THE BEGINNING

25 years ago, 23 Terminal Islanders got together and charted an organization, which was destined to become one of the leading Nikkei group. Unfortunately, no recording secretary was appointed, so consequently, there is no way of accounting for the minutes of the meeting. However, the following 20 names have been verified, and sad to say, the remaining 3 names can not be listed. The name, Terminal Islanders Club, was chosen. Each charter member made a monetary donation and the new club, with a total fund of $230.00, was started.

Little did the 23 charter members believed that they had initiated an organization, which with much vigor and team-work, would accomplish so much for the benefit of the Nikkei community. At the same time, this strong group was taking care of their own. The spectacular deed of last year in connection with the Terminal Island exhibit and the Phase II program of the Japanese American National Museum can easily attest to the strength of the Terminal Islanders Club. The old spirit of YATTA (old fishing vernacular of the pre-war Terminal Islander fishermen meaning, “Get the ball rolling”), still prevails.

Also, much credit must go to the leaders and the older counselors for their wise guidance. For sure, they were very confident that their decisions would be supported, without reservation, by the entire membership. The membership, in return, with confidence in their leaders, contributed whole heartedly, resulting in a very smooth team-work. This combination is what made the various undertakings so successful.

Tonight, we all say, “Thank You”, to each and all charter members as we reap the harvest of their unselfish and wise decision made on May 27th and 28th of the year 1971.

1       Fred Shirokawa

2       Gunji Tonai

3       Masaaki Kuwabara

4       Katsusuke Hamachi

5       Ogawa

6       Jiro Takahashi

7       Bill Nakasaki

8       Kisaye Sato

9       Sonoko Katsuyama

10     Non Hirornoto

11     George Yamasaki

12     Michio Ryono

13     Sakuichi Takade

14     Miyagishima

15     Iwasaki

16     Kiyoshi Kadonaga

17     Eizo Yutani

18     Tamikazu Hamasaki

19     Kei Kato

20     Yukio Tatsumi

21     Unknown

22     Unknown

23     Unknown