The 1948 holiday issue: the Issei story and JACL chapter reports

Vol. 27, No. 26, December 25, 1948. 56 pages. View this issue

The Issei, the first generation of Japanese immigrants, were the subject of this 56-page holiday issue. Larry Tajiri traced the history of Japanese immigration, Robert M. Cullum profiled Issei pioneers, and Saburo Kido wrote about Issei fishermen returning to the sea after the Takahashi case. Walter H. Judd, JACL National President Hito Okada, Dillon S. Myer and Mike Masaoka each argued for a naturalization law. Bill Hosokawa contributed several profiles, including a Denver rice merchant and a police tool inventor.

Also inside: yearly reports from more than a dozen JACL chapters, among them Salt Lake, San Mateo, Cleveland, Portland, Boston and Chicago. There is a short story by I. H. Gordon, a portrait of Mrs. Nawa Munemori by Alice Sumida, and a letter home from a Nisei soldier in Japan. Holiday greetings fill about 42 of its pages.

What’s in this issue

In-Depth

• They Pierced the Silken Curtain, by Larry Tajiri, page 2. This feature traces the history of Japanese immigration to America from pre-Columbian arrivals and early Japanese sailors through the 1884 lifting of Japan’s emigration ban. It also covers the first Japanese immigrants, the early pioneers, and the discriminatory laws that followed.
• These Are the Issei, by Robert M. Cullum, page 3. Cullum profiles Issei pioneers such as Saburo Sato and Takeo Nakagawa, describing their hard work and hardships in America. The piece also examines how the Issei raised their Nisei children amid cultural and economic challenges.
• The Issei Are Going Back to the Sea, by Saburo Kido, page 5. Kido traces how Issei fishermen were barred from fishing by California’s 1943 amendment and how the courts struck it down in the Takahashi case. He also recounts the history of Japanese fishing communities along the Pacific coast.
• Portrait of a Mother, by Alice Sumida, page 9. The article profiles Mrs. Nawa Munemori, whose son Sadao earned the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously in World War II. It recounts her life from Japan to America, her years in Manzanar, and her grief and pride.
• They, Too, Are Pioneers, by Elmer R. Smith, page 12. Smith argues that the Issei were pioneers both physically, through railroads and farming, and socially, facing segregation and exclusion. He concludes that their moral integrity shaped the Nisei who served with distinction in the war.
• Story of a Perfectionist: It Took 500 Tries to Develop a Perfect Formula for Rice, by Bill Hosokawa, page 12. Denver Issei rice merchant Tokuya Kako spent decades testing rice blends and cooking methods to create a perfect product. His formula Smith 500 became a recognized brand.
• Echo From Dupont Street, by Iwao Kawakami, page 17. A reflective piece in which an Issei recalls his early years in San Francisco, the cost of his arrival, and the gold ring he bought for his wife. It evokes memory and loss across generations.
• They Couldn’t Avoid Pioneering, by Frank Miyamoto, page 18. Miyamoto describes the early Issei community of Seattle, its skid road origins, and its growth into a settled community. He covers their labor, enterprise, farming in the Valley, and the discriminatory laws that followed.
• “Our Constitution Is Color Blind”, by Mas Yonemura, page 20. Yonemura surveys 1948 court decisions on civil rights affecting Issei and Nisei, including the Oyama, Shelley, Takahashi, and Perez cases. He explains how these rulings weakened discriminatory laws.
• The Moment of Decision, by Alice Sumida, page 23. Sumida profiles Frank E. Kagiwada, an Issei who chose to accept a teaching post in the Army language program despite his incarceration. His decision reflected his commitment to American loyalty.
• The Sawadas of Alabama: A Story of an Issei and Camellias, by Roku Sugahara, page 27. Sugahara profiles Kosaku Sawada, an Issei nurseryman in Mobile, Alabama, who developed new camellia varieties and built a successful business. The piece also follows his children’s education and continued work in the camellia trade.
• The Japanese Language Schools, by Eiji Tanabe, page 28. Tanabe traces the history of Japanese language schools in America, their legal battles, and their wartime use in military intelligence. He discusses their decline and the future need for Japanese language skills.
• Yawara Man, by Bill Hosokawa, page 32. Hosokawa profiles Prof. Frank A. Matsuyama, who invented the yawara stick, a non-injurious police tool adopted by many departments. The article describes his martial arts background and the device’s effectiveness.
• The Story of the Land: Issei in Agriculture, by Larry Tajiri, page 49. Tajiri traces how Japanese immigrants moved from farm labor to tenancy and ownership, transforming western agriculture. He describes the discriminatory laws and the economic contributions of Issei farmers.
• A Nisei in Manhattan: The Man Who Waits, by Roku Sugahara, page 55. Sugahara profiles Shimpei Shimada, a solitary Issei in New York who waits for his son Gary, missing in action in the Philippines. The piece portrays his loyalty and hope.

Commentary

• Not a Matter of Race, by Bradford Smith, page 4. Smith argues that denying citizenship to the Japanese in America was the root of the false charge of unassimilability. He urges that Issei be granted naturalization and that Americans see Japanese people as individuals rather than stereotypes.
• The Man Without a Country, by Carl Kondo, page 13. Kondo portrays Ed Mako, a Japan-born Nisei who felt aloof from his community and was denied citizenship. The piece describes his struggle for a place in American life and his hope for the right to vote.
• If Democracy Is to Have Meaning, by Walter H. Judd, page 41. Congressman Judd writes that equal citizenship rights must apply to all peoples regardless of race. He praises Japanese Americans’ wartime loyalty and urges passage of his naturalization bill.
• A Message, by Hito Okada, page 42. JACL National President Hito Okada reviews the progress of the past twelve months toward Japanese American equality. He calls for passage of a naturalization law to end the remaining discrimination.
• A Message, by Dillon S. Myer, page 49. Former WRA director Dillon Myer congratulates Japanese Americans on the progress made in eliminating discriminatory laws. He expresses hope that the Judd bill will pass in the next Congress.
• From the Frying Pan: The Story of One Issei, by Bill Hosokawa, page 50. Hosokawa profiles an Issei who came to America as a boy, worked hard through many occupations, and lost his business and status in the war. He describes the Issei’s wish for citizenship.
• Our Last Great Goal, by Mike Masaoka, page 51. Masaoka reviews JACL’s legislative victories since 1930 and calls for equality in immigration and naturalization as the next great goal. He credits members’ faith and work for the gains achieved.

Arts & Entertainment

• Arlington, a Short Story, by I. H. Gordon, page 6. A short story about a family attending a memorial ceremony at Arlington, where a young man reflects on the meaning of sacrifice and belonging. The narrator’s mother, father, and sister each reveal quiet strength during the service.
• He Makes Giant-Killers, page 23. A profile of Earl Nishimoto, a jiu-jitsu expert in Boston who trains timid boys to defend themselves and overcome fear. His techniques have helped many youngsters gain confidence.
• New York Vignette, by Joe Oyama, page 26. Oyama describes an Issei mathematician in New York who worked his way through graduate study. The piece highlights his determination and the personal loss he faced.

Community

• The Nisei in Japan, by Hideo Kuwahara, page 14. Kuwahara describes life for Nisei living in postwar Japan, including the improved conditions, employment with the Occupation, and the difficulties many face. He notes their sense of alienation from Japanese society.
• Pioneers from Japan, by Lawrence Nakatsuka, page 25. Nakatsuka traces the history of Japanese immigration to Hawaii, from the first contract laborers of 1868 through the sugar plantations, strikes, and the rise of the Nisei. He highlights the Issei’s contributions to the islands’ development.
• Salt Lake Lists Convention As Major Activity of Year, page 33. The Salt Lake JACL chapter reports on its major activities in 1948, centered on hosting the national convention. Its programs included a women’s auxiliary, bowling leagues, and a Peace Garden project.
• Many Activities Mark Year for San Mateo JACL, page 33. The San Mateo JACL recounts its active year, including an installation dinner, a successful ADC fundraising drive, and relief efforts for the Vanport flood. The chapter also held community events.
• Cleveland JACL Program Serves Community Needs, by Kuniko Kodani, page 33. The Cleveland JACL describes its year of programs, including speakers, a community picnic, a bulletin, and streamlined executive meetings. The chapter also prepared for upcoming evacuation claims work.
• Ventura County Tells Story of JACL Activity in 1948, page 33. The Ventura County JACL recounts its 1948 activities, including installation, ADC fundraising, memorial services, and a float entered in a local parade. Regular monthly meetings featured programs and social events.
• Doctor Heads Los Angeles JACL Group, page 33. The Los Angeles JACL reports on the work of its 1948 cabinet under Dr. Tom T. Watanabe, including chapter division planning and fundraising events. The chapter’s leaders managed complex affairs during the year.
• Coachella Valley Chapter Led by President Sakai, page 33. The Coachella Valley JACL reports on the 1948 activities under President Tom Sakai, including a flood relief drive, a picnic, and a fishing trip. The chapter also held an inauguration dinner.
• Boston JACL in First Half Year, by Daisy Tani, page 35. Tani describes the founding of the New England JACL chapter in Boston in 1948. The chapter has supported legislative efforts and held its induction with national speakers.
• Vanport Emergency Calls — Chapter Members Show Initiative in Handling Vanport Flood Needs, by Mary Minamoto, page 35. The Portland JACL responded to the Vanport City flood with a relief office and donations, working with the Red Cross. The chapter also carried out cemetery services and cooking classes.
• Services of Portland JACL, by Mary Minamoto, page 35. Minamoto reports on the Portland JACL’s 1948 services, including the flood relief and community programs. The chapter also sponsored sports teams and memorial services for a fallen soldier.
• Report from San Benito JACL Chapter, by Betty Nishita, page 35. Nishita reports on the San Benito County JACL’s installation, donations, and social events during the year. The chapter donated a biography of Sgt. Hollister to local schools.
• Reno Family of Groups, by Bessie Nishiguchi, page 35. Nishiguchi describes the founding of the Reno JACL chapter in 1948 and its community activities, including picnics and outings. The chapter’s members celebrated their first year of activity.
• Ogden JACL Promotes Public Welfare Program, page 35. The Ogden JACL completed an active year, including a graduation ball, a beach party, and construction of bleachers for a boys’ club. The chapter also supported community causes.
• Mid-Columbia Enters Second JACL Year, page 35. The Mid-Columbia JACL reports on its second full year, including improvements to its hall, a community event, memorial services for a fallen soldier, and sports teams. Its leaders carried out fundraising and membership efforts.
• Murray JACL Features Drama in Program for Past Year, page 35. The Murray JACL describes a varied year, featuring a drama production, bowling, and a Vanport flood fund drive. The chapter also held joint events with the Salt Lake chapter.
• Ohio Group Shows Large Increase in Membership, by Mary Kubota, page 36. The Cincinnati JACL reports a 100 percent membership increase in 1948 under President Tom Kanno. Its programs included meetings, social events, and a national convention report.
• Southwest Los Angeles JACL Chapter Report, page 36. The Southwest Los Angeles JACL, formed in June 1948, reports on its early activities, including community service and social events. Its leaders are introduced along with plans for helping needy families.
• Citizen of Boston, by Daisy Tani, page 36. Tani profiles Scott Miyakawa, a Boston University faculty member active in wartime advocacy and community integration. The article discusses the value of Nisei studying their heritage.
• Placer County and Other Chapter Reports, page 36. Several JACL chapters report their 1948 activities, including the Eastbay and Santa Barbara groups. Their events included golf, a talent show, and a picnic.
• Eastbay Group Institutes Many Novel Events, by Masuji Fujii, page 36. The East Bay JACL reports a year of novel events including a golf tournament, a talent show, and a music group. The chapter also featured political candidates at its meetings.
• Chicago JACL Features Subjects of Vital Import, page 40. The Chicago JACL held monthly meetings in 1948 on employment, civil rights, and politics. Speakers included experts on industrial opportunity and semantics.
• Santa Barbara Chapter Tells Calendar of Events for 1948, page 40. The Santa Barbara JACL outlines its 1948 calendar, including speaker meetings, fundraising, and social events. The year featured installations, picnics, and dances.

Incarceration & Redress

• He Fought Discrimination, by Bill Hosokawa, page 22. Hosokawa profiles Dr. K. K. Miyamoto, a Denver dentist who worked quietly to combat anti-Japanese discrimination through friendships with community leaders. His efforts included building ties through Japanese art and lectures.

Military & Veterans

• A Letter From Japan: A Nisei Soldier Writes Home Upon the Death of His Father, by Barry, page 44. A Nisei soldier writes to his family from Japan after learning of his father’s death. He reflects on his father’s immigrant struggles and the gift of American citizenship.

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