After Walter-McCarran: adopted babies, proscribed lists and Issei citizenship

Vol. 36, No. 22, May 29, 1953. 8 pages. View this issue

A House-passed bill to admit about 500 adopted children outside quotas led the news in 1953, along with a JACL appeal to the Attorney General to drop 21 defunct prewar Japanese organizations from the subversive list. Issei citizenship ran through the issue: Mrs. Masano Ikeda of Stockton took her examination in Japanese, Ben Nagai prepared to take the oath in Merced County, and Louise Suski reported on Chicago’s dinner for 128 volunteers. Mike Masaoka wrote about Memorial Day at Arlington, and an editorial asked chapters to move from legislative campaigns to local programs.

Elsewhere are Larry Tajiri’s column on Cpl. Ernie Contreras’s homecoming, Marion Tajiri’s tribute to the painter Yasuo Kuniyoshi, and Lawrence Nakatsuka on Hawaii appointments. This 8-page issue also has chapter membership news, a Festival of Friendship queen, Fulbright and Whitney fellowship winners, and sports from Honolulu to Chicago.

What’s in this issue

National

• Bill to Admit 500 Adopted Babies Passes House, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A House-passed bill would allow approximately 500 children adopted by American citizens to enter outside quotas if under age six. The measure, amended to include children adopted by citizens serving abroad, now awaits Senate action.
• Punchbowl Cross Advocate Honored, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Arnold Burnett, managing editor of the Peoria Journal, received the Christopher Award for his campaign to restore crosses, the Star of David, and the Buddhist Wheel at the Punchbowl cemetery. The paper’s stand on the issue has gained national recognition.
• Proscribed List Conveys Impression All Groups Communistic, Says JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL urged the Attorney General to drop 21 prewar defunct Japanese organizations from the subversive list, arguing it falsely implies they are active communist fronts. The listing has also been used to deny immigration and visa relief to Japanese Americans.
• Nickname Made Legal as Last Civilian Act Before Reporting for Military Duty, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. Kisakazu Ozaki obtained a court order legally adding his lifelong nickname, becoming Dr. Kei Kisakazu Ozaki. He took this step before entering the armed forces.
• Australia Admits Japanese as Tourist, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Keio University student Tsuneo Uehara will be the first Japanese national granted entry into Australia on a tourist basis, departing for Sydney June 4. The entry marks a notable easing of restrictions.
• Gov. King Nominates Nisei to Hawaii Boards and Commissions, by Lawrence Nakatsuka, page 1. Hawaii Governor Samuel Wilder King, the territory’s first Republican governor in two decades, appointed nine Nisei to territorial boards and commissions, confirmed by the Senate. The appointments include Korean and other community representatives as well.
• Illinois Fair Employment Bill Introduced, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Rep. Charles Jenkins introduced a Stratton Administration-backed bill creating an Illinois Equality of Employment Opportunity Commission. The bill would cover employers and labor organizations regarding discrimination.

Community

• Stella Nakadate Crowned Festival of Friendship Queen, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Stella Nakadate, 16, was crowned queen of the sixth annual Festival of Friendship at an East Los Angeles playground. She was sponsored by the East Los Angeles JACL chapter.
• Loomis Issei Finish Americanization Studies, by P.C. Staff, page 1. 180 prospective citizens of Japanese ancestry graduated from Americanization classes in Loomis sponsored by the Placer JACL and American Legion. Kay Takemoto chaired the program.
• JACL-ADC Chapter Building Use Dispute Settled in San Francisco, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The San Francisco JACL and former members of the prewar Nihonjinkai announced an amicable agreement on the 1759 Sutter Street building. The chapter’s Building Board of Trustees was expanded from five to twelve members.
• Fulbright Scholar Named, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Willie M. Iritani of Denver received a Fulbright scholarship to conduct vegetable research at Kyoto University. The award covers tuition, travel, fees, and books.
• Over $300,000 in Vested Property to Be Returned to Honolulu Nisei, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Tamotsu Hata, a dual citizen, will receive return of over $300,000 in property vested during the war under Public Law 859. The return is believed to be the largest individual return ever made in the territory.
• Li’l Tokio Nisei to Be Ordained Maryknoll Priest, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Rev. Thomas T. Takahashi of Los Angeles will be ordained a Maryknoll priest, becoming the first California-born Nisei Catholic priest. He will celebrate his first Solemn Mass in Los Angeles and has been assigned to Japan.
• Seek High Schoolers for Anytown, USA Camp, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The National Conference of Christians and Jews is accepting nominations for its Anytown, U.S.A. leadership camp for teenagers at Idyllwild Pines August 16-23. The program costs $25 per person.
• Multiple Scholarship and Honor Awards Announced for Nisei Students, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Several Nisei students received academic honors and scholarships, including Phi Beta Kappa election at the University of Washington and national and local scholarships. Recipients came from Oregon, Idaho, Los Angeles, and Nebraska.
• Aaronsburg Assembly Invites JACL President to Anti-Discrimination Conference, by P.C. Staff, page 2. National JACL president George Inagaki was invited to the June 19-21 Aaronsburg Assembly in Pennsylvania, a gathering promoting democracy and human dignity. The invitation was signed by prominent Americans including Ralph Bunche and Justice Frankfurter.
• Romanization Controversy Ended by Japanese Ministry of Education, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 3. The Japanese Ministry of Education issued a final decision adopting the Japanese romanization system over the Hepburn system. The Foreign Office refused to recognize the decision, creating confusion for travelers.
• Honolulu Civic Plan May Be Upset by Waikiki Site Dispute, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A Waikiki lessee, Shigenaga, filed suit to compel Honolulu to issue a building permit after his application was rejected under the city’s master plan. The mandamus action was brought by attorney Shiro Kashiwa.
• Chicago JACL-ADC Honors 128 Active Issei, by Louise Suski, page 3. Chicago JACL-ADC held an appreciation dinner honoring campaign leaders Tahei Matsunaga and Yoriaki Nakagawa and 126 volunteers. Mike Masaoka spoke about the Walter-McCarran Act’s significance for Issei.
• Stockton Issei Takes Naturalization Exam in Japanese, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Mrs. Masano Ikeda of Stockton is believed to be the first Issei allowed an individual citizenship examination in Japanese. Haruo Ishimaru served as interpreter for her petition.
• Two Sacramentans Naturalized May 19, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Tomoye Jennie Honda regained her citizenship under the Walter-McCarran law after losing it through marriage to an alien. Kay Genko Baishiki also gained American citizenship at the Sacramento ceremony.
• Japan Fashion Design Contestant Wins Trip to Study in Florida, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Michiko Konishi won the Tina Leser award in the fourth national Japanese fashion contest and will study at the Florida Gulf Coast art center. The contest aims to blend Japanese traditional influences with modern fashion.
• Chicago Community Briefs, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Chicago JACL youth groups announced upcoming events including a June 28 outing, a carnival, dances, and a golf tournament. Several personal notes about community members were included.
• ELA Cooking Classes Announced, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The East Los Angeles JACL announced Japanese cooking demonstrations including sushi and teriyaki to be held at Alice Hatakeda’s home in late June. Reservations are limited to 30 participants.
• Group-Interest Survey Pays Off for Seattle JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Seattle JACL chapter doubled its membership with a February campaign and expanded its programs. Activities now include golf, flower arrangement, cooking, language classes, and summer trips.
• East Los Angeles JACL Passes Own 1953 Goal of 350 Members, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The East Los Angeles JACL surpassed its goal of 350 members this month, leading the Pacific Southwest District membership race. Joe Yamamoto and his committee were credited.
• Ventura County JACL Graduates Dance June 12, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Ventura County JACL will hold a graduation dance June 12 at Portuguese Hall in Oxnard. Music will be provided by Jim Araki’s combo.
• 25 Chapters Cited by National Headquarters for Membership Gains, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The 1953 JACL membership bulletin reports 25 chapters have surpassed their 1952 membership totals. Chapters are listed by district.
• Pasadenans Welcome Dance Instructions, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Pasadena JACL dance classes drew 50 students at their first meeting, taught by professional instructors Roxas and Juanita. Florence Wada and Dr. Joe Abe co-chair the project.
• Utah JACL Graduation Dance Locale Announced, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Utah JACL graduation dance will be held June 13 at Jensen Home. Graduates will be admitted free while non-graduates pay $1.50.
• Sonoma County JACL Elects Sugiyama President, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Sonoma County JACL chapter elected Arthur Sugiyama as president. Other officers were named to assist him.
• Fresno Doctors Honored, Headed for Army Camp, by P.C. Staff, page 5. About 100 friends attended a sendoff party in Fresno for Dr. Isamu Namba and Dr. George Suda before they reported to army service.
• Shirley Yamaguchi Learning Art of Self-Defense, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Japanese actress Shirley Yamaguchi joined the Kodokan Institute in Tokyo to study judo. Her training reflects a postwar judo boom in Japan.
• Merced Area Farmer Ready for Citizenship, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Ben Nagai, 49, an Atwater farmer, completed his naturalization process and will take the oath June 10 to become the first Issei in Merced County to be naturalized.
• Ground-Breaking Rites for Church Addition Held, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held for a $35,000 addition to Sturge Presbyterian Church in San Mateo. Henry Wada is the contractor and Harry Katsuyama the architect.
• Blind Boy Selects Music Career, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Ronnie Miyashiro, 11, a totally blind Honolulu youth, won a talent show prize and plans a music career. He is studying piano and violin and hopes to follow in the footsteps of Alec Templeton.
• Scholars Awarded John Hay Whitney Opportunity Fellowships for 1953, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Six Japanese Americans received John Hay Whitney Opportunity Fellowships for 1953, including scholars in sociology, dental medicine, and international relations. The awards support graduate study and research.

Incarceration & Redress

• Hope Abandoned to Locate Fisherman Missing Over 10 Days Off California, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Coast Guard ended its search for Matajiro Okayama of Pasadena, missing since May 14 while fishing off California. Family members continued searching the adjacent islands without success.
• Detroit ADC Fund Drive Update, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Detroit ADC fund drive has passed its goal and the committee reports strong contributions. Committee members are named.

Military & Veterans

• Memorial Day, 1953, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Masaoka describes the JACL Washington chapter’s annual Memorial Day tradition of visiting the graves of the 21 Nisei buried at Arlington National Cemetery. He honors the Nisei dead of all wars and urges the living to keep faith with their sacrifice.
• May 30 Orator, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Henry Van Zeveren, past VFW commander, will speak at Evergreen Cemetery Memorial Day services in Los Angeles honoring 66 Nisei war dead. Buddhist and Protestant ministers will offer prayers.
• Kills Nisei CIC Agent, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Shigeru Yoshinaga, a Nisei counter-intelligence corps member, was killed in Hokkaido by a U.S. Army military policeman. He had served on Okinawa and with CIC in Japan for five years.

Commentary

• Fact-Finding Committee on Proscribed Organization Acts, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A Northern California committee compiled information on prewar Japanese organizations still listed as proscribed by the Attorney General. Naturalization and reentry permits for former members may be affected.
• Chapter Programs, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The editorial reflects on the shift from legislative campaigns to local chapter activities following passage of the Walter-McCarran Act. It urges chapters to expand programs for Issei and prepare for new community roles.
• Very Truly Yours, by Harry K. Honda, page 8. Harry Honda comments on the wetback problem, postal deficits affecting newspapers, and the Issei’s role in agriculture. He notes America’s need for small-time farmers.
• Ernie’s Homecoming, by Larry Tajiri, page 8. Larry Tajiri describes the Denver homecoming banquet for Cpl. Ernie Contreras, a Mexican American POW released by Communists. He draws parallels to Cpl. Susumu Shinagawa’s homecoming and celebrates shared minority experiences in the military.

Sports

• Waseda Volleyball Upsets USC, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Waseda University’s volleyball team defeated USC in a double-header at the Trojan gym under both U.S. and Far Eastern rules. The squad was expected to return to Japan the following weekend.
• Nisei Athletes Named to T.H. Sports Hall of Fame, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Nine Nisei were among 29 champions honored by the Honolulu Quarterback Club with Certificates of Achievement. Winners included athletes in bowling, boxing, baseball, fishing, marathon, and swimming.
• Professional Japanese Cyclists to Compete in Canada, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Six professional Japanese cyclists will barnstorm Canada in late June and race in several bicycle meets, including events in New York. Japanese professional cycle racing draws substantial betting revenue.
• 72-Hole AJA Golf Tournament Starts in July, by P.C. Staff, page 6. About 125 golfers are expected at the Territorial AJA 72-hole Amateur Championship July 4-5 at Waiehu Course on Maui. Defending champion Willie Goo is favored.
• Nisei Squad Cops Top Booster Prize in Chicago ABC Finals, by P.C. Staff, page 6. A Frank’s Jewelry bowling team sponsored by Frank Noda won the top booster prize at the American Bowling Congress finals in Chicago. The team, captained by Frank Sakamoto, scored 2852.

Obituaries

• Yasuo Kuniyoshi, American, by Marion Tajiri, page 8. Yasuo Kuniyoshi, a prominent American painter, died May 14, 1953 in New York City. The article traces his life from arriving in Seattle as a boy to becoming a leading artist and founder of Artists Equity.

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