The first issue: a new paper for second-generation citizens

Vol. 1, No. 1, October 15, 1929. 6 pages. View this issue

The first issue, six pages long, introduced a new English-language paper for Japanese American citizens and the League behind it. Page one traced a brief history of the New American Citizens League, founded in San Francisco in October 1928, and Saburo Kido, the League’s president, wrote a message of congratulation. Messages also came from San Francisco Mayor James Rolph, Jr., Consul General Morikazu Ida and Vice Consul Toyoji Kaneko. Iwao Kawakami wrote on the paper’s purpose, and the staff said it needed 1,000 subscribers by the end of its first year.

Inside are League notices on nominated candidates, an election meeting on October 22 and a second inaugural banquet at the Clift Hotel. Social news includes the Golden Echo Club dance, the League’s first picnic at Paradise Cove and a gossip column. A short news item on page six tells of a young man caught after an attempted robbery with a toy pistol.

What’s in this issue

Community

• A Brief History of the New American Citizens League, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The New American Citizens League was founded in San Francisco in October 1928 by second-generation Japanese Americans. The organization held its inaugural banquet and its first national convention in April 1929, where Seattle was chosen to host the next convention.
• Words of Congratulation by Mayor James Rolph, Jr., by Mayor James Rolph, Jr., page 1. San Francisco Mayor James Rolph, Jr. congratulates the New American Citizens League on its formation and encourages members to participate fully in American political life. He also highlights the commercial importance of the Pacific and the value of bilingual knowledge of Japan and America.
• Necessity of Co-operation, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The paper proposes publishing a social calendar to reduce scheduling conflicts among Bay Region Japanese American organizations. Leaders are asked to notify the paper of their event dates.
• Candidates for Office for Next Year, by Nomination Committee: Kay Nishida, Ryuzo Maeyama, Nao Zaiman, page 3. The Nomination Committee presents its slate of candidates for League offices for the coming year. The committee notes the importance of the second year of an organization’s existence in sustaining member enthusiasm.
• Election Meeting, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The League announces an election meeting on October 22 at the Japanese Association Hall to consider the nominated candidates and other matters affecting the league’s future. Members are urged to attend.
• Golden Echo Dance, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Golden Echo Club held a ‘Hit the Deck’ themed dance in San Francisco on October 5, 1929, drawing over two hundred guests. The decorated hall featured life-saver favors and a six-piece orchestra.
• The First Boat Ride and Picnic, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The League’s first annual picnic at Paradise Cove on the first Sunday of September drew about 150 young people by launch. The day featured indoor baseball, slippery games, dancing, and contests, and was considered a great success.
• Gossiping Fool, by P.C. Staff, page 5. This gossip column reports on recent births, marriages, and the achievements of members, including a Hawaii banker, a Los Angeles attorney, and an Alaska returnee. It also praises the business manager and staff for the paper’s success.
• Second Inaugural Banquet, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The League announces its second inaugural banquet at the Clift Hotel on October 29 to install newly elected officers and thank outgoing ones. Members are urged to attend to show unified support.
• The Hold-Up Man, by P.C. Staff, page 6. A young Japanese man, lonely and in debt after business failures in Los Angeles and San Francisco, attempted a robbery with a toy pistol after gambling losses and a movie. He was caught by police, and as a minor he was placed under the Juvenile Court and the care of the Japanese Salvation Army.

Commentary

• Words of Congratulation by Consul General Morikazu Ida, by Morikazu Ida, page 1. Japanese Consul General Morikazu Ida praises the American citizens of Japanese parentage for launching an English-language publication. He honors the first-generation pioneers and urges the second generation to carry forward their legacy.
• Words of Appreciation, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The publication staff thanks its supporters, including Consul General Ida, Mayor Rolph, and local printers, for making the launch of The Nikkei Shimin possible. The staff pledges to provide news of general interest and welcomes reader suggestions and contributions.
• Can We Do It, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The staff responds to skeptics who doubted the paper could survive without sufficient advertising support. The paper needs 1,000 bona fide subscribers by the end of its first year to balance its budget.
• Our Purpose, by Iwao Kawakami, page 2. Kawakami argues that the publication should give Japanese American citizens a medium for creative expression. He identifies agricultural, industrial, and social-intellectual aspects of Japanese American life and warns against imitation.
• Congratulations, by Saburo Kido, page 2. Saburo Kido, president of the League, celebrates the launch of the publication as a long-awaited mouthpiece for second-generation voices. He notes its potential to bridge generational misunderstandings and urges staff to uphold high standards.
• Congratulations from Vice Consul Toyoji Kaneko, by Toyoji Kaneko, page 2. Vice Consul Toyoji Kaneko congratulates the League on its semi-monthly publication and reminds members of their duty to be loyal American citizens. He praises the League’s steady growth since its founding in 1928.
• In Order to Become Interested in Anything Get Information About It, by Asayo Kuraya, page 3. Kuraya invites members to contribute opinions on membership drives and civic needs, and encourages writers and poets to submit work. She stresses that the column aims to build member participation and mutual betterment.

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