Tats Kushida’s farewell and Japanese war brides in the U.S.

Vol. 44, No. 23, June 7, 1957. 8 pages. View this issue

Tats Kushida’s departure after ten years as JACL’s regional director ran through this eight-page issue. Dr. Roy M. Nishikawa’s President’s Corner praised his service, a testimonial dinner was set for that night, and Kushida himself bid farewell in his Hakucho Uta column. Mike Masaoka told the National Conference of Social Work about the problems of Japanese wives of American servicemen, and later reviewed immigration bills in his column. On evacuation claims, the Senate Appropriations Committee added $769,960.84, bringing the total to $2,444,119.77, and nine churches were listed as awardees for the first time.

Bill Hosokawa and Larry S. Tajiri contributed columns, Tajiri on wartime anti-Nisei films returning on television. Chapter news covered graduate banquets, picnics and career workshops, and the Shonien fund drive began with $6,000. Sports pages included Elmer Ogawa’s profile of a family of speedboat racers and a tribute by Royal Brougham. Harry K. Honda introduced cartoonist Pete Hironaka.

What’s in this issue

JACL

  • In Contributing to the Common Good, by Dr. Roy M. Nishikawa, page 1. JACL President’s Corner praises the service of staff member Tats Kushida, who resigns after ten years. The column reflects on the rewards of working for a service organization like JACL.

Incarceration & Redress

  • 26,000 Japanese War Brides in U.S. Group Told, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Mike Masaoka urged the National Conference of Social Work to consider the problems of Japanese wives of American servicemen. He noted that most are doing relatively well despite sensational headlines distorting the public picture.

Community

  • Nisei to Represent Own School at Girls State, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Ann Ninomiya of Richmond High School was selected as the school’s representative to Girls State at UC Davis. The program is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary.
  • Community Picnic, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Berkeley JACL and Renraku Iinkai will co-sponsor a Japanese community picnic on June 16 at Camp Padre in Tilden Park. Akira Nakamura and Toke Ariyoshi are co-chairmen of the picnic committee.
  • Buddhist Groups Pushing $50,000 Seminary Drive, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A seminary for English-speaking Buddhist ministers in Kyoto has spurred interest in the Buddhist Churches of America’s campaign to raise $50,000. Seven California member churches have reportedly surpassed their goals.
  • Testimonial Dinner for Kushida Tonight, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Up to 200 Southlanders are expected at a testimonial dinner honoring Tats Kushida, who resigns as regional JACL director after ten years. Fred Takata, his successor, will be introduced at the event.
  • Leading Nisei Businessmen in Tokyo Met with Gov. Seiichiro Yasui, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 3. Nisei businessmen in Tokyo met with Governor Yasui to plan a Nisei Businessmen’s Association in Japan. The group may hold a conference in the U.S. or Japan to improve U.S.-Japan relations.
  • Rep. Judd’s Tribute to JACL-Nisei Reprinted in Japan Times Supplement, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 3. The Japan Times published a four-page supplement about the Nisei for the first time, including Rep. Walter Judd’s tribute to JACL. The supplement led to formation of a Nisei businessmen’s group in Tokyo.
  • Japanese War Bride Fights for Estate, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A Detroit court will hear further argument over an estate contested by the parents of Royce Rowe and his Japanese war bride, Matsuko Yamamoto Rowe. The parents claim the marriage was fraudulent, while Matsuko’s counsel argues fraud claims cannot be made after a party’s death.
  • $6,000 Starts Off Shonien Fund Drive, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Fifty Issei and Nisei community leaders contributed $6,000 at the kickoff of the SOS-Support Our Shonien campaign. Volunteers from over 40 Southland organizations are supporting the drive through June 16.
  • Shonien Director Named to Welfare Planning Committee, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Shonien Director Mike Suzuki was appointed to the executive committee of the Children’s Institute Section of the Los Angeles Welfare Planning Council. The appointment was made at the council’s annual conference.
  • Japanese Heritage Asset in Business World, Sequoia Jr. JACLers Told, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Some 90 students attended a Sequoia JACL career workshop in Palo Alto. Moderators advised participants that their Japanese heritage can be an asset in the business world.
  • Cincinnati CL Screens ‘This Is Your Life’ Kine, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Cincinnati JACL screened a This Is Your Life film honoring Mike Masaoka at a potluck meeting. Plans were discussed for the upcoming EDC-MDC convention in Chicago over Labor Day.
  • Mile-Hi JACL Joins in K. of C. Fete, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Mile-Hi JACL and Colorado Fellowship presented Japanese dance and music at the Denver Knights of Columbus hall. Bob Horiuchi extended congratulations on the organization’s 75th anniversary.
  • Boise Valley JACL Grad Banquet Set, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Boise Valley JACL will hold its annual graduates banquet on June 14 with College of Idaho president Tom Shearer as speaker. A dance will follow the banquet.
  • Reno Community Picnic Scheduled for June 23, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Reno JACL announced its community picnic for June 23 at Idlewild Park under chairman Fred Aoyama. The chapter also completed its annual beautification of Japanese graves.
  • Issei Citizenship Class Instructors Recognized, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Twenty former citizenship teachers in Stockton were honored at a recognition night, including Marie de Carli and Greyce Kato. The two had organized Issei citizenship classes from 1952 to 1954.
  • Life Members and 1000 Club Renewals Reported, by P.C. Staff, page 4. National JACL reported 200 1000 Club renewals and new memberships for May, bringing the total to 1,151. Life member and multi-year member recognitions were also listed.
  • Santa Maria JACL Plans Graduates Dance June 15, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The recently reactivated Santa Maria Valley JACL is sponsoring a graduation dance for local Nisei graduates at the Minerva Club. It is the first such dance in the valley since the war.
  • Journalistic Artist Joins PC Family, by Harry K. Honda, page 5. Pete Hironaka of the Dayton Daily News, believed to be the only Nisei journalistic artist, will contribute editorial cartoons with a Nisei angle to the Pacific Citizen. He is a longtime Dayton JACL member and graduate of Miami University.
  • Chicago Graduates to Be Guests at New Horizons Hop, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Chicago JACL will honor local 1957 high school graduates at a social on June 15 at the Sheridan Plaza Hotel. The event will include announcement of Chicago’s nominee for the Pvt. Ben Frank Masaoka Scholarship.
  • Dr. Sammy Lee to Show Olympic Films Tonight, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Orange County JACL will host Dr. Sammy Lee showing personal Olympic films at a June meeting in Garden Grove. A dinner meeting on stocks and bonds with Clifford Tanaka is also planned.
  • Sequoia Board Meeting to Feature China-Meshi, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Sequoia JACL’s board meeting will be held June 8 at the San Jose home of president Peter Nakahara, followed by a Chinese dinner he prepares. The meeting is part of the chapter’s regular business.
  • Snake River CL Sponsors Youth for Oregon Boys State, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Jerry Matsunaga of Nyssa was selected by the Snake River Valley JACL to represent the chapter at Oregon Boys State. The American Legion program trains outstanding high school juniors in government.
  • Over 100 Frolic at Mile-Hi NICC Hop, by P.C. Staff, page 6. More than 100 people attended the JACL-NICC Graduates Dance in Denver honoring local high school and college graduates. Graduates received gold pens and the event featured an intermission program.
  • Rose Marie Catering Service, by P.C. Staff, page 6. A catering service advertisement offering weddings and engagement party services. Included as a promotional notice only.
  • Nisei Golf Handicap Procedures to Be Aired, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Southern California Nisei Golf Club Association handicap chairmen will meet June 13 to review handicapping procedures. A representative from the U.S. Golf Association will explain methods of handicapping.
  • Nisei Insurancemen in Safety Campaign, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Japanese Casualty Insurance Association of Los Angeles is participating in June Speed Control Month. The campaign links speed to highway fatalities, citing Highway Patrol statistics.
  • Issei Woman, 76, Wins Garden Society’s Top Recognition, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Mrs. Tomoko Yamamoto of Des Moines received the Catherine-Thomas Carey Memorial Award from the Garden Society of America. She is known for her flower arrangements in Better Homes and Gardens.
  • Gov’t Employee Cited for Efficiency at Desk, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Machiko N. Ota of El Cerrito received a Superior Service Award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for contributions to efficiency in the division’s operations. She has worked with USDA since 1946.
  • Army Engineer Employee Honored by N.Y. Office, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Florence Sasajima received an Outstanding Performance Award from the U.S. Army Engineer District in New York. She has worked with the Army Engineers since 1950.
  • Singer to Visit Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Umeko Shindo, a contralto studying in New York, taught tenor Richard Tucker two Japanese songs by Kosaku Yamada for his Far Eastern tour. Tucker will perform them when he visits Japan.
  • Nisei Deputy Cited for 10-Yr. Service, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Deputy Hiroshi Isago received his 10-year county service pin from Los Angeles County Marshal Joe Bookman. Judge John Aiso praised his record and encouraged young Nisei to pursue public service.
  • Committeemen Named for San Francisco Picnic, by P.C. Staff, page 8. San Francisco JACL announced committee members for the June 16 community picnic at Speedway Meadows in Golden Gate Park. The picnic is co-sponsored with the Nichibei Kai and Japanese Chamber of Commerce.
  • CL-Sponsored Speakers Club to Stay Independent, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The San Francisco JACL-sponsored Speakers Club elected Yone Satoda as president and decided to remain independent rather than join Toastmasters. Installation is set for June 10.
  • Univ. of Oregon Dads Honor Portland Graduate, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Ronald Nakata, a graduating senior at Franklin High in Portland, was recognized as an honor scholar by the University of Oregon Dads. He is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Mark R. Nakata, active JACLers.

Military & Veterans

  • JACL Participates in Memorial Day Rites at Arlington Cemetery; Sagging Nisei Interest in War Dead Scored by D.C. JACLers, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL members took part in Memorial Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Chairman Ira Shimasaki criticized declining Nisei participation in decorating the graves of the 20 Nisei interred there.
  • Japanese KP, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Pfc. Kiyohito ‘Mike’ Tsutsui received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for sharing rations and protecting American POWs in a North Korean camp. He is believed to be the first Japanese to receive the honor.

National

  • Senate Committee Amends Claims Supplemental Appropriation Bill, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Senate Appropriations Committee added $769,960.84 to evacuation claims payments, bringing the total to $2,444,119.77. The amendment covers 321 individual names along with several churches, language schools, and organizations.
  • Non-Profit Groups Listed for First Time as Claim Awardees, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Attorney General approved 116 evacuation claims awards totaling $610,313.29 for April 1957. Nine Buddhist and Christian churches and several other non-profit organizations were listed as awardees for the first time.

Commentary

  • From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Hosokawa reflects on the spring weather in Denver and the difficulties of lawn care. He also comments on a California farm leader’s praise of Japanese farm workers and questions whether it reflects the same selfish motives behind wartime evacuation.
  • Vagaries, by Larry S. Tajiri, page 3. Tajiri criticizes wartime anti-Nisei films, such as Air Force and Across the Pacific, being rebroadcast on television and spreading false disloyalty charges. He explains that JACL is working with stations to remove offensive portions, and notes block-booking makes this difficult.
  • Hakucho Uta, by Tats Kushida, page 4. Kushida bids farewell as regional director after ten years, reflecting on his JACL service and the leaders he worked with. He announces he will join California-Western States Life Insurance Co. and hopes to continue serving the community.
  • Immigration Bills, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Masaoka reviews immigration legislation and Rep. Walter’s subcommittee approach of amending private bills to adopt humanitarian provisions. Three of the amendments would benefit Japanese Americans and have JACL’s support in principle.

Sports

  • Chopsticks at 75 MPH, by Elmer Ogawa, page 6. Elmer Ogawa profiles the Yamauchi family of Pasco, Washington, who race speedboats in the limited hydroplane classes at Seattle’s Green Lake. Jim Yamauchi finished fourth in his final heat, and his wife Pearl is an accomplished competitor.
  • 8-Yr. Hold on Skeet by Denver Physician, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Dr. Isamu Ozamoto relinquished his eight-year Colorado all-gauge skeet championship by not defending it, though he competed in two team events. He teamed with CWO R. H. Delk to win the two-man title.
  • Sacramento JACL Olympic Team Wins Class B Trophy, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Sacramento Chapter team won the class B trophy at the 1957 San Francisco JACL Olympics. Ed Hayashi was the meet’s individual high scorer with three firsts and a third place.
  • Eminent Sports Editor Praises Nisei as Worthy Competitors, by Royal Brougham, page 6. Seattle sports editor Royal Brougham praises Nisei athletes including Denny Sakamoto, Rich Hayatsu, and others for their contributions across many sports. He describes their courage and sportsmanship despite physical size.

Obituaries

  • Rollins MacFadyen Dies, by Henry Mori, page 7. Henry Mori remembers Rollins MacFadyen, a 58-year-old American Legion leader and Republican who did much to advance Nisei civil rights. MacFadyen died after a stroke, and his work on repealing the alien land law is recalled.
  • Rollins MacFadyen Rites Held, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Funeral services were held for Rollins MacFadyen, an active Republican and friend of Californiá Nisei. Tats Kushida represented JACL and praised MacFadyen’s advocacy for the Nisei.

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