JACL chapters respond to a proposed boycott of Japanese goods

Vol. 9, No. 14, November 1937. 4 pages. View this issue

A proposed boycott of Japanese-made goods and services, now seen as a domestic issue, led the JACL to act quickly. The Northern California and Northwest District councils adopted resolutions, and a committee was chosen to carry them out. Kay Sugahara argued in a radio address that a boycott would harm the American economy and innocent citizens, and the editorial page returned to the subject more than once, including a reprinted piece from the Portland News-Telegram.

Elsewhere in these four pages, the JACL gave Japanese swords to Congressman Bertrand W. Gearhardt and Edward J. Neron for their help with the Oriental Veterans’ Bill. Los Angeles chapter members faced a three-way race for president, and a University of Washington study offered ideas for easing racial prejudice. Alice Watanabe, the first Nisei Festival Week queen in Los Angeles, joined the state Motor Vehicle Department.

What’s in this issue

Community

• JACL Chapters in Action to Combat Plan for Boycott, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Northern California and Northwest District JACL councils adopted resolutions opposing a proposed boycott of Japanese-made goods and services, and a committee was formed to carry out the Northern California resolutions. The Southern California council was expected to act soon, and individual chapters were following suit.
• First Nisei Queen of Los Angeles Is in State’s Employ, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Alice Watanabe, the first Nisei Festival Week queen in Los Angeles, became the first second-generation employee to join the staff of the California Motor Vehicle Department. She is a leading young figure in Southern California social and civic affairs.
• Fresnans Honor Solon, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Congressman Bertrand W. Gearhardt received a rare 400-year-old Japanese sword from the JACL at a banquet in Fresno. The gift recognized his help in obtaining Congressional passage of the Oriental Veterans’ Bill.
• Los Angeles Sees Three-Way Battle for JACL Presidency, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Three nominees, Dr. Michael Horii, Eiji Tanabe, and Henry J. Tsurutani, were put forward for president of the Los Angeles JACL chapter for 1938, with the election set for December 7. Other officer nominations were also listed, and each candidate outlined his policy priorities.
• Walnut Grove Derby Proves Big Success, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The third annual Delta Bass Derby, sponsored by the Walnut Grove chapter, drew a record crowd on November 7. Valuable prizes were awarded, including a $50 outboard motor and a silver trophy.
• Two Californians Are Given Swords, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL presented rare Japanese swords to Congressman Bertrand Gearhardt at Fresno and to Edward J. Neron at Sacramento in gratitude for their support of the Oriental Veterans’ Bill. Ceremonies included a banquet with local officials, veterans, and the press in attendance.
• Japanese Servants, One Veteran, Are Rewarded in Employers’ Will, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The will of Seattle capitalist W.E. Best left legacies to several Japanese employees for long service. The chief beneficiary was gardener Makoto Kobukata, and a World War I veteran, Minoru Kobukata, who became a citizen under new legislation, also received a bequest.
• Young Folk Assist Speakers Bureau in San Francisco, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The San Francisco JACL formed a Citizens Welfare Committee and a Speakers Bureau to combat anti-Japanese propaganda affecting the region. The bureau will send speakers to Northern California groups to press for fair play toward Japanese Americans.
• California Women at University to Try for Quarters, by P.C. Staff, page 3. University of California Japanese women alumnae are working to acquire property for a club house and dormitory. An executive board and class representatives were named, and a Mothers’ tea was held to gather older Japanese views on the project.
• Nisei Farmers to Ask Organization, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Nisei farmers in Orange County discussed forming a club to study agricultural problems and to obtain fair pay for their labor. An organizing committee was named to canvass districts for members.
• South California Making Plans for Council’s Session, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Southern California District JACL Council will meet December 12 at the Buena Park Women’s Clubhouse, with a full day program outlined. The Orange County chapter also entered a float in the Fullerton Armistice Day parade.
• Japanese Win in Fund Race, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Seattle Japanese community was the first major group to exceed its goal in the Community Fund drive, raising about $4,200 or more. It was the 17th consecutive year the community succeeded, with Buhei Nakasone serving as colonel of the forces.
• Plans Dance for Convention Funds, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Seattle JACL chapter arranged a Thanksgiving Eve dance to raise funds for sending a large delegation to the national convention in Los Angeles. Chapter leaders also discussed the budget and a proposed public relations bureau.
• Kick-off Meeting for Session Held, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Northwest District JACL held a kick-off meeting for its 1939 session and set high goals for the coming year. Leaders also addressed the League’s response to the proposed boycott of Japanese goods.
• Membership Drive of League Starts, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Portland JACL chapter launched a membership drive aimed at making it one of the strongest in the Northwest, tied to plans for a large delegation to the 1938 Los Angeles convention. Judge Clarence H. Gilbert addressed members on citizenship and civic responsibility.

National

• Boycotts Failure, Asserts Sugahara, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Kay Sugahara argued in a radio address that a proposed boycott of Japanese goods and services would harm the American economy and innocent citizens. He noted that the Issei had long contributed to their communities and that the Nisei were American citizens with no part in the Oriental conflict.
• Boycott a Domestic Issue, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial explains why the JACL, though avoiding the Far East conflict itself, took up the proposed boycott of Japanese goods as a domestic issue affecting American citizens. It argues that the boycott would harm young Nisei dependent on their elders and that public fair play should prevail.

Commentary

• Rat and Dog Eaters, Paper Homes, Kidnapers: U.S. Slants on Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Namiji Itabashi, president of USC’s Oriental Cultural Society, recounted amusing misconceptions about Japan he encountered during a 15,000-mile goodwill trip across 24 states. He attributed these fantastic ideas to America’s geographic vastness, misinformation in schools, and Japan’s own failure to explain itself.
• Aiding Recognition, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial endorses the University of Washington study’s suggestions for easing racial prejudice through personal contact among young people and other Americans. It notes the League’s existing ties with patriotic organizations and argues that friendly acquaintance is the best remedy.
• Gracious Gestures, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial praises the JACL presentations of Japanese swords to Congressman Gearhardt and Edward Neron for their help with the Oriental Veterans’ Bill. It also thanks four San Francisco businessmen who made the swords available.
• Americanism Defined, by P.C. Staff, page 2. At a joint Americanism Night in Seattle, Attorney John J. Sullivan defined Americanism as a code for ordering life to achieve national unity. The editorial passes on this definition as a good one.
• Silk Stockings and Boycotts, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Reprinted from the Portland News-Telegram, this editorial mocks the idea that an American boycott of Japanese goods would succeed, noting that silk is Japan’s main export and that Americans would resist giving up silk stockings. It concludes that boycotts are unlikely to work because Americans would not feel strongly enough about the cause.

In-Depth

• Definite Program on Racial Accord Made From Study, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A University of Washington study course produced suggestions for integrating second-generation Japanese Americans and overcoming racial prejudice. Proposals included sponsorship by an established organization and targeted approaches in schools, churches, social functions, housing, and labor.

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