Vol. 35, No. 14, October 3, 1952. 8 pages. View this issue
The newspaper’s move from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles was the news of this eight-page issue. The San Francisco JACL convention approved the change for financial and practical reasons, and an eight-member board chaired by Saburo Kido took charge of publication. Harry K. Honda became the new editor and introduced himself in his Nisei column. Several pieces honored Larry Tajiri, who had edited the paper for ten years: a testimonial dinner in Salt Lake City drew more than 140 people, and letters from Pearl Buck, Roger Baldwin and Dillon Myer paid tribute.
Also in this issue: Mike Masaoka told Pacific Southwest delegates why the JACL was still needed, and plans moved ahead for a December 6 banquet at the Los Angeles Biltmore. The Endowment Fund passed $20,000. A University of Hawaii study of Nisei weddings and a New York Times report on Hawaii voting round out the pages.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Editorial: Homecoming for the Pacific Citizen, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Pacific Citizen moves its publication from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles, a move approved at the San Francisco JACL convention for financial and practical reasons. The editorial notes the newspaper’s struggle to become self-sustaining and its importance to returning Japanese Americans.
- Tajiri’s Decade of Service, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The editorial praises Larry Tajiri for his ten years as editor of the Pacific Citizen and his fearless defense of democracy during the wartime evacuation. It argues that the best tribute to him is recognizing the lasting value of his work.
- Many P.C. Readers Pay Tribute to Tajiris, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Letters from prominent Americans including Pearl Buck, Roger Baldwin, and Dillon Myer praise the Tajiris and the Pacific Citizen for their journalism during the evacuation era. The testimonials reflect the paper’s influence across the country.
- Hawaii Newsletter: Nisei Column by Harry K. Honda, by Harry K. Honda, page 6. Harry K. Honda introduces himself as the new Pacific Citizen editor and outlines plans for the paper’s direction and the upcoming Holiday Issue. He also notes Mike Masaoka’s planned column and includes personal items.
- Vagaries, by Larry Tajiri, page 8. Larry Tajiri’s column briefly covers Nisei achievements in aviation, dance, film, and a Japanese student’s published letters. It also mentions a Utah committee supporting congresswomen who backed Issei naturalization.
- Editorial: New Era for the Pacific Citizen, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The editorial explains the transition to Los Angeles, promises continuity in the paper’s editorial standards under new editor Harry Honda, and asks readers for patience during the mailing adjustment. It frames the move as an opportunity for growth tied to JACL chapter support.
- Grandiloquent Tributes Ill-Suited for Tajiri, by P.C. Staff, page 8. This editorial reflects on Larry and Guyo Tajiri’s decade of editing the Pacific Citizen, describing his curiosity, wide reading, and distinguished journalism. It concludes that their standard will serve as a goal for future editors.
Community
- Salt Lake Honors Tajiris at Testimonial Dinner, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Over 140 people attended a testimonial dinner in Salt Lake City honoring Larry and Marion Tajiri, who are retiring after ten years of editing the Pacific Citizen. Gifts were presented from JACL chapters and the Committee of 150, and speakers praised their contributions.
- Prepare for National Testimonial Banquet, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Pacific Southwest JACL chapters approved plans for a December 6 testimonial banquet at the Los Angeles Biltmore honoring congressmen who passed the Walter-McCarran Act. Reservations are filling quickly and civic leaders expect a large turnout.
- Honolulu Sociologist Sees East-West Fusion in Marriage Customs, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A University of Hawaii study by Mrs. George Yamamoto finds that Nisei weddings blend Japanese and American traditions after a period of disruption during World War II. The report describes revivals of Buddhist ceremonies and the continued role of baishakunin go-betweens.
- Endowment Fund Tops $20,000, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The JACL Endowment Fund has surpassed $20,000 through mail solicitation to evacuation claims award recipients. Pacific Southwest chapters are being asked to continue fundraising with door-to-door canvassing.
- JACL Continuance Necessary, Masaoka Tells Delegates, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Mike Masaoka argued at the Pacific Southwest District Council meeting that the JACL remains essential even after immigration legislation passed. He cited the need for evacuation claims work, naturalization procedures, and representation on dual citizenship issues.
National
- New Look for P.C. in Los Angeles with New Staff and Board, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Pacific Citizen debuts in Los Angeles with a new format and staff after the convention approved the move. An eight-member operational board chaired by Saburo Kido will oversee publication, and Harry K. Honda is named editor.
- Drunk Driver Faces Manslaughter Charges After Killing Child, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Henry Jones faced manslaughter and drunk driving charges after running down a three-year-old Sansei boy and injuring his mother in a Los Angeles crosswalk. Police said Jones was driving with defective brakes and had been drinking.
- Hawaii Voting Fears Dismissed as Nisei Integrate, by Lawrence E. Davies, page 8. A New York Times report cited by the Pacific Citizen says fears that Japanese Americans would dominate Hawaii politically are unfounded because racial bloc voting is unknown there. Experts say Nisei political rivalry mirrors that of other groups.
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