘What do can to make the commission successful, to get one completed that day,” Wakabayashi direct-compensation bill. you think, Norm?’ make the best case for redress. At that point, said. “No one finished.” “We would go to the hill and fight an honest “John and I talked about it at lunch today. I started to see the community start to pull Relating the conversation he had with his fight, and if we died with it, we died — but I don’t think Norm said anything,” Ikejiri together,” he said. wife, who was a psychiatric social worker, at least it would be an honest fight,” he said. recalled, eliciting laughs from the audience. With the commission a reality and hearings about what he witnessed that day, Wakabayashi It was here where the politically savvy Inouye As it would happen, on the Senate side, S.1647 in several cities imminent, the challenge was expressed his worry. weighed in, with Tateishi quoting him as passed unanimously (Pacific Citizen, May 30, going to be to get Nisei — a verbally reticent “Jean, I’ve not seen Niseis cry, I don’t saying, “What you’re trying to do is succeed.” 1980) — and thanks to Mineta’s efforts, the part of the already verbally reticent “Greatest see them break down. It’s not like they were The implication: Neither of these plans would House version of the bill to form a commission Generation” — to talk. sobbing, but no one could finish,” Wakabayashi work. It was a dose of political reality for the passed overwhelmingly, 279-109. Wakabayashi, who has been the western recalled. “And that scares me.” JACL representatives. According to Ikejiri, Inouye sent a regional director for the Community Rela- “If we didn’t end up with monetary congratulatory note to Mineta that contained tions Service of the Department of Justice compensation in the pockets of everyone, that one word: “Formidable.” for the last 20 years and before that the JACL (EDITOR’S NOTE: Part II of this story will appear was failure,” Tateishi said. “So, we adjusted ¤¤¤ national director for 10 years, despite being a in the next issue of the Pacific Citizen.) the definition [of success] as we moved the Getting to that unanimous vote on the Senate self-described “outlier” in the organization’s campaign.” side, however, meant precluding any possibility ¤¤¤ that California’s Sen. Hayakawa, who had Out of that meeting came the suggestion already stated his opposition to redress, would by Inouye to “seek the formation of a federal derail the bill to form a commission. commission whose job it would be to investigate According to Ikejiri, Matsunaga said that the circumstances that led to the internment,” the Big Four should go to Hayakawa’s office Tateishi recalled. because it was vital for the bill’s passage Any conclusions and recommendations — be that there be no dissension among the three it for monetary compensation and, if so, the Nikkei senators. amount of any compensation, an apology or It was a necessary break-in protocol that whatever — would be left up to the commission. dictated that such a meeting to ask Hayakawa For the JACL reps, Tateishi said it was a to support the commission bill take place in • Medi-Cal Planning course that “none of us wanted.” Ikejiri, who his office. Typically, such a meeting should served from 1978-84 as JACL’s Washington take place in the office of the most senior • Asset Protection for Long-Term Care Representative and was a former member member of Congress, meaning Inouye. of the Gardena City Council, said for many, More important, however, was preventing • Living Trusts & Wills a commission was “where you sent a good “three Japanese Americans on the floor of idea to die.” the Senate arguing this matter,” Ikejiri said. • Powers of Attorney Later, when the commission was formed, If that happened, the bill would go nowhere. the reaction was less than favorable. “A date was set, and we were going to go to “Everyone in the community was kind of Sen. Hayakawa’s office. And for some reason, • Trust Administration upset with this whole concept of a commission I knew Congressman Mineta, Congressman because anyone who was interned during WWII Matsui were going to be busy that day,” Ikejiri • Probate knows it was wrong, that it was constitutionally said, again elicting laughs from the audience. Home & Hospital incorrect to have it happen,” Ikejiri said. “And so, the meeting was starting at 1 o’clock JUDD MATSUNAGA The wisdom of a commission to investigate in Sen. Hayakawa’s office. Sparky shows up, Appointments Available! Attorney at Law the circumstances that led to mass violations of his staff shows up. Inouye and his staff show constitutional rights via mass evacuations and up. I show up, and then we’re waiting for incarcerations was something that Shimomura Bob and Norm to come. I knew they weren’t Multiple Office Locations clarified. going to come. “Our constituents in JACL, they knew all “Sen. Inouye’s staff person, on cue, left the Torrance • Los Angeles (LAX) • Pasadena about the internment, so why do you have to room,” Ikejiri continued. “This is before they waste time figuring out if it was wrong or had cellphones. She came back about five Enicno • Fountain Valley • Westlake Village not?” he asked. minutes later and says, ‘I’m sorry, there’s a But that was not the case for people outside vote on the House floor and Congressmen Valencia • Palm Springs • San Diego • San Jose California. Mineta and Matsui have to vote and won’t “The problem wasn’t that a lot of people were make this meeting. against it (redress),” Shimomura said. “They “As soon as Sen. Inouye started speaking, www.elderlawcalifornia.com didn’t even know what happened. I think the Sen. Hayakawa’s staff person, who happened biggest problem was just getting the public to be from the Hoover Institute at Stanford, educated on the issue.” butted in and cut off Sen. Inouye, which was 800-403-6078 14 Aug. 16-29, 2019 CALENDAR A NATIONAL GUIDE TO NOTABLE COMMUNITY EVENTS seniors celebrating birthdays in 2019 west through music, food, arts and festival in Chicago. The two-day will also receive a special gift with more. This year’s event will feature a event will feature a schedule packed prior registration. performance by singer Amy Hanaiali‘i. with Japanese art, martial arts per- Info: To register, visit www.keiro.org/ There will also be a musubi-eating formances, fashion, vendors, kids knh or visit www.jaccc.org/keiro-no- contest. activities, music and, of course, food! hi-festival. Info: Visit seattlelivealohafestival.com. There will also be a Cosplay Contest CALENDAR as well. All of the festival foods will be 1290 Fillmore St. Aki Matsuri 2019 Japanese Fall prepared by chef Kevin Yu and his Buddhist Church of San Francisco team from Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya 1881 Pine St. Festival ‘Longevity: The Way of the NCWNP Turtle’ CCDC and will feature takoyaki, chicken Price: Registration prices vary; visit kaarage, potato croquette, okonomi- ‘Hold These Truths’ Performances the website for more information. Albuquerque, NM Water Lantern Festival yaki and many other classic festival Sept. 22; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sacramento, CA Every two years, COPANI brings Fresno, CA foods. This is an event for the entire Sept. 7; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. together international Nikkeis to New Mexico Veterans Memorial Sept. 21; 4:30-8:30 p.m. family to enjoy. California Museum Auditorium celebrate Japanese heritage, ob- 1100 Louisiana Blvd. S.E. Woodward Park Info: Visit https://www.chicagoasian- 1020 O St. tain knowledge about the Japanese Price: Admission, $5; Children 7775 N. Friant Road network.com/events/kizuki-chicago- Price: Matinee free to the public (Q & American experience outside the U.S., 12 and under are free Price: $30 until Aug. 30; $35 until Sept. japanese-matsuri-2019. A and Community Tabling to follow); practice foreign languages, make This annual family oriented event, 20; $40 on Sept. 21. Evening $25 (Panel Discussion along new friends and exchange ideas and hosted by the New Mexico JACL The Water Lantern Festival is an with Ryun Yu) interact with peers in engaging work- chapter, will take attendees on a incredible experience where family, shops. This year’s keynote speaker journey through the arts, music and The ABAS Law Foundation proudly friends and strangers celebrate life EDC is Hon. Sec. Norman Mineta. crafts of the Japanese culture, com- together. With your event ticket, you’ll presents Jeanne Sakata’s “Hold Info: Visit www.copani.org. plete with vendors, performers and RI Chinese Dragon Boat Races & These Truths,” concert readings of be able to make your own unique interactive activities for all ages. Back water lantern, which will be launched Taiwan Day Festival a solo play inspired by the life of Chiura Obata: An American Modern by popular demand is a ramen-eating Pawtucket, RI Gordon Hirabayashi, who fought the during the evening event. It’s a mo- Sacramento, CA contest under the leadership of the ment to mark peace, love, friendship Sept. 7; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. U.S. government’s orders to forcibly youth group from the UNM Japanese remove and mass incarcerate all Thru Sept. 25 and thankfulness to the community, Festival Pier Crocker Art Museum Language Club. Tickets for admission the environment, to the world. Parking and Shuttle at 175 Main St. people of Japanese ancestry on can be purchased online at www. the West Coast during the onset of 216 O St. Info: Visit waterlanternfestival.com. This year’s event will feature six new nmjacl.org. dragon boats, a gift from the Republic World War II. Price: Free for members; Adults Info: Visit http://nmjacl.org for more Info: For free tickets and paid of China to Rhode Island. The Taiwan $12; Seniors/Students/Military $8; information and a program lineup. tickets, visit https://www.aba- Youth: $6 Day festival will include entertain- IDC ment, cultural performances, arts slawfoundation.org/speaker- Born in Japan, Chiura Obata emi- Keiro Symposium: Aging Into and crafts tables and the popular series-truths-2/. You must RSVP grated to the U.S. in 1903 and began Tomorrow A Taste of Colorado a seven-decade career that saw him Denver, CO dumpling eating contest. in advance to ensure adequate Long Beach, CA Info: Visit https://www. seating. emerging as a leading figure in the Aug. 31-Sept. 1, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Northern California art scene and as Oct. 5; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. dragonboatri.com/site/. The Westin Long Beach Sept. 2, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Midori Kai Arts & Crafts Boutique an influential educator. This exhibi- 333 E. Ocean Blvd. Civic Center Park Royal Celebrations: Japanese Mountain View, CA tion offers more than 100 paintings, Price: $50 Registration E. Broadway Avenue and Colfax Prints and Postcards Sept. 14; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. drawings, prints and personal items Avenue from the artist, many of which have Join Keiro for a day of innovative, Boston, MA Mountain View Buddhist Temple never been on public display. They thought-provoking sessions and Price: Free Thru Sept. 15 Gym range from the artist’s early formal panels that explore what aging into Produced by the Downtown Denver Museum of Fine Arts Partnership, this three-day event 575 N. Shoreline Blvd. studies as a student in Japan to the tomorrow can mean for our com- 465 Huntington Ave. Price: Free California landscapes for which he munity. Keynote speakers include features worldly cuisine, music stages and shopping, as well as local artisans As Japan welcomes a new emperor, It’s never too early to get a jump-start is most recognized. Dr. Candice Hall of Next Advanced the MFA offers an exhibit of prints, on holiday shopping! This event will Info: Visit www.crockerart.org. Medicine and Tracey Doi, CFO featured in the Arts & Crafts Market- place and interactive activities and postcards and illustrated books from feature many talented and creative for Toyota Motor North America. its collections that depict important artisans, including handcrafted jew- ‘Alternative Facts: The Lies of Registration is required. games for kids. This is the ultimate end-of-summer activity for the whole events in the Japanese imperial family elry, clothing, pottery, Asian foods, Executive Order 9066’ Screening Info: Visit https://www. from 1868-present. live entertainment and much more. family to experience Colorado’s di- Sacramento, CA keiro.org/what-we-do/events/ Info: Visit https://www.mfa.org/ All proceeds benefit nonprofit organi- verse cultural traditions. Sept. 29; 2 p.m. keiro-symposium?utm_ Info: Visit www.atasteofcolorado. exhibitions/royal-celebrations. zations, including the Asian Pacific California Secretary of State source=eblast&utm_ Islander Leadership Institute, Asian com. Auditorium medium=email&utm_ Yayoi Kusama: Love Is Calling Pacific Islander Legal Outreach, Japa- campaign=19jul18-reg. nese American Museum-San Jose 1020 O St. Boston, MA and Yu Ai Kai-Keiro Kai Program. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the Sept. 24-Feb. 7, 2021 Info: Visit www.midorikai.com or Sacramento premiere of Jon Osaki’s ‘At First Light: The Dawning of Asian MDC Institute for Contemporary Art email Phyllis Osaki at posaki@ award-winning documentary film Pacific America’ 25 Harbor Shore Dr. about the false information and po- Los Angeles, CA Minnesota’s Secret Language gsmanagement.com or Marsha Baird School Photo Display An icon of contemporary art, Yayoi at [email protected]. litical influences that led to the WWII Thru Oct. 20 Kusama has interwoven ideas of incarceration of Japanese Americans. JANM St. Paul, MN pop art, minimalism and psychedelia The screening will be followed by a Thru Sept. 2 Tule Lake, America’s Worst 100 N. Central Ave. throughout her work in paintings, panel discussion led by Osaki. This multimedia exhibition explores Historic Fort Snelling Visitor Center performances, room-size presenta- Concentration Camp Info: Visit https://www.alternative 200 Tower Ave. Sacramento, CA and celebrates the emergence of tions, outdoor sculptural installations, facts9066.com/about or contact JJML Price: Free (admission fee is literary works and more during her Sept. 14; 1-3:30 p.m. a politically defined Asian Pacific Productions at jjmlproductionsllc@ American consciousness and iden- required to visit historic site, which influential career. This exhibit is the Buddhist Church of Sacramento gmail.com. tity. A co-production between Visual includes a “mock up” Military Intel- most immersive and kaleidoscopic 2401 Riverside Blvd. Communications and JANM, this ligence Service Language School of the artist’s Infinity Mirror Rooms. Price: Free exhibition serves as a reminder — as classroom). Exhibit hours are Tues.- For the 90-year-old artist, this exhibit This talk features historian Roger well as a call to action — of what can Fri. (10 a.m.-4 p.m.)/Sat./Sun. (10 represents the culmination of her Daniels and Barbara Takei along with artistic achievements. PSW be accomplished when people unite a.m.-5 p.m.); closed on Mondays Suyama Project Coordinators Karen as a community with commitment. Info: Visit https://www.icaboston. Umemoto, Martha Nakagawa and Second Annual Keiro No Hi Festival Info: Visit www.janm.org. except Labor Day (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) org/exhibition/yayoi-kusama-love- Tom Nguyen. Takei and Daniels will Los Angeles, CA View photographs and narratives calling. n talk about the book they are writing Sept. 14; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. telling the remarkable story of the about Tule Lake, and the event will JACCC Plaza Japanese American men and women share the importance of the UCLA 244 S. San Pedro St. PNW who trained as linguists at the MISLS Asian American Studies Center’s Suy- Price: Free, but prior RSVP is required at Camp Savage and Fort Snelling ADVERTISE HERE ama Project, which aims to preserve to receive free bento lunch, birthday Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural during World War II. Info: Visit mnhs.org/event/7226. Events in the calendar the history of Japanese American gift or transportation. Festival resistance during WWII. section are listed based This year’s festival celebrates the Seattle, WA Info: For additional information, Sept. 8; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Kizuki Chicago Japanese on space availability. community’s older adults, complete Matsuri 2019 contact Barbara Takei at btakei@ with musical performances, a series of Seattle Center Place a ‘Spotlight’ ad with pobox.com or call (916) 427-1733. health and aging-related workshops 305 Harrison St. Chicago, IL photos of your event for and resources to assist in the aging Price: Visit website for information Sept. 21-22; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. maximum exposure. COPANI XX 2019 process. Complimentary transporta- as it becomes available. NEWCITY Plaza San Francisco, CA tion from numerous locations will be 1457 N. Halsted St. FOR MORE INFO: This family oriented event serves to [email protected] Sept. 20-22 provided, as well as a bento lunch promote, perpetuate and share the Price: Free West Bay Conference Center for attendees over age 60 and those Hawaiian culture in the Pacific North- This is the largest Asian/Japanese (213) 620-1767 OBITUARIES Aug. 16-29, 2019 15

vived by her children, JoAnn Sa- siblings, Teruko, Toshie, Takako sada, Lorraine (Gary) Wakayama, and Misao; daughter, Joanne Hey- Sharon (Dennis) Araki and Brian amoto; he is survived by his wife, (Dianne) Sasada; sister-in-law, Sue Mary; daughter Emi; gc: 4; ggc: 3. Hiraoka; gc: 7; ggc: 5. Toma, Keiko, 87, La Palma, CA, Arita, Shizue, 90, Whittier, CA, deceased by her husband, Calvin Matsumura, Hirofumi, 87, Ha- Sasaki, Aurelia Apolonio, 55, Los June 7; she is survived by her April 29; she is survived by her son, “Cal” Hayashida; siblings, Tsuyoshi cienda Heights, CA, June 1; he Angeles, CA, April 22; she is sur- daughter, Emmy (Dennis) Nozawa; Gary (Rosary) Arita; she is also (Misao) Korekiyo, Misao (George) is survived by his wife, Yoshie; vived by her husband, Carl; son, sisters, Chizuko Suehiro, Makiko survived by many nieces, nephews Sumida and Yuki (George) Kido; daughters, Megumi Matsumura Russell Sasaki; 9 siblings; she is (Peter) Ota and Sumi (Takashi) and other relatives; gc: 5. she is survived by her children, and Karen Matsumura-Lem; sib- also survived by nieces, nephews Horii; sisters-in-law, Meriko Toma Greg Hayashida, Debbie (Jim) Het- lings, Wakatsu Matsumura, Mieko and other relatives. and Mieko Toma; she is survived by Awaya, Yoshiye, 91, Los Angeles, tinga, Karen (Rich) Shimizu and Viki Kosai and Yasuko Tabe; he is also many nieces, nephews and other CA, April 19; she is survived by (Tom) Nakawatase; gc: 7; ggc: 5. survived by many nieces, nephews Takahashi, Shizue, 88, Gardena, relatives; gc: 1. her sons, Henry and Edward (The- and other relatives. CA, April 29; she was predeceased resa Techy) Awaya; sisters, Helen Hirose, Fumiko, 87, Monterey by her husband, Donald; she is sur- Utsumi, Donald Noboru, 89, San Yamamura and Kazuko (Hiromi) Park, CA, June 5; she is survived by vived by her children, Gayle (Doyle) Leandro, CA, March 26; he is sur- Ueda; gc: 4. her children, Glen (Crystal) Hirose, Saito and Neil Takahashi; gc: 1. vived by his wife, Kathleen Mariko Nancy (Daryl) Shinyama and Tad Honda Utsumi; children, Beverly Furumoto, Chiyoko Judy, 96, Yor- (Pauline) Hirose; brothers-in-law, Takemoto, Yoshiko, 103, North (Stanley) Sugimoto, Lori (Warren) ba Linda, CA, April 21; she was pre- Mutsuo and Mutsumi Hirose; she Hills, CA, May 10; she was prede- Louie and Donna (Glenn) Geb- deceased by her husband, Takao is also survived by many nieces, ceased by her husband, Sadaichi; hardt; brother, Edward Utsumi; Furumoto, and son Russell; she is nephews and other relatives; gc: 9. son, Richard Hideo Inouye; she is sister-in-law, Yasuko Utsumi; gc: 6; survived by her son, Michael (Tina); survived by her daughter, Susan ggc: 1. she is also survived by many niec- (William) Davidson; brothers, Jack es, nephews and other relatives; Yasuo and Robert Toshio Kubota; Uyeda, Robert, 78, Los Angeles, gc: 2; ggc: 2. gc: 1; ggc: 1. CA, May 13; during WWII, his fam- ily and he were incarcerated at the Futami, Akimasa Terry, 85, Takeshita, Lydia Miyako, 92, La Poston WRA Center; he was pre- Torrance, CA, March 18; he is sur- Cresenta, CA, April 23; she was deceased by his father, Vincent vived by his wife, Reiko Futami; Murata, Grace, 101, Ontario, OR, predeceased by her brother, Carl Uyeda; sister, Tayeko Patterson; children, Carol Fujii and Norman June 6; during WWII, she was in- (Tayeko) Takeshita; she is sur- he is survived by his wife, Blossom; (Jean) Futami; he is also survived carcerated at the Poston WRA vived by her brothers, Byron (Ai- children, Andrea and Jaret Uyeda; by many nieces, nephews and Center in AZ; she was predeceased leen) Takeshita and Roy (Arlene) mother, Catherine Uyeda; siblings, other relatives; gc: 4. by her husband, Tom; she is sur- Takeshita; she is also survived by Yoshiko, Yutaka Uyeda and Alice vived by her children, Edith (Mike) many nieces, nephews and other (Stan) Doi; gc: 2. Goto, Yoshio, 87, Los Angeles, Fehling, Warren (Shirley) Murata relatives. CA, June 1; he was predeceased by and Russell (Mary Ann) Murata; Uyemura, Setsuka, 88, Gardena, his wife, Mina Goto; he is survived Ishizaki, Norman, 79, Los Ange- gc: 5 ggc: 5. Tamayose, George, 102, El Mon- CA, April 29; he is survived by his by his son, Robert Yoshio (Susan) les, CA, May 18; during WWII, his te, CA, May 22; he is survived by wife, Setsuko; sons, Kenneth (Di- Goto; siblings, Sumile Conrado and family and he were incarcerated at Nakaoka, Tom, 93, Los Angeles, his daughters, Claire Hansen and ane), Walter and Glenn (Jacklyn) Renji Goto; he is also survived by the Tule Lake WRA Center in CA; CA, April 21; he is survived by his Leslie (Martin) Ogino; gc: 4; ggc: 3. Uyemura; brother, Shigeka (Chi- many nieces, nephews and other he is survived by his wife, Velda; wife, Mary Nakaoka. wako) Uyemura; gc: 1. relatives; gc: 2. children, Lisa Wehrly and Craig Ishizaki; siblings, Nancy Kawata Nakata, Norman Shigeo, 59, Watanabe, Mickie, 89, Anaheim, Hamanaka, Hisao, 87, Los Ange- and David Ishizaki; gc: 3. Moreno, CA, April 13; he is survived CA, June 3; she was predeceased les, CA, April 25; he was prede- by his mother, Irene Nakata; sis- by her husband, Takeshi; she is ceased by his siblings, Richard, Ito, June, aka ‘Kangiku Sanjo,’ ters, Pamela (Dennis) Kikuchi and survived by her children, Susan Ellen, Masao, Matsuji and Tomeo 79, Los Angeles, CA, April 28; dur- Lorraine Perluss; he is also sur- (Steve) Vandewater, Herb (Alyce) Hamanaka; he is survived by his ing WWII, her family and she were vived by nieces, nephews and other Watanabe and Mike (Holly) Wata- wife, Akiko; daughter, Arlene (Bra- incarcerated at the Manzanar WRA relatives. nabe; sisters, Maye Chikasawa and dlee) Chang; sister, Yukie (Albert) Center in CA; she is survived by Faye (Robert) Toma; gc: 3. Yamamoto; gc: 3. her sister, Sally Mori (Tom); a niece Okazaki, Mitsuko Mitzi, 96, La and a nephew; 2 grandnieces and a Palma, CA, May 27; she is survived Watanabe, Shigeo, 90, Torrance, grandnephew; she is also survived by her sons, Ken and Norman CA, April 26; he is survived by his by many cousins. Okazaki; daughters-in-law, Gail wife, Grace; daughter, Amy Wata- and Suzy Okazaki; sister, Fusako nabe; sister-in-law, Terumi Wata- Kinoshita, Joe Joeu, 57, San Morita; gc: 4. Tanaka, Amy, 84, Torrance, CA, nabe; he is also survived by nieces, Juan Capistrano, CA, April 25; he is May 31; she was predeceased by nephews and other relatives. survived by his sisters, Sayoko Omoto, Takeshi Arthur, 86, Los her husband, Don; she is survived (Tetsusen) Watari and Yukiko (Miki- Angeles, CA, April 29; he is sur- by her children, Glenn (Vanessa) hiro) Ono; he is also survived by vived by his siblings, Sam Kuniso and Bryan (Wendy); gc: 4. nephews and other relatives. (Akiko) Omoto, Makoto (Ikuko) Omoto, Katsuko Kitadani and Tanaka, Takiyo, 95, Kealakekua, Koga, Peter Y., 71, Huntington Toyoko (Fred) Murakami; he is also HI, May 7. Beach, CA, April 25; he is sur- survived by many nieces, nephews vived by his wife, Peggy Tomoko; and other relatives. Tanakatsubo, Stewart, 63, Lake Hayashida, Edythe, 96, Seattle, son, David Takashi Koga; broth- Zurich, IL, May 29. WA, June 11; during WWII, she ers, Dennis Koga, Gary Koga and Sasada, Thelma, 95, Los Angeles, was incarcerated at the Tule Lake Alan Koga; he is also survived by 2 CA, May 29; she was predeceased WRA Center in CA; she was pre- nieces and other relatives. by her husband, Jimmy; she is sur-

PLACE A TRIBUTE Watanabe, Sachiko Tashiro, 94, ‘In Memoriam’ is a free Bellevue, WA, June 10; she was listing that appears on a predeceased by her husband, Taul; limited, space-available basis. she is survived by her children, Tributes honor your loved ones Brett, Guy, Laani and Leslie; sister, with text and photos and appear Arbutus “Cookie” Tashiro Atsumi; in a timely manner at the rate of gc: 5. $20/column inch. CONTACT: Yanaga, Shizuko, 96, Long Beach, -Terao, Satoshi, 96, Spokane, WA, CA, May 9; she is survived by many [email protected] n or call (213) 620-1767 ext. 104 May 4; he was predeceased by his nieces and nephews. 16 Aug. 16-29, 2019 JACL NATIONAL CONVENTION

PHOTOS: GARY OKAMOTO SAYONARA » continued from page 11 AND GEORGE JOHNSTON

The next two honorees were Misaka and negotiator in contract Inouye, who each received President’s Awards. talks between United Utah-born favorite son Misaka regained pro- Teacher Los Angeles minence following the eruption of Lin-sanity and the Los Angeles a few years ago when Jeremy Lin became a Unified School District. fleeting superstar on the NBA’s New York In a victory for teachers, Knicks. the result was smaller Jeffrey Moy with honoree Youth Chair Basketball historians noted that the first Asian class sizes, more nurses, Arlene Inouye Kota Mizutani American (and first non-white) professional counselors, librarians, baller was Misaka, who was drafted by the mental health professio- Honoree Wat Knicks in 1947. nals and a pay increase. Misaka was In his remarks, the 95-year-old, who was In a stirring acceptance drafted by the also known as a skilled bowler and golfer, speech that showed her Knicks in 1947. JACL National also showed he might have yet another career potential as a motivational President as a comedian. speaker should her career in Jeffrey Moy “They asked me if I wanted to say anything. academia peter out, Inouye managed to combine I said ‘No,’” said Misaka, which garnered the story of how the UTLA was able to claim laughs and applause. victory — “We had 50, 60, 70, 80,000 people David Inoue (at podium) acknowledged Part 2.” The other President’s Award recipient was on the streets!” — with her family’s and her this year’s convention committee. The other announcement native Los Angeleno Inouye, who over the own personal life stories and struggles. was the location of next years has been a community organizer, human JACL Executive Director David Inoue also Chair Kota Mizutani. year’s JACL Convention, rights activist and a leader for progressive recognized local committee co-chairs Lynne In one of a pair of announcements made which is set for Las Vegas, Nev. educational reform, as well as been employed Aoyama, Sandra Grant, Sherrie Hayashi and during the evening’s proceedings, it was teased The evening’s other speakers included LDS as a Spanish bilingual speech and language Floyd Mori for their efforts in producing the by Ono that his co-emcee, Tomita, may appear Elder Gary E. Stevenson, Denver-based Japan specialist. Salt Lake City JACL Convention, which was in Season 3 of the YouTube streaming series Consul-General Midori Takeuchi, David Chi- Inouye gained national prominence, however, followed by the sweepstakes drawing of 26 “Cobra Kai,” along with Yuji Okumoto, both kahisa of Platinum Sponsor State Farm and n during the January 2019 teachers’ strike as lead gift baskets, facilitated by National Youth of whom appeared in 1986’s “The Karate Kid Stephanie Sueoka of Tsuru for Solidarity.

Auction House. That legal action led to the unity to tell the story about the incarceration CONSORTIUM » continued from page 11 cancellation of the auction and the purchase and to prevent it from happening again. That is why, Mori and Higuchi emphasized the art passed to his daughter, and after her of the artwork by the Japanese American To sum up the panel, moderator and JACL in their panel, that it is important to have allies death to a neighbor and then to his son, who National Museum in Los Angeles. Executive Director David Inoue said, “I hope on both sides of Congress and in government tried to sell it via the Rago Auction House of Ukai created a Facebook group that put you have all seen why JACL has taken such agencies. Minidoka’s Russell recommended New Jersey. pressure on the sellers, and actor George Takei a role in this consortium. . . . It’s important staying in contact with Interior and Park Service Heart Mountain officials offered $50,000 participated in the protests. to remember where we came from but also officials as budget decisions are being made. for all of the artwork before it was set to go The failed sale, as well as some hard where we go from here. What difference can During the consortium’s February to auction, though the estimated value of feelings stirred by the wrangling over the we make in this country? What is our moral meeting in Washington, D.C., JACSC members all the pieces was only $26,000. The high art, led Heart Mountain officials to join with compass? What are we going to do to make met with dozens of members of Congress, offer was made to test the good faith of the JANM President and CEO Ann Burroughs this country better and make this organization including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who owner in a legal effort to exhaust all of the and the JACL to push for the creation of the better in our effort?” urged them to not only seek funding from the possible remedies, which made it ripe for JASCS consortium. Through the efforts of the JACS Consortium, current program but also push for its permanent legal action. Stan Shikuma of the Seattle JACL chapter solid progress has been made as a unifying reauthorization. Liesinger, then the Heart Mountain executive said earlier this year that the consortium’s body committed to working together. An NPS official at the JACL convention said director, and Doug Nelson, the board’s vice work was the closest collaboration between “Advocating is very important. . . . We must the decisions about 2020 grants were due in chair, worked closely with Higuchi to raise the Japanese American groups since the push for be protective of other communities and use the next week or so. money for the art and legal action. redress for the World War II incarceration in the experience of the Japanese Americans as the 1970s and ’80s. a lesson in terms of what to do in the future. The Failed Auction Once the higher offer was rejected, the Heart Mountain board believed the owner had not Kathy Masaoka of the Manzanar Committee So, it’s really an issue of maintaining our re- Allen Hendershot Eaton had gathered art echoed that comment during one of the JACSC levancy, but we are too small of a community from the various camps during the war and shown good faith. They hired a New Jersey law firm to file an injunction against the Rago panels at the JACL convention, saying it’s es- to do it in silos, we have to do it together as a published a book publicizing it. After his death, sential that the groups maintain their current team,” said Higuchi. n

LEGACY something bad from happening to other people.” can play to make a statement and take action. » continued from page 12 Ina, who has also produced two documen- “We have to get people at the table where to Congress and went on to serve as Cabinet to tell your story so that people can relate tary films about the long-term impact of the those decisions are being made to make sure Secretary of Commerce and Transportation to it,” Mineta continued. “That’s why what Japanese American incarceration, spoke about it’s not going the wrong way,” said Mineta. to two sitting U.S. presidents; he also played everyone’s doing, telling their own stories, her efforts to speak up on behalf of those who “. . . I want all of you to pursue your career a key role in the fight for redress. is really important because people can relate have no voices. goals, but say, Mr. Mayor, Mr. Governor, “I’ve always felt that people had to be able to that. Our storytelling is to try and prevent “When you are doing something for the com- Madame President, please appoint me.” mon good, you are inspired to In May 2020, Tsuru for Solidarity is taking help and protect others,” she 100,000 folded origami cranes to Washington, said. “Our goal is to not just D.C., and taking meetings with legislators. be our little group (Tsuru for “Those people (Congress) work there for us. Solidarity) showing up at these And the way we have our voice is to show up individual actions but to have and do all levels of the work that we are talking a voice to call on all Japanese about. Those people work for us,” said Ina. Americans across the country A solid sign JACL is making a difference to join us in protest. . . . It’s today? the perfect time.” When Mineta asked the luncheon audience PHOTOS: GEORGE JOHNSTON Miura then went on to talk who has met their member in Congress to raise about finding that common their hands, more than 50 percent firmly raised Johnnie Giles of 2019 Legacy Grant recipients with co-chair Toshi Abe (right) n Comcast ground today and the impor- their hands up high for all to see. tant role people everywhere