The 1955 Silver Jubilee issue: 25 years of the JACL

Vol. 41, No. 26, December 23, 1955. 84 pages. View this issue

The JACL’s first quarter century was the subject of this 84-page holiday issue. Elmer Smith’s four-part “Did You Know? The JACL Story” ran from the founding of the league in Seattle in 1930 through its wartime decisions and postwar campaigns. Profiles of past national presidents appeared alongside it, written by Shig Wakamatsu, Bill Hosokawa, Min Yasui, Tats Kushida, Ken Uchida and Abe Hagiwara. National President George Inagaki looked ahead to the next 25 years, and Mike M. Masaoka argued that the organization was still needed.

Many pages belonged to the chapters. Detroit, Chicago, New York, Seattle, Portland, Denver’s Mile-Hi, Placer County, Hollywood, Pasadena and others each told their own histories and 1955 activities. Mary Oyama wrote about Suma Sugi, a young JACL member who lobbied Congress in 1931. A short story by Ferris Takahashi and Father Clement’s Christmas message also appeared. About 66 of the issue’s 84 pages carried holiday greeting ads.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

  • Very Truly Yours, by Harry K. Honda, page 2. Editor Harry Honda thanks the many staff and volunteers who helped produce the Silver Jubilee edition and previews plans for next year’s issue. He credits chapter solicitors and artists whose work made the holiday issue possible.
  • The Christmas Message, by Father Clement, page 2. Father Clement reflects on the meaning of the first Christmas and the spiritual gifts it represents. He urges readers to keep the Christ-Child in their hearts.
  • Hito Okada: President 1946-50, Service First, by Ken Uchida, page 10. Profiles Hito Okada, who served two terms as national JACL president and founded the JACL credit union and 1000 Club. His dedication to service and community is emphasized.
  • No Reason for Qualms in JACL’s Next 25 Years, by George Inagaki, page 12. National President George Inagaki reflects on his JACL involvement since 1932 and looks ahead to the organization’s next quarter century with optimism. He credits past leaders for the progress made.
  • Assurance of Future Lies in Responsible Organization, by Mike M. Masaoka, page 28. Washington representative Mike Masaoka argues that the JACL remains necessary despite major achievements, citing continuing issues like housing discrimination and dual nationality. He urges a responsible organization to address future challenges.

Community

  • Native Daughter in Washington: Story of the first Nisei lobbyist, Miss Suma Sugi of Los Angeles, by Mary Oyama, page 2. Profiles Suma Sugi, who as a young JACL member lobbied Congress in 1931 to pass the Cable Act restoring citizenship to Nisei women who had married aliens. Her early experiences with discrimination in school and her later career are recounted.
  • Short Story: Enough Love to Share, by Ferris Takahashi, page 13. A short story about Robert Sano, whose disabled wife Aiko and his attraction to neighbor Eline create a painful moral dilemma. The story explores duty, love, and sacrifice.
  • Detroit’s Chapter Growth Seen in Leaders, Toilers, by Mary Seriguchi, page 14. Surveys the Detroit JACL chapter’s history and key leaders from its founding in 1946 to the present. It credits volunteers and officers who sustained the chapter through its growth.
  • Marysville celebrates 20th year with Frank Nakamura, by Dan Nishita, page 14. Reports on the Marysville chapter’s 1955 calendar of events, including installation dinners, a community picnic, and a scholarship. Frank Nakamura is recognized with the JACL sapphire pin for his service.
  • Mt. Olympus JACL Forms Committees and Issei Appreciation Night, by Alice Kasai, page 15. Describes the Salt Lake City-area Mt. Olympus chapter’s 1955 activities, including new officers, a bowling league, and a well-attended Issei appreciation program. Supporting committees and social events are summarized.
  • Hollywood JACL honors 200 Issei new citizens in top ’55 event, by Midori Watanabe, page 15. Recounts the Hollywood chapter’s 1955 year under president Miwa Yanamoto, highlighting a banquet honoring 200 new Issei citizens. Other civic and social programs are summarized.
  • Salt Lake Junior JACL Stands On Own Feet in Three Years, by Edna Masuda, page 15. Describes the founding and early activities of the Salt Lake Junior JACL, from its first rally in 1954 to its growing role in community socials.
  • Kazie Yokoyama best remembered for sterling membership drive, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 16. Recognizes Kazie Yokoyama of Seattle for her membership drive that more than doubled the chapter’s membership in 1953. Her continued service on the 1000 Club and Board of Governors is noted.
  • Placer Nine Cops Nisei Championship Again, by Homer Takahashi, page 18. Recounts the Placer JACL baseball team’s 1955 season, including its state Nisei championship and Placer-Nevada league play. Key players and the team’s prospects are discussed.
  • Chicago JACL History and Membership, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 19. Surveys the Chicago chapter’s history from 1946 forward, including its growth and key leaders, and its role in the Midwest District.
  • Sacramento Boxing Promoter Samuel Ichinose Profile, by Tad Yamachika, page 20. Profiles Samuel Ichinose of Honolulu, a boxing promoter with a varied career as coach, manager, politician, and restaurant owner. His international boxing connections and personality are described.
  • Four chapters form backbone of strategic Eastern District, by Bill Sasagawa, page 25. Describes the Eastern District Council, composed of New York, Seabrook, Philadelphia, and Washington chapters, and its political and social importance. The changing role of the Boston chapter is noted.
  • New York JACL Chapter Activities, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 25. Describes the New York JACL’s history, membership, and leaders, and its role within the Eastern District Council.
  • Gila River JACL Only WRA Chapter, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 26. Recounts the founding of the Butte JACL chapter at the Gila River relocation center in 1942, the only such chapter in a WRA camp. Its early officers and organizers are named.
  • Sonoma County Hosts District Council Parley, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 26. Reports on the Sonoma County JACL’s 1955 activities, including its membership drive, benefit movie, women’s auxiliary, and hosting of a district convention.
  • Central California District History Goes Back 30 Years, by Kenji Tashiro, page 33. Traces the Central California District Council from its origins in the American Loyalty League of Fresno through its formation in 1949 and annual conventions. Key leaders and achievements, including naturalization ceremonies, are described.
  • San Francisco Auxiliary Diversifies Women’s Program, by Viola Nakano, page 35. Describes the San Francisco JACL Women’s Auxiliary’s 1955 activities, including its fashion show, house tour, and cooking classes. The auxiliary’s contributions to the chapter are highlighted.
  • Oakland JACL Chapter Events and Bay Area Members, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 36. Surveys the East Bay chapters including Oakland, Alameda, and Berkeley, noting their membership and community roles. Local businesses and leaders are listed.
  • Oakland JACL Chapter Plays Role in Area Community, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 36. Describes the Oakland JACL chapter’s history and community roles in the East Bay, noting its prewar and postwar leaders.
  • Coachella Valley JACL Citizenship Classes and Losses, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 37. Reports on the Coachella Valley JACL’s citizenship classes, which helped many Issei become citizens, and the loss of two active members in an auto accident.
  • Mile-Hi JACLers miles ahead pushing community service, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 40. Reports the Denver Mile-Hi chapter’s 1955 activities, including its recognition dinner, Red Cross drive, and community events. Its leadership and biennial district convention are described.
  • Denver Mile-Hi Chapter: Recognition Dinner and Activities, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 40. Reports the Denver Mile-Hi JACL’s 1955 recognition dinner, its Red Cross work, and its biennial district convention.
  • Southwest Los Angeles Chapter Enjoys Successful Year, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 41. Summarizes the Southwest Los Angeles chapter’s 1955 activities, from a membership drive reaching 754 members to dances, cooking classes, and social events. The chapter’s growth from 50 members in 1948 is recounted.
  • Redwood City Junior JACL Movement Active in Sequoia Chapter, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 42. Reports on the Junior Tri-Villes girls’ club affiliated with the Sequoia JACL, describing its service projects, workshops, and social events in 1955.
  • Redwood City Junior JACL Movement Active, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 42. Describes Sequoia JACL’s junior girls’ club activities including service projects, workshops, and social events in 1955.
  • Redwood City Sequoia JACL Tri-Villes Activities, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 42. Describes the Sequoia JACL’s junior and senior Tri-Villes clubs, their membership, and their community and social programs.
  • Lincoln Gleaned Enough Love… West Los Angeles Record Speaks, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 43. Describes the West Los Angeles JACL’s record in 1955 including its membership growth to 425, installation dinners, golf tournaments, and community programs. Its history since 1948 is outlined.
  • Idaho Falls Chapter’s Annual Carnival, by George Tokita, page 44. Describes the Idaho Falls JACL’s January carnival, sponsored with local merchants’ donations, which raises funds for the chapter and the IDC quota.
  • Omaha Chapter Feb. 12 Dinner Highlights Year, by Mary Misaki, page 44. Reports the Omaha JACL’s 1955 recognition dinner honoring new Issei citizens and pioneer residents, plus its other chapter events. Membership records and key leaders are noted.
  • Idaho Falls Chapter and Southeastern Idaho Leaders, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 44. Surveys the Idaho Falls JACL chapter and its history since 1940, with its presidents and community activities summarized.
  • Lonely Marker of Okei-san Nestles in High Sierras, by Roy T. Yoshida, page 45. Describes the grave of Okei-san, a Japanese girl colonist who died in California in 1871, and the Placer JACL’s attempts to beautify it. The dispute over its preservation is recounted.
  • Placer County Chapter Formed in 1927 to Promote Welfare, by Roy T. Yoshida, page 47. Recounts the founding of the Placer County JACL in 1927-28 and its growth into a respected community organization. Its baseball team, public relations, and Issei naturalization successes are noted.
  • San Benito County JACL: Tower of Strength, by Haruo Ishimaru, page 48. Profiles the San Benito County chapter, one of the JACL’s smallest yet most active, since its 1935 founding. Its chapter presidents and record of community service are highlighted.
  • Pasadena JACL Stresses Service to Issei and Community, by Mack Yamaguchi, page 49. Summarizes the Pasadena JACL’s 1955 activities, including Issei registration, dance classes, an interclub carnival, and a Christmas potluck. Its service orientation is emphasized.
  • Hollywood JACL Activities Under Miwa Yanamoto, by Midori Watanabe, page 51. Summarizes Hollywood JACL’s 1955 social, civic, and community programs including citizenship events and a Halloween dance.
  • Seattle Chapter Biographical Notes and Leaders, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 52. Surveys the Seattle JACL chapter’s history from 1921 onward, its early leaders, and its contributions to Northwest JACL work.
  • Portland JACL Pioneer Chapter Leaders, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 52. Recounts the Portland JACL’s history since 1928 and lists its presidents from the prewar years to the present.
  • Monterey Peninsula JACL and Local Businesses, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 58. Lists Monterey Peninsula JACL members and local Nisei-owned businesses in the area, with a brief note on the chapter’s prewar origins.
  • Greetings from Stockton JACL and French Camp Chapter, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 61. Brief holiday greetings from the Stockton and French Camp JACL chapters with a summary of their chapter histories.
  • Denver JACL Chapter Leaders and Activities, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 67. Surveys the Denver JACL and Mile-Hi chapter’s history, officers, and community services from the 1940s onward.
  • Fresno Chapter JACL Holiday Issue Recognition, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 77. Recognizes the Fresno JACL chapter as the grand-daddy of JACL chapters and summarizes its historical role in Central California.
  • Salt Lake City JACL Chapter Holiday Message, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 79. Holiday greetings and cabinet listing from the Salt Lake City JACL chapter, with notes on its postwar programs and leaders.
  • Salinas JACL Chapter Holiday Message, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 81. Holiday greetings from the Salinas JACL chapter and brief notes on its community programs and membership.
  • San Diego JACL Chapter Holiday Greetings, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 82. Holiday greetings from the San Diego JACL chapter with a brief history of its prewar and postwar activities.

In-Depth

  • Did You Know? The JACL Story, Part One, by Elmer Smith, page 2. Traces the origins of Nisei organizations from the Fresno Loyalty League and San Francisco meetings through the founding of the JACL in Seattle in 1930. The early purposes and resolutions of the organization are described.
  • Grand-Daddy of JACL: Dr. T. T. Yatabe, by Shig Wakamatsu, page 3. Traces Dr. Thomas T. Yatabe’s leadership from the Fresno American Loyalty League through founding the JACL and serving as its first constitutional president. His efforts against school segregation and discriminatory laws are highlighted.
  • Blind, But With Vision: Jimmie Y. Sakamoto, President 1936-38, by Bill Hosokawa, page 4. Profiles Jimmie Sakamoto, blind publisher of the Japanese American Courier and JACL president, describing his newspaper struggles and his later work at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. His devotion to the Nisei community is emphasized.
  • Loyal American: Col. Walter T. Tsukamoto, National President 1938-40, by Min Yasui, page 7. Recounts Walter Tsukamoto’s legal career, his leadership in building the JACL in the late 1930s, and his wartime military service. His public stance of undivided loyalty to the United States is highlighted.
  • A Silver Dream: Saburo Kido, 1940-46, by Tats Kushida, page 8. Profiles Saburo Kido, the wartime JACL president who led the organization through evacuation and resettlement. His legal battles against the Alien Land Laws and his postwar achievements are described.
  • Dr. Randolph M. Sakada: Frustration to Fruition, by Abe Hagiwara, page 14. Reviews the presidency of Dr. Randolph Sakada from 1950 to 1952, covering the Walter-McCarran bill battle, evacuation claims settlement, and passage of Issei naturalization rights. His contributions to the JACL are emphasized.
  • Who’s Who in JACL: Chapter Presidents 1928-1955, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 31. Compiles a chronological list of chapter presidents across JACL’s history by chapter, honoring the local leaders who built the organization. Gaps in records are acknowledged.
  • Did You Know? The JACL Story, Part Two, by Elmer Smith, page 62. Continues the JACL history through the 1930s, covering growth, political battles over discriminatory laws, and the 1940 Portland convention. Wartime concerns and the emergence of the organization as a spokesman for Nisei are outlined.
  • Did You Know? The JACL Story, Part Three, by Elmer Smith, page 66. Describes the JACL’s response to Pearl Harbor, evacuation, and the decision to constructively cooperate with the government. Its wartime services and resistance to discriminatory legislation are documented.
  • Did You Know? The JACL Story, Part Four, by Elmer Smith, page 76. Covers postwar JACL work, including the Denver convention, the Anti-Discrimination Committee, and campaigns against alien land laws and racial covenants. The 1950 Chicago convention and claims processing problems close the account.

Military & Veterans

  • Callahan’s Corner: Joji Inagaki, National President 1952-56, by Tats Kushida, page 12. Biographical sketch of JACL national president George Inagaki, covering his youth in Sacramento, his wartime service in the Navy and his rise through JACL leadership. His commitment to the organization is emphasized.
  • Hollywood Chapter Miwa Yanamoto Named Chapter Personality, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 51. Profiles Hollywood chapter president Miwa Yanamoto, praising her leadership and dedication to civic service. Her cabinet and activities in 1955 are described.

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.

More from Issue archive