The 14th Biennial JACL convention in San Francisco, 1956

Vol. 43, No. 9, August 31, 1956. 12 pages. View this issue

The 14th Biennial national convention of the JACL, held in San Francisco over Labor Day weekend, filled most of this 12-page issue. George Inagaki wrote his last column as National President, and Harry Honda profiled him as he retired. Masao Satow’s director’s report and columns by Mike Masaoka and Harry K. Honda looked at what the organization stands for. Candidates for the 1956-58 national offices were introduced in pieces by Yas Ariko, Miwa Yanamoto and Elmer Ogawa.

Other columns looked back. Mary Oyama recalled the 1932 convention in Los Angeles, and Tamotsu Murayama wrote about the early JACL years. Elsewhere, the paper reported new endorsements for Proposition 13 to repeal the Alien Land Law, a reunion date for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and plans for the 1000 Club Whing-Ding and the Sayonara Ball.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Final Expression of Gratitude, by George Inagaki, page 1. In his final column as National President, George Inagaki thanks the general membership, national board members, and national staff for their support during his term. He describes the JACL as being on a sounder foundation than ever before.
• From the Frying Pan: Fujiwara Opera Co., by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Hosokawa reviews the Fujiwara Opera Company’s performance of Madame Butterfly at Red Rocks in Denver, noting the poor staging conditions. He questions whether the opera is an appropriate Japanese cultural export and suggests Kabuki would be better.
• Tokyo Topics: Early JACL Days Crimson, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 2. Murayama recalls the early JACL movement in the 1920s, including opposition from Issei groups, nationalistic Kibei, and yobiyose youth. He reflects on how former antagonists have since joined in welcoming the convention.
• Very Truly Yours: JACL in Its Essence, by Harry K. Honda, page 7. Honda reflects on a discussion with a prospective member about the nature of JACL as purpose and people. He quotes the JACL preamble and constitution to define the organization’s fundamentals.
• Smoglites: ’32 Convention Memories, by Mary Oyama, page 10. Oyama recalls the Second National JACL Convention held in 1932 in Los Angeles and the delegates she met. She reflects on how the young Nisei of that era were more interested in socials than in organizational matters.
• Los Angeles Newsletter: S.F. Post-Mortem, by Henry Mori, page 11. Mori recounts his Republican National Convention visit to San Francisco and renewed acquaintances there. He describes meeting Scotty Tsuchiya and several Nisei journalists and community leaders.
• Washington Newsletter: JACL Convention, by Mike Masaoka, page 12. Masaoka argues that the 14th Biennial marks the start of JACL’s second quarter century and reflects changed perspectives. He pays tribute to George Inagaki’s leadership and previews speakers Edward Ennis and Maxwell Rabb.

JACL

• 300 San Franciscans Assist in Staging 14th Biennial Confab, by P.C. Staff, page 1. San Francisco chapter took over the 1956 national JACL convention after the national board left the site decision open. Nearly 300 volunteers are staging the 14th Biennial at the Sheraton-Palace Hotel over Labor Day weekend.
• ‘Callahan’ Retires as National JACL President, by Harry Honda, page 1. George J. Inagaki retires as national JACL president after leading the organization through its transitional period from 1952 to 1956. The article traces his wartime service, his Army and Navy career, and his leadership roles.
• Sayonara Ball to Close 14th Biennial, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Sayonara Ball will close the 14th Biennial on Monday, Sept. 3, at the Sheraton-Palace with Del Courtney’s orchestra. Sharon Nishimi, Miss National JACL, will reign over the event.
• JACL Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The article lists the San Francisco convention board members and committee chairmen organizing the 14th Biennial. It describes the history of convention planning after the 1954 meeting.
• Candidates for 1956-58 National JACL Offices, by Yas Ariko, page 5. The NCWN District Council nominated Jack Noda, Dr. Harry Y. Kita, and Jerry Enomoto for national offices. Brief biographies of each nominee are provided.
• Director’s Report: Changing Perspectives, by Masao Satow, page 6. Satow restates JACL’s three basic purposes since its founding and explains the meaning of the convention theme. He argues the fundamentals remain constant even as circumstances change.
• Candidates from PSWDC, by Miwa Yanamoto, page 7. The Pacific Southwest District Council nominated Dr. Roy M. Nishikawa, David Yokozeki, Ken Dyo, and Hana Uno for national office. Biographies detail each candidate’s JACL service.
• Detroit JACL Set for 10th Anniversary Sept. 29, by Yoshiko Inouye, page 8. The Detroit JACL chapter, formed June 7, 1946, will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a dinner-dance on Sept. 29. Dr. T. T. Yatabe will be the guest speaker.

National

• Yes for Prop. 13 Gains New Support, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Los Angeles Mirror News, the California State Federation of Labor, and other groups endorsed Proposition 13 to repeal the Alien Land Law. The endorsements were reported by the Southern California JACL Regional Office.

Community

• 1000ers Urged to Get Tickets for Whing-Ding, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Delegates were urged to buy tickets for the 1000 Club Whing-Ding at the Surf Club. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner and ten acts emceed by Tokuzo Gordon.
• Calif. Voter Registration Deadline Emphasized by Pasadena JACL Chapter, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Pasadena JACL urged Issei and Nisei to register to vote before the Sept. 13 California deadline. The chapter also planned an Oct. 18 general meeting and a Prop. 13 campaign.
• Northwest Picture: William Y. Mimbu, by Elmer Ogawa, page 8. Ogawa profiles William Y. Mimbu, the Pacific Northwest candidate for 2nd national vice-president. The article covers Mimbu’s education, legal career, wartime service, and community leadership.

Obituaries

• Plant Disease Expert Wins MSU Appointment, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. Harry H. Murakishi, former chairman of plant pathology at the University of Hawaii, was appointed associate professor at Michigan State University. He will devote full time to research on vegetable diseases.
• Ab Jenkins, by Larry S. Tajiri, page 5. Tajiri remembers Salt Lake City Mayor Ab Jenkins, who recently died, for welcoming Nisei and Issei evacuees in 1942. He recounts Jenkins’s kindness and his support during the years of the JACL headquarters relocation.

Military & Veterans

• 442nd Reunion Dates in 1958 Announced, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Dick Setsuda announced that the 442nd RCT anniversary reunion will be held July 19, 1958, and continue for two weeks. Details on the reunion were given by the steering committee.

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