Evacuation claims, the GI Brides film and Nisei in Korea

Vol. 33, No. 5, August 11, 1951. 8 pages. View this issue

Evacuation claims led this eight-page issue. The Senate unanimously passed a compromise settlement bill, and an editorial urged support for it as a way to speed payments. Mike Masaoka of the JACL Anti-Discrimination Commission called the vote convincing evidence that Congress wants claimants paid soon. The front page also reported that the Department of the Army planned a two-reel documentary on a Japanese war bride in America, and that the JACL had been asked to help. Larry Tajiri wrote about the Richard Sorge espionage case, and Bill Hosokawa described a Japanese newspaperman’s first impressions of American life.

Other pages followed Nisei soldiers wounded and returning from Korea, and the sports pages covered Ford Konno, Evelyn Kawamoto in Japan and a perfect bowling game in Denver. Readers will also find Lawrence Nakatsuka’s column on the Kawano testimony in Hawaii and chapter news from Pasadena, Omaha and Eden Township.

What’s in this issue

Military & Veterans

• Two Canadian Nisei Girls Join Military Unit, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The first two women of Japanese ancestry accepted for military service in Canada are training with the Royal Canadian Air Force Women’s Department. Both were born in British Columbia, evacuated to Slocan in 1942, and later relocated to Ontario.
• Korean War Veterans Return on Rotation, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Several Nisei Korean combat veterans, including Pfc. Norio Endow and Sgt. Dick T. Miyakawa, returned to Seattle aboard the transport Gen. M.C. Meigs under the Army’s rotation program. Other Nisei veterans aboard came from Sacramento and Taft, California.
• Three Nisei Veterans to Attend DAV Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Three Nisei will represent Chapter 100 of the Disabled American Veterans at the national DAV convention beginning August 12 in Milwaukee. Henry Sakato, the chapter commander, will preside over the California district caucus.
• Nisei Wounded on Korean Front, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Department of Defense reported that Pvt. Noboru Hamaguchi of National City, California, was wounded in Korea. His parents were notified of the casualty.
• Hawaiian Corporal Throws Back Grenades, Just Like in Movies, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Corp. James M. Okamura of Honolulu threw back live Chinese grenades during a battle in Korea shortly before the start of truce talks. Working alongside another soldier, the pair hurled back dozens of grenades to save their platoon.

National

• U.S. Army Plans Documentary on Life of Japan War Bride in America, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Department of the Army plans a two-reel documentary about an interracial marriage between an American soldier and a Japanese woman, to be shown in Japan. The JACL ADC has been asked to cooperate, and the film will also address Nisei marriages under the GI Brides Act.
• Urge Equal Rights for Japanese Under Enemy Trading Bill, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL ADC urged Senator Langer to amend his bill so Japanese nationals receive the same treatment as German and Austrian nationals under the Trading with the Enemy Act. Masaoka argued the discrimination was unjustified and offensive given postwar treaty negotiations.
• Senate Passes Compromise Settlement Proposal for Paying Evacuation Claims, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Senate unanimously approved a compromise settlement bill to speed evacuation claim payments, authorizing the Attorney General to offer settlements up to three-fourths of compensable losses or $2,500. JACL ADC director Mike Masaoka called it convincing evidence that Congress wants claimants compensated soon.
• Survey Held on Emigration of Villagers to United States, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Mainichi newspapers research team surveyed Mitsuo-mura, a Wakayama village that sent 2,000 emigrants to North America since 1885. The village, nicknamed ‘America-mura,’ has a westernized character shaped by returning emigrants.
• Relocated Japanese Americans Conquer Race Prejudice in Snake River Valley Area, by Al McCready, page 2. Reprinted from the Portland Oregonian, this article describes how Japanese Americans in Malheur County, Oregon overcame hostility after WWII through the efforts of Nisei veteran Joe Saito. Saito’s gradual integration into civic organizations like the American Legion and Lions Club helped transform community attitudes.
• Anti-Oriental Laws Affect U.S. Status in Asia, Says Yonemura, by P.C. Staff, page 3. San Francisco attorney Mas Yonemura told the Commonwealth Club that discriminatory state and national laws against people of Oriental ancestry harm America’s standing in Asia. He called for changes to naturalization and immigration laws to ensure justice for loyal Japanese aliens.
• Court Declares New York Nisei Is U.S. Citizen, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A federal judge in Utica, New York ruled that George Tetsuka, a New York-born Nisei raised in Japan, did not lose his U.S. citizenship by voting in Japanese elections. The judge found he had been taken to Japan involuntarily as a child and did not know of his American birth.
• Committee Favors Private Bills to Admit Japanese Aliens, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Senate Judiciary Committee favorably reported three private bills to admit Japanese nationals who are spouses of American citizens or veterans. The bills cover a Yokohama fiancee, two minor children in Colorado, and a war bride in Portland, Oregon.
• Justice Department Rules Evacuees May Be Repaid for Uncollected Business Accounts, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Justice Department ruled that losses on uncollectable accounts receivable caused by evacuation are compensable under the Evacuation Claims Act of 1948. The decision was based on a claimant’s inability to locate debtors and the futility of litigation.

Community

• Paul Makabe Named High School Principal in Arkansas, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Paul Makabe, 38, became the first Nisei named a high school principal in America, heading South Side High School in Damascus, Arkansas. A Loomis, California native and Army veteran, he earned his degree through GI schooling and is working on a master’s degree.
• Nisei Farmer Drowns in Park While Fishing, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Min Mori, 35, an Oxnard farmer, drowned in the Kaweah River in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park after slipping and striking his head on a rock. His body was recovered by park officials on August 4.
• Sunahara Concert Helps Raise Funds for JACL ADC, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A benefit concert for soprano Michiko Sunahara in Los Angeles netted $1,122.99, with half going to the performer and the rest to the JACL ADC. Regional Director Tats Kushida thanked the Japanese community organizations that helped sell tickets.
• Parents Return to U.S., Learn Son Hurt in Korea, by P.C. Staff, page 2. An elderly Issei couple returned to the United States after 21 years in Japan to learn their son, Pfc. Kenny Kazunori Takaki, was wounded in Korea. The parents received permission to return through the efforts of their son and daughter.
• Five Finalists Named in Nisei Week Queen Contest, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Five finalists were selected by a panel of judges for the Nisei Week Festival queen contest in Los Angeles. One will be crowned Miss Nisei of 1951 at the coronation ball on August 18.
• Los Angeles Court Approves Plan to Settle Damage Suit, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A Los Angeles Superior Court approved a $10,000 settlement in the damage suit of 16-year-old Kazue Matsumura, who was struck by a car while crossing Wilshire Boulevard. She sustained leg injuries in the accident.
• Nisei Promoted to High ROTC Rank at School, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Thomas Inami of Madera, California was promoted to colonel of the ROTC at the University of California, the first student of Japanese ancestry to reach that rank in the school’s history. He is one of six ranking ROTC officers at the university.
• Pasadena Chapter Nears Completion of Fund Campaign, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Pasadena JACL’s fund drive for the JACL-ADC neared completion with $806.45 raised through a mail campaign. After expenses, a check for $534.03 was sent to JACL headquarters.
• Min Yasui Addresses Lisle Fellowship on Nisei Problems, by P.C. Staff, page 3. JACL regional representative Min Yasui spoke at the Lisle Fellowship encampment on Lookout Mountain in Colorado, summarizing Nisei problems and background for more than 40 students from various countries. The JACL office had worked with the group on mailings.
• New Manhattan Group Plans Activities for Nisei Soldiers, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The newly formed Nisei Service Organization of New York City appointed Haruo Yanagi as director to serve servicemen in the area. The group announced a September dance, a fundraising movie show, and a news-sheet for servicemen.
• California Nisei Places Fourth in Seafair Regatta, by P.C. Staff, page 6. A Nisei contestant from Oakland, California placed fourth in the Class C service hydroplane division of the Seafair Regatta on Lake Washington, while Jim Aoki of Salt Lake City finished fourth in his first heat before a broken rudder forced him out.
• Nisei Girl to Teach, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Ruth Reiko Shiraishi, a 1951 Redlands University graduate, will become the first teacher of Japanese ancestry in the Ontario, California school system, teaching physical education at Ontario Junior High School.
• L.A. Buddhists Plan Bowling Tournament, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Los Angeles Buddhist Coordinating Council will host the first annual Pacific Coast Nisei bowling tournament on August 18 and 19 at Vogt Bowl. Entries have been received from teams as far north as Sacramento.
• Seven Nisei Named to State Advisory Group, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Seven Nisei were named to the 15-member state bedding plant advisory board by the California Department of Agriculture, with additional Nisei named as alternates. The board will oversee the California marketing order for bedding plants.
• Relocated Nisei in Louisiana Develops New Type of Tomato, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Frank Hattori, a Nisei farmer in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, spent four years developing a tomato that combines the flavor of the Louisiana Creole with better firmness. He crossed plant varieties and plans to add irrigation to further control his crop.
• Cemetery Bias, by Edith Steinmetz and Hester Miller, page 7. Two members of Christian Friends for Racial Equality in San Jose praise the Pacific Citizen for reprinting Byron Fish’s article on cemetery discrimination in Seattle. They commend the group’s efforts in Seattle as a model for other cities.
• Announce Speaker for Asilomar Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Rev. William Sanders of Sacramento will be the main speaker at the 22nd annual Northern California Young People’s Christian Conference at Asilomar from August 20 to 26. Daily morning talks will follow the conference theme ‘Seeking the Way.’
• Omaha Chapter Completes Drive for JACL-ADC, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Omaha JACL completed its 1950-51 fundraising campaign for the JACL-ADC, raising $305 from a community of fewer than 100 adults of Japanese ancestry. The result improved on the prior year’s $225 total.
• Japanese Canadians Answer Query About Nisei Soldiers, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Japanese Canadian Citizens Association sent information to a British Columbia resident who doubted that Japanese Americans served in World War II, after a letter to the Vancouver News Herald challenged the film Go for Broke!. The JCCA forwarded a War Department pamphlet and photographs of Japanese Canadians in the Canadian Army.
• Dr. Nishikawa Gives Talk on JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Dr. Roy M. Nishikawa, National JACL treasurer, spoke to the Southland Jewish Organizations about the JACL’s structure, purposes, and work toward equality for Nisei and Issei. The talk was given at a monthly meeting in Los Angeles on August 2.
• Missing Nisei Soldier Returns to Active Duty, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Pfc. Philip K. Nakamura, a Nisei soldier listed as missing in action in Korea, rejoined his unit after evading capture in the mountains for over a week. He was awarded the Silver Star for heroism in supplying ammunition under enemy fire.
• Eden Township JACL Plans Annual Outing, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Eden Township JACL will hold its annual outing at Lake Chabot Beach in San Leandro on August 11, featuring a picnic and bonfire fellowship. A fifty-cent fee applies to those over 12.

JACL

• Role of Nisei in Future Set as Panel Topic, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A panel discussion titled ‘Focusing on the Future’ will headline the Midwest JACL district convention in Detroit on September 1 and 2. Five subjects will be covered, including Nisei prejudice, cultural heritage, and the future role of the JACL.

Commentary

• Kawano Testimony Proves Verbal Bombshell in Hawaii, by Lawrence Nakatsuka, page 3. Former ILWU leader Jack Kawano testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee about Communist infiltration in Hawaii, naming 53 individuals including 29 of Japanese descent. His testimony prompted calls within the Democratic party to purge Communist influence.
• Editorials: The Compromise Settlement Plan, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial argues that the evacuation claims compromise bill, while not the ideal form of reparation, should be supported because the existing claims process was painfully slow. It expects the bill to cut red tape and speed payments to evacuees.
• Prejudice in the Graveyard, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial condemns the practice of segregating minority ancestry burials in less desirable cemetery sections, as exposed by Byron Fish in the Seattle Times. It argues such discrimination reveals a paradox of disrespecting people in death after honoring them in life.
• Nisei Cloak and Dagger Stuff, by Larry Tajiri, page 4. Tajiri examines the Richard Sorge espionage case, noting that the three Japanese nationals involved in Sorge’s ring were former American residents, and argues no Japanese Americans were ever charged with espionage during WWII. He criticizes the Dies Committee’s ‘Yellow Report’ as a collection of distortions that fueled anti-Japanese hysteria.
• It Isn’t So, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A columnist observes Japanese visitors arriving in New York and critiques their broken English, awkward manners, and self-importance around local Japanese Americans. The piece contrasts the post-war Kaisha company representatives with prewar executives and argues these emissaries are not making a good impression.
• Impressions of a Japanese, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Hosokawa recounts a conversation with a Japanese newspaperman studying in Kansas who was astonished by American material wealth, the harmony among diverse peoples, and household conveniences. Hosokawa urges him to remember the spiritual strengths behind America’s prosperity so he can help rebuild Japan.
• Minority Week: Sometime Thing, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Four servicemen of the 123rd fighter-interceptor squadron, two Black and two Chinese American, were denied swimming privileges at Blue Lake amusement park in Portland on the basis of skin color. The column argues this shows democracy is only a sometime thing for many Americans.
• Box-Score on Race Relations: The Many Meanings of Race, by Elmer R. Smith, page 5. Smith examines the confusing and overlapping meanings of the term race in scientific, popular, and racist usage. He discusses proposals by anthropologists such as Montagu to replace race with terms like ethnic group or geographical population.
• Nisei Mat Meanies Hurt Public Relations, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The column reprints a reader letter criticizing Nisei wrestlers who portray Oriental villains on televised matches, arguing they reinforce racial stereotypes. The writer faults the JACL and Nisei Veterans Association for failing to address the issue.

Sports

• Many Colleges Want Ford Konno as Student, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Honolulu Nisei swimmer Ford Konno, America’s top middle-distance swimmer, is being courted by several college coaches including Yale’s Robert Kiphuth and Ohio State’s Mike Peppe. Konno reportedly outpaces his foreign rivals, making him a prime Olympic prospect.
• Utahns Test Strength of California Clubs, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Utah All-Stars, a team of seven Japanese American Athletic Union clubs, are touring California to test top Nisei teams including the Fresno Nisei All-Stars and San Jose Zebras. The Utahns added Dick Kitamura, a Colorado A&M shortstop, to their roster.
• Frank Sehara Rolls Perfect Game in Denver, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Frank Sehara bowled the first perfect 300 game by a Nisei bowler in Colorado during a Nisei Summer League sweeper at Bowl-Mor Lanes. The column also notes several golf and baseball items including a former Pacific Coast League player now in Honolulu.
• Sumo Stars Make Debut in Los Angeles, by P.C. Staff, page 6. More than 10,000 fans watched four Japanese sumo wrestlers make their American debut at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. The bouts followed traditional sumo customs without the mayhem associated with American wrestling.
• Evelyn Kawamoto Is Major Attraction at Japan Swim Championships, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Hawaiian Nisei swimmer Evelyn Kawamoto, 17, traveled to Osaka to compete in the All-Japan national swimming championships, where she is a heavy favorite in the 300-meter medley and 200-meter breaststroke. She is the first American girl of Japanese ancestry to compete in Japan.
• Placer JACL Plans Series of Non-League Ball Contests, by Homer Y. Takahashi, page 6. The Placer JACL baseball team, composed of players from Loomis, Penryn and Newcastle, will finish its season with special games including one against the Utah Nisei All-Stars. The club led the Placer-Nevada League in batting and won respect for its hustle.

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