Portland's Audacious Champion: How Bill Naito Overcame Anti-Japanese Hate and Became an Intrepid Civic Leader

by Erica Naito-Campbell

William “Bill” Sumio Naito (1925–1996) was a remarkable and visionary individual—the Portland-born son of Japanese immigrants who became one of the city’s most significant business and civic leaders. Every day thousands of people drive on Naito Parkway alongside Portland’s Waterfront Park, yet little has been written about the man for whom it was named.


In this first biography, Erica Naito-Campbell, Bill’s granddaughter, shows how his story is also the story of Portland, the city he loved. Naito’s life, from the Great Depression and World War II through Portland’s rebirth in the 1970s and its profound growth, tracked most of the major events in the city and was the catalyst for many of them. Through hard-earned success in importing and real estate with his brother Sam, Naito came to wield considerable power in the city, and his leadership led to much of what we consider iconic Portland the “Portland Oregon” sign near the Burnside Bridge, the annual Christmas tree in Pioneer Courthouse Square, and Harbor Drive’s conversion to Waterfront Park.


Naito’s name became synonymous with civic leadership, whether it was growing Portland’s urban tree canopy, revitalizing its downtown, or preserving historic buildings. But less is known about his difficult childhood—with a father who worked twelve-hour days and a mother whose treatment of him was harsh at best—and the racism he endured during World War II. After the expulsion of Japanese Americans following Pearl Harbor and his military service in Occupied Japan, Naito overcame great emotional turmoil to return to Portland and become one of its greatest change-makers.


Erica Naito-Campbell uses anecdotes, rich details, and previously unknown stories about Bill Naito to bring Portland’s history to life—while acknowledging that the cost of his success was a family rife with resentments and envy. Her book reveals the emotional wounds that drove Naito to become one of Portland’s most inspiring civic leaders, a pivotal player in the city’s journey from a moribund downtown to a national model for livability, urban renewal, and historic preservation.  

Genres: History

288 pages, Paperback

Published March 12, 2024

About the author

Erica Naito-Campbell was born in Portland, Oregon and grew up next door to her Grandma and Grandpa Naito, who instilled in her progressive values of social justice and equality for all, as well as a profound personal connection with nature. She followed in her grandfather’s footsteps and attended Reed College, where she cemented a passion for learning, history, and the well-crafted word. Recently, she has worked on Oregon Rises Above Hate, an annual event highlighting AANHPI issues and community. She can often be found birdwatching and cultivating her backyard into a climate resilient refuge for animals and insects alike.

Reviews

[S D · Rating 5 out of 5]

In all honesty one of the most inspirational books I have ever read. Plus an excellent primer on Portland’s urban development history! The sort of book that you buy for other people and hope that they don’t immediately forget about it.

[Mad Hapa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating read for anyone who lived in Portland in the 70s 80s or 90s. I didn't realize how much Bill Naito/the Naito family did to improve downtown. I hope Portland will have another "Audacious Champion" like Bill Naito.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bill Naito was a "mover and a shaker" in the city of Portland. It is amazing all the things he had his hand in. He combined his love of Portland with his love of history to make Portland a better place for all. Much of what is explained is the history of what went on with native Japanese citizens during the time of WWII and how he rose above it all and became one of the most successful businessmen in the city. While I don't generally like changing the names of streets, he truly deserved to have Front Avenue changed to Naito Parkway.

[Lee Weinstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo! A riveting read that belongs in any study of Portland history. We were lucky to have Bill, a great supporter of Our Children’s Store in the Galleria. Thank you, Erica Naito-Campbell, for this excellent and necessary book.