Vol. 40, No. 21, May 27, 1955. 8 pages. View this issue
Questions of citizenship ran through this eight-page issue. JACL Washington representative Mike Masaoka stated that Nisei with dual nationality living in the United States were not at risk of losing citizenship under Section 350 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and he urged family members in Japan to consult US consulates before the December 24 deadline. Masaoka also testified for Benjamin M. Tashiro’s nomination to a federal judgeship in Hawaii. Elsewhere, the Sacramento and Fresno Immigration and Naturalization Service offices stayed open after JACL pressure, and the Detroit JACL honored new Issei citizens.
Larry Tajiri’s front-page Vagaries column handed over to Bob Okazaki, who looked back on his Hollywood and Los Angeles newspaper career. Bill Hosokawa wrote about Rocky Mountain rain, Haruo Ishimaru continued his Cherry Blossom Tour through Japan, and Tats Kushida praised the Long Beach-Harbor District JACL. Plans for Memorial Day services in San Francisco and Arlington National Cemetery also appeared.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Vagaries, by Larry Tajiri, page 1. Larry Tajiri introduces a column by Bob Okazaki recounting his long career in Hollywood and early Los Angeles Nisei entertainment. Okazaki reflects on Japanese American performers of the past and the ongoing interest in show business among younger Nisei.
- From the Frying Pan: Water in the Rockies, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Bill Hosokawa describes a two-inch Denver rainstorm and reflects on the importance of water in the Rocky Mountain farming region. He also comments on book reviews and a Nisei newspaperwoman’s award.
- Antidote for waya, by Tats Kushida, page 6. Tats Kushida praises the Long Beach-Harbor District JACL for honoring new citizens and community leaders, arguing such recognition counters the thankless nature of community service. He also reports on his travels and other community news.
Community
- Nisei Coloradan wins state Jr. C. of C. high post, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Seiji Horiuchi, Brighton Junior Chamber of Commerce president and Mile-Hi JACL vice-president, was elected state vice-president of District 6. The Brighton JCs also won multiple state awards, including most outstanding chapter.
- Nisei posts co-sponsor May 29 Memorial service, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Nisei veterans groups in San Francisco are co-sponsoring a Memorial Day service at Golden Gate National Cemetery with American Legion Eight District commander Robert Smith as main speaker. Frank Dobashi chairs the event.
- Issei couple killed, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Masaki and Mrs. Takamune, a Watsonville berry farming couple, died in an automobile accident after a car tried to pass their vehicle and collided with it. Their son Roy suffered major injuries.
- Family of four escapes injury in Salt Lake vandal bombing of automobile, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Sugasawara family in Salt Lake City narrowly escaped injury when a homemade bomb hit their car and blew out their home windows. Police believe juvenile vandals were responsible.
- Blossoms for Baguio, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 2. Filipino Boy Scouts planted Japanese cherry trees gifted by Japanese Boy Scouts in Baguio, a gesture significant amid unresolved peace treaty issues. Murayama describes the city’s landscape and the few remaining Japanese residents there.
- Masterson Issei pension bill passes committee, by P.C. Staff, page 2. JACL-sponsored bill AB 2255, authored by Assemblyman Masterson, providing old age assistance to Issei too old to naturalize, passed the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. The bill still faces a Senate fight.
- Detroit JACL honors 13 new Issei citizens, by Kay Miyaya, page 4. The Detroit JACL held a testimonial dinner honoring 73 new Issei citizens, with Chief Federal Judge Arthur Lederle as guest speaker. The late Taizo Kokubo was recognized for his naturalization teaching.
- Nisei Coloradan wins state Jr. C. of C. high post, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Seiji Horiuchi was elected state vice-president of Colorado Jaycees District 6 and won the Ken Phillips Award. Brighton Jaycees earned multiple state chapter honors.
National
- Dual nationality status for Nisei clarified, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL Washington representative Mike Masaoka stated that Nisei with dual nationality residing in the United States are not at risk of losing citizenship under Section 350 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. He urged family members in Japan to consult US consulates before the December 24 deadline.
- Tashiro judicial appointment urged by JACL before Senate subcommittee, by P.C. Staff, page 2. JACL representative Mike Masaoka testified before a Senate Judiciary subcommittee endorsing Benjamin M. Tashiro’s nomination to a federal judgeship in Hawaii. Masaoka argued Tashiro’s qualifications should outweigh any concern about his Japanese ancestry.
Military & Veterans
- JACL to participate in Arlington National Cemetery May 30 rites, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL will join more than 50 patriotic and veteran groups in Memorial Day services at Arlington National Cemetery, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. D.C. members will also visit graves of 20 Nisei World War II dead.
Incarceration & Redress
- Sacramento, Fresno I&NS offices to remain open, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Sacramento and Fresno field offices of the Immigration and Naturalization Service will continue operating after JACL and Congressional pressure, particularly regarding Issei naturalization. Mike Masaoka had testified against the closures.
In-Depth
- Cherry Blossom Tour (Part 3), by Haruo Ishimaru, page 5. Haruo Ishimaru continues his Japan travelogue describing visits to Nikko’s Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, and Kinugawa hot springs. He recounts geisha entertainment and traditional Japanese inn customs.
Thank you for exploring the Pacific Citizen archive. The title, introduction and contents on this page were written by an AI model from scans of the printed issue, so they may contain mistakes. If you spot one, we would be grateful if you let us know.