[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E14-E15]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE AICHI KENJIN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 1997

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Aichi 
Kenjin Kai, a social and cultural institution now celebrating its 100th 
anniversary in northern California.
  The first large population of immigrants from Aichi-ken was 
established in the central valley during the late 1800's. By 1896, some 
300 Aichi-kenjins had settled in the Sacramento region. For most of 
these immigrants, the standard of living was poor. Most of them carried 
their possessions in a suitcase. They made their living as seasonal 
workers, moving from place to place as jobs were offered.
  At this time in history, there was no welfare plan offered either by 
the Federal or State governments to care for such individuals when they 
fell ill or died. As such, this community of immigrants determined that 
it was necessary to establish an organization which would care for 
their fellow countrymen should they fall ill and assist their families 
when they passed away.
  In 1895, one of the first immigrants to northern California, Yoshio 
Yamada, recommended

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the establishment of the Aichi Club in Sacramento. He suggested 
collecting $50 to $60 from about 50 members who would then pay 15 cents 
in monthly dues. These fees were to be used to maintain a mutual aid 
fund, but was not accepted at the time.
  Two years later, this community of immigrants agreed to form the 
Aichi Club and opened a temporary office in Sakuraya Ryokan. The club's 
mission was to maintain a high reputation, respect morality and promote 
friendship. In the years following, the members used the club to share 
their joys, sorrows, and hopes for a prosperous future in their new 
country.
  Dues then were 15 cents per month and these fees enabled the club to 
assist fellow members who incurred expenses with medical care or 
funerals. The member accepting the assistance then paid the funds back 
to the club when they were able.
  For many years, the club operated this way and grew to hold great 
significance in the Japanese-American community. The Aichi Kenjin Kai 
today is somewhat different. Today, with greater mobility and 
affluence, the Japanese-Americans have moved to all parts of the State, 
blending culturally with California's population. Additionally, the 
singular interests the early immigrants shared have given way to more 
diverse business and civic interests.
  Other changes have reshaped the organization as well. Health 
insurance and ``Americanized'' funerals have impacted the need for the 
clubs' assistance in these areas. While the club still offers 
invaluable assistance with funeral plans and arrangements, its shift is 
toward a younger generation and its needs.
  To attract younger generations, the Aichi Kenjin Kai has begun to 
host an annual Aichi golf tournament. Structured as a team grouping 
event, the tournament successfully promotes camaraderie within the 
membership and is a draw to the younger Japanese-Americans who will be 
relied upon to take the organization into the next century.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize 
the many years of invaluable assistance this organization has provided 
to its membership. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing many years 
of continued success to the Aichi Kenjin Kai.

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