Nisei of the Biennium nominees and the push to settle wartime claims

Vol. 39, No. 8, August 20, 1954. 8 pages. View this issue

Thirteen nominees for the Nisei of the Biennium Award led the news in this eight-page issue. Dr. Randolph Sakada announced the list, and the winner and four finalists were to be named at the National JACL Convention banquet in Los Angeles on Sept. 6. Mike Masaoka wrote on two fronts: House hearings on the Hillings Amendment to speed evacuation claims, and Senate passage of a measure to let stranded Peruvian Japanese become permanent residents. The Senate passed over Sen. Everett Dirksen’s bill to return vested Japanese property, and two precedent decisions on evacuation claims were released.

Elsewhere, Tamotsu Murayama received a key to Salt Lake City and wrote about reuniting with friends in Denver. Harry Honda welcomed the Sangha Scout Award for Buddhist Scouts. Bill Hosokawa and Larry Tajiri contributed columns, and Sam Ishikawa reported on a cancer drug developed in Japan.

What’s in this issue

JACL

• Thirteen Candidates Named for Nisei of the Biennium Award, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Thirteen nominees have been named for the Nisei of the Biennium Award, which recognizes distinguished community leadership over the past two years. Winner and four finalists will be announced at the National JACL Convention banquet on Sept. 6 in Los Angeles.

National

• Dennis Day Sings Nipponese Hit Tune, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Popular radio and TV star Dennis Day sang Ryoichi Hattori’s Japanese boogie “Ginza Kankan Musume” at a Shriners benefit in Honolulu. The performance was the first time the song was sung by an American big-time entertainer in the islands.
• Three JAL Flights Added for Transpacific Service, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Japan Air Lines is adding two new DC6-B aircraft, the City of Osaka and City of Nagoya, to its transpacific fleet by Sept. 1. The additional flights will operate on Monday, Wednesday and Friday schedules.
• Japan’s Economic Plight Draws U.S. Attention, by Arizona Republic, page 8. An Arizona Republic editorial reprinted in the Pacific Citizen argues Japan’s trade deficit and dwindling dollar reserves require urgent U.S. attention. It warns that economic collapse could push Japan toward the Soviet orbit.

Incarceration & Redress

• Two New Precedent Adjudications on Evacuation Claims Released, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Two precedent decisions on Japanese evacuation claims were released, one allowing an increased award above the original claim based on later-submitted records. A second allowed a substitute claimant a further award despite an earlier compromise settlement.
• Senate Kills Dirksen Measure to Return Government Vested Property, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Senate passed over Sen. Everett Dirksen’s Return Bill on the Call of the Calendar, effectively ending hopes for return of vested Japanese property this session. Rep. Katherine St. George introduced a House resolution calling for a study of Trading With the Enemy Act practices.

Community

• Okinawan Handicapped, Ill Ineligible for Admission Being Aided, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Chokichi Iraha, an Okinawan who lost both hands in a 1949 Army accident and later contracted tuberculosis, is ineligible for quota immigration. A private bill on his behalf passed the Senate on Aug. 10 and is now before the House Judiciary Committee.
• Sangha Award Adopted by Boy Scouts of America for Deserving Bussei, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 1. The Boy Scouts of America will adopt the Sangha Scout Award, a Buddhist religious award recognizing Buddhism in America. The award features a ribbon marked with the Dhamma Gakka and will be presented at a Court of Honor.
• Spirited Champion of Nisei in U.S. Honored with Key to Salt Lake City, by Alice Kasai, page 3. Tamotsu Murayama was presented a key to Salt Lake City by Mayor Earl J. Glade in recognition of his advocacy for Nisei and JACL, and for securing Japanese cherry trees for the Peace Garden. Murayama’s lecture tour of the Intermountain area was also highlighted.
• Official Reassigned, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Japanese Consul General Shinjiro Tsumura in Honolulu is being recalled for reassignment by the Japanese Foreign Office. He has served in Honolulu since September 1952.

In-Depth

• Ex-JACLer Reports on Japan Drug for Cancer, Sarcomycin Ready for Sale, by Sam Ishikawa, page 1. Former JACL staffman Sam Ishikawa reports on Dr. Hamao Umezawa’s discovery of sarcomycin, a cancer drug showing promising results in animal and human trials. The drug is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in September.

Military & Veterans

• Peruvian-Japanese Status Change to Refugee Approved by Senate, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. The Senate unanimously passed an amendment extending Refugee Relief Act benefits to stranded Peruvian Japanese, allowing them to become permanent residents. The measure now requires House concurrence, which Masaoka expects soon.

Commentary

• Democracy in Action, by Mike M. Masaoka, page 2. Masaoka praises the House Judiciary Subcommittee’s decision to hold west coast hearings on the Hillings Amendment to expedite remaining evacuation claims. He notes that these will be the first congressional hearings on evacuation losses held on the West Coast.
• Lessons of Revolution, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The writer urges Americans to understand the worldwide revolution against Western dominance and the race relations issues it raises. Citing the Race Relations Conference and Arnold Toynbee’s analysis, the piece argues that the West must face these changes honestly.
• Tokyo Topics: Reminiscing in Denver, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 3. Murayama recounts his warm reception in Denver, reuniting with former newspaper colleagues and JACL supporters. He reflects on postwar Nisei achievements and the loss of Japanese swords after the Occupation.
• Very Truly Yours: Sangha Scout Award, by Harry Honda, page 3. Harry Honda welcomes the Buddhist Scout Award as a major recognition of Buddhism among Japanese Americans. He highlights Koyasan Troop 379 of Los Angeles and notes concerns about declining Nisei and Sansei interest in Buddhism.
• Editorials: Outlawing Communists, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The editorial comments on overwhelming congressional votes to outlaw the Communist Party despite the administration’s wishes. It suggests the vote reflected domestic election-year politics.
• From the Frying Pan: Simple Things of Life, by Bill Hosokawa, page 8. Hosokawa observes his children’s capacity for joy in small things and reflects on how adults lose their zest for living. He encourages readers to slow down and appreciate simple pleasures.
• Changes in the Exchange, by Larry Tajiri, page 8. Tajiri describes California Exchange clubs revolting against the National Exchange Club’s all-white membership policy. He notes similar past incidents involving Nisei and calls for the policy to be eliminated at the upcoming national convention.
• Bumper Crop, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The editorial notes that births among Japanese Americans exceed deaths, and celebrates the growth of the community. It presents babies as both work and a valued asset in America.

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