JACL’s planning agenda and the Saturday Evening Post editorial

Vol. 43, No. 26, December 28, 1956. 8 pages. View this issue

JACL’s direction and its public image ran through this eight-page issue. Harry I. Takagi, the new chairman of the National Planning Committee, set out his priorities: more members, steadier finances, and a fresh look at the organization’s objectives. The paper also answered a Saturday Evening Post editorial that quoted Edward Ennis’s convention speech out of context. National JACL President Roy Nishikawa wrote to the Post, and a Pacific Citizen editorial argued that Nisei loyalty had been proven in wartime. Official results on California’s Proposition 13, which repealed the alien land law, were also reported.

Elsewhere, Larry S. Tajiri reviewed an FBI book that says the Bureau opposed mass evacuation in 1942, and Bill Hosokawa wrote about the Christmas spirit. Mike Masaoka looked at Japan’s new era, and Masao Satow reported on a proposed San Francisco fair employment ordinance. Chapter news from Sacramento, Detroit, Cortez and elsewhere fills the middle pages, along with word that Miiko Taka was cast in Sayonara.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Basic Considerations for JACL Planning, by Harry I. Takagi, page 1. The incoming chairman of the National Planning Committee outlines priorities for the biennium, centering on membership growth and financial stability. He also notes the need to periodically reassess JACL’s objectives to meet changing needs.
• Editorial Indirectly Casts Doubt on JACL’s Primary Loyalty to U.S., by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Pacific Citizen editorial objects to the Saturday Evening Post’s unfair quoting of Ennis and its linking of JACL with favoring foreign interests. It argues Nisei loyalty was proven in wartime and should not be questioned.
• From the Frying Pan: Christmas Spirit, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Hosokawa criticizes the commercialism and obligation-driven Christmas card exchanges of modern American holidays. He encourages readers to carry the spirit of goodwill through the entire year.
• Tokyo Topics: California Congressman Favors Liberal Immigration, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 2. Rep. Patrick Hillings of California, visiting Japan, supported more liberal immigration and seasonal farm workers from Japan. The column also comments on complaints from refugee workers in California.
• Vagaries: The FBI Story, by Larry S. Tajiri, page 3. Tajiri reviews Don Whitehead’s FBI book, which says the Bureau opposed mass evacuation of Japanese Americans in 1942. The column recounts FBI memos showing the decision was driven by political pressure and hysteria.
• National Director’s Report: Equal Job Opportunities, by Masao Satow, page 4. Satow reports on JACL’s participation in support of San Francisco’s proposed fair employment ordinance and on efforts to correct press use of the term Jap. He also discusses the organization’s finances and upcoming national bowling tournament.
• The Northwest Picture: Lowell Thomas of Japan, by Elmer Ogawa, page 6. Ogawa recalls his friendship with Charles Yoshii, a Nisei who went to Japan in the 1930s and became a radio broadcaster. He describes Yoshii’s ties to Yosuke Matsuoka and how Yoshii’s choice drew criticism from Walter Winchell.

National

• Final Figures on Prop. 13 Released, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Official results show California voters repealed the alien land law by a wide margin in the last general election. The report also notes Proposition 17, which concerned judges’ pay, passed by a smaller margin.
• Saturday Evening Post Still Sees Main Point of Editorial as Valid, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Washington JACL office criticized the Saturday Evening Post for quoting Edward Ennis’s convention speech out of context. The Post’s associate editor replied that the main point of its editorial still stands.
• Primary Intents of JACL Stressed in Letter to Satevepost, by P.C. Staff, page 1. National JACL President Roy Nishikawa wrote the Post affirming that JACL’s primary interest is the welfare and security of the United States. He said the editorial’s out-of-context treatment of Ennis did not fairly present either Ennis or the organization.
• Japan’s New Era, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Masaoka outlines Japan’s admission to the United Nations, the election of Tanzan Ishibashi as prime minister, and the ending of the state of war with the Soviet Union. He argues these developments matter greatly to Nisei and Issei in the United States.
• JACL Attends White House Conference, by P.C. Staff, page 8. JACL representative Tad Masaoka attended a White House People-to-People Partnership conference on nationality groups. The conference explored ways such organizations could support government efforts to promote international understanding.

Community

• Seattle Scout Wins First Sangha Award, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Bobby Y. Kurimoto of Seattle became the first in the United States to receive the Boy Scout Sangha Award for service to the Buddhist Church. He is an Eagle Scout and Sunday School teacher.
• Noted Fresno Issei Couple Naturalized, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A prominent Fresno-area Issei couple became U.S. citizens in the first naturalization group proceeding held in a federal court. The article notes their family’s standing in the community.
• Yuba City Nisei Joins $450,000 Damage Suit Against Gov’t and Public Utility, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Yuba City Nisei including the Komatsubara family joined a federal suit seeking damages from the flood caused by a levee break in December 1955. The suit charges negligence by the Army Corps of Engineers and the Pacific Gas and Electric Co.
• Togasaki to Speak at N.Y. Inaugural, by P.C. Staff, page 2. George Togasaki will be the principal speaker at the New York JACL chapter’s installation dinner on January 4. The newly elected board members will be installed at the event.
• Nisei Assists UCLA Scientist Develop Anti-Smog Device for Automobiles, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A UCLA team including Nisei researcher Hiroshi Kimura developed a device that injects water mist into car engines to reduce nitrogen oxides, a key smog ingredient. The device is expected to be patented and tested on automobiles within two months.
• Blind Nisei to Head Vet Post in Idaho, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Tommy Miyazaki, a blind poultryman and active Yellowstone JACL member, was elected commander of the Rexburg American Legion Post. He has also been re-elected second vice-chairman of the Intermountain JACL District Council.
• Fair Employment Practices Ordinance Introduced in San Francisco, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A fair employment practices ordinance was introduced before the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, supported by a committee including several Nisei leaders. The measure follows models operating successfully in eleven states and major cities.
• Sacramento Chapter Ends Active Year, Forms Auxiliary, Jr. JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Sacramento JACL chapter recognized long-serving members and reported a successful year including formation of a women’s auxiliary and a junior chapter. Sharon Nishimi was honored as National JACL Queen.
• College President Installs Nishimoto, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Hugo Nishimoto was installed as president of the Placer County JACL at a dinner in Loomis. Sierra College president Harold Weaver also spoke on the proposed Placer County junior college district.
• San Francisco JACL Elects 10 New 2-Yr. Board of Governors Members, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Ten new members were elected to the San Francisco JACL board of governors by mail ballot. Officers will be installed at a joint dinner with the Women’s Auxiliary in January.
• Cortez Elects Hiro Asai President; ’57 Membership Campaign Also Starts, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Hiro Asai was elected 1957 president of the Cortez JACL, and a new membership drive was launched. The chapter also reported progress on a swimming pool project and its 4-H sewing support.
• Selma CLers Assist Chamber of Commerce Stage Annual Guest Day Observance, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Selma JACL members hosted visitors during the Chamber of Commerce’s Guest Day, including a retired railroad couple from Arizona. The chapter helped with a reception, dinner, and entertainment.
• Yo Kasai to Head Detroit CL Chapter, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Yo Kasai was elected 1957 president of the Detroit JACL at its annual election meeting. Other officers were also named at the event.
• Over 125 Youngsters Enjoy Christmas Party, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Detroit JACL sponsored a Christmas party for about 125 children with gifts, a puppet show, and carols. Committee members organized the program and refreshments.
• Three Salinas JACLers Qualify for Gallon Club, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Tom Miyanaga, Bob Yamamoto, and Kiyo Hirano became members of the Red Cross Blood Bank Gallon Club. The Salinas chapter also held a Christmas party with Santa Claus and movies.
• Sacramento JACL Prepares for New Year’s Eve Dance, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Sacramento JACL announced its annual New Year’s Eve dance at the Masonic Temple with favors and refreshments. Admission is $3 per couple.
• Fowler JACL Prepares for Alien Registration, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Fowler JACL will help Issei aliens complete address registration forms in January. The chapter also held a successful Christmas program and plans a benefit movie.
• San Luis Obispo JACL Installs 1957 Cabinet, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The San Luis Obispo JACL installed its 1957 cabinet at a barbecue dinner meeting at Pismo Beach Veterans Building. The new officers took office after retiring president Seirin Ikeda.
• Los Angeles Newsletter: ICBG SWLA JACL, by Henry Mori, page 6. The Southwest Los Angeles JACL held a dinner dance honoring active members and planned a chapter directory. The column also notes sapphire pin awardees and Miiko Taka’s casting in Sayonara.
• Nisei Veterans 15th Anniversary Reunion Committee, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Representatives from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Hawaii met with the Seattle steering committee to plan transportation and housing for the 1958 Nisei Veterans reunion. The reunion will include Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
• Christmas Cheer Tops $2,000 Goal, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Los Angeles JACL Christmas Cheer project surpassed its $2,000 goal, providing baskets to about 280 needy families. Donations of cash, canned goods, and toys were received from many groups and individuals.

Sports

• Two Nisei Gain JC All-America Honors, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Tommy Uyeda of LA Valley JC and Ray Kawano of Oceanside were named to the Junior College All-America team. Both were selected after coaches and opponents voted.
• Nisei Gridders Named for L.A. City Honors, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Doug Furuta and Kenji Sasaki were named first-string guards on the All-Southern team for city high school honors. Alvin Imamura and Carl Wada also earned all-league selections.
• Shigeji Kaneko Named Fighter of the Year, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Far Eastern featherweight champion Shigeji Kaneko was selected Fighter of the Year for the second straight time by Japanese boxing writers. He won five of six matches this past year.

Military & Veterans

• Sayonara Actress Miiko Taka Named, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Miiko Taka, a 21-year-old Los Angeles student, was cast as Hana-ogi in Warner Bros.’ Sayonara after a worldwide search. The article describes her background and role.

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