The right to travel, and a columnist who went fishing

Vol. 41, No. 1, July 1, 1955. 8 pages. View this issue

A U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on passports was the main news of this eight-page issue. The court held that a passport denial is subject to judicial review and that the right to travel is a natural right, a decision that may help Nisei stranded in Japan. Two editorials returned to the subject, and one also tied the Declaration of Independence to the Supreme Court’s school desegregation ruling. On the front page, Larry Tajiri’s Vagaries column began with a fishing trip in the Colorado high country, and Harry Honda wrote about columnists as the paper entered its 14th year.

Other pages carry Kango Kunitsugu’s report on four records broken at the Los Angeles Nisei Relays, Tats Kushida’s sports column, and Budd Fukei on plans for a 1958 Nisei Veterans Reunion in Seattle. Masao Satow wrote on chapter minutes and scholarship nominations, and Mike Masaoka previewed bills before Congress adjourned.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Fishing for Column Topic, by Larry Tajiri, page 1. Columnist Larry Tajiri describes a morning fishing trip in the Colorado high country while struggling to find a topic for his weekly Vagaries column. He reflects on the difficulty of writing a regular column.
• Very Truly Yours, by Harry Honda, page 1. Editor Harry Honda comments on the challenges faced by weekly columnists and praises the variety of voices in the Pacific Citizen’s columnist lineup. He anticipates expanding the paper as it enters its 14th year.
• Minutes Are Important, by Masao Satow, page 5. The National Director reports on chapter activity, including the importance of accurate minutes, chapter bulletins, and the Pvt. Ben Frank Masaoka scholarship nominations. He also notes membership progress and housing discrimination efforts.
• Vagaries (continued), by Larry Tajiri, page 8. Tajiri reflects on the changing role of the Pacific Citizen since wartime, noting that discrimination has become subtler and the paper remains important. He closes by describing his Denver writing setting.

National

• Importance of Japan in Free World Defenses, by P.C. Staff, page 1. General Maxwell D. Taylor, the new Army chief of staff, says Japan deserves careful consideration in Far East defense plans. He made the remarks upon arriving in Washington from Tokyo.
• Denial of Passport by State Dept. Reiterated by Appellate Court Ruling, Right of Travel May Aid Stranded Nisei, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that passport denial is subject to judicial review and that the right to travel is a natural right. The decision may help Nisei stranded in Japan after World War II.
• Government Civil Service Workers Getting 7.5% Pay Boost as Congress OKs Measure, by P.C. Staff, page 1. President Eisenhower signed a bill raising pay for federal employees 7.5 percent retroactive to March 1. Over 5,000 Nisei federal workers were among those waiting for the increase.
• Power Company Loses $50,000 Damage Suit to Woman Injured by Hot Wires, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A San Francisco jury awarded $50,000 to Shizuko Fukushima of Clarksburg, who lost her right foot after falling wires ignited a fire near her home. The jury found Pacific Gas & Electric negligent.
• Declaration of Independence, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The editorial marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and links its principle of equality to the Supreme Court’s school desegregation ruling. It frames equality as a living standard for the nation.
• Passport Decision, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The editorial praises an appeals court ruling that the State Department must justify passport denials, calling travel a protected liberty. It notes the implications for Nisei stranded in Japan.
• Washington Newsletter: In Face of Adjournment, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Masaoka previews the congressional push to finish major legislation before adjournment, listing the status of key bills. He notes the Senate has moved ahead of the House this session under Majority Leader Lyndon Johnson.

Military & Veterans

• Dr. Randy Sakada Receives Eulogy in Congress Record, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Congressman Sidney Yates delivered a eulogy for Dr. Randolph Sakada in the Congressional Record, believed to be the first such honor for a Nisei in Congress. Yates praised Sakada’s lifelong dedication to equal justice.

Community

• S.F. Couple Killed in Nevada Highway Accident, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Two children of Mrs. Haruko Urabe were killed when their car overturned on a Nevada highway while traveling to visit relatives. Mrs. Urabe was seriously injured in the crash.
• So. Alameda Co. Group Cops Blue Ribbon with Feature Booth Display, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Nisei Growers, sponsored by the Southern Alameda County JACL, won first prize for their feature booth at the Alameda County Fair. It was the group’s second blue ribbon in its entries since 1949.
• Honolulu Newsletter: College Not All Book-Learning, by Larry Nakatsuka, page 3. Columnist Larry Nakatsuka describes how some Hawaii Nisei students are too focused on academics and fail to engage socially on Mainland campuses. He argues a well-rounded college experience matters for future community leadership.
• Chicago Corner: Hyde Park Graduates, by Smoky Sakurada, page 4. The column lists Nisei graduates from Hyde Park High School in Chicago and profiles active community leaders including Noboru Honda and Tom Teraji. It highlights their achievements and civic contributions.
• Dateline Northwest: Nisei Veterans Reunion—1958, by Budd Fukei, page 4. Seattle will host the 1958 Nisei Veterans Reunion, expanded to include veterans of all World War II and Korean War theaters. The columnist recalls wartime moments that showed the courage of Nisei soldiers.
• Scene from the Golden Gate: Without Vision, the People Perish, by Haruo Ishimaru, page 5. Columnist Haruo Ishimaru reflects on the United Nations sessions in San Francisco and reports on a statewide gardeners’ convention in Berkeley. He also describes the San Francisco community picnic.
• Sumptuous Piki-Niki, by Mary Oyama, page 5. Columnist Mary Oyama recounts a hotel social event in Hawaii featuring native dances, a sumptuous feast, and a memorable evening. She describes the group’s fun on a sightseeing bus trip around the island.
• Los Angeles Newsletter: New Twist for City Employees, by Henry Mori, page 7. The Los Angeles Civil Service Commission now requires job candidates to affirm they will work with anyone regardless of race. The columnist also covers Japanese American gardeners’ licensing debates and the new Southern California Gardeners Council.

Sports

• Four Records Shattered in Los Angeles Nisei Relays, by Kango Kunitsugu, page 6. Four records were broken and one equaled at the JACL Nisei Relays held at Rancho Cienega Stadium. Tom Yasuda, Vic Mitsuno, and others delivered standout performances despite competition from other community events.
• The Sports Scope, by Tats Kushida, page 6. Columnist Tats Kushida recaps the Nisei Relays and praises the Top Notch Golf Club for its invitational tournament. He also offers lighthearted commentary on family life and visiting guests.
• Top Notch Invitational Attracts Over 160 Golfers as First Successful Pro-Amateur Event, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Top Notch Golf Club held its first invitational pro-amateur tournament over the Baldwin Hills course with 178 golfers competing. Winners were announced in multiple flights with prizes valued over $1,000.

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