The 1957 holiday issue: JACL looks ahead to 1958

Vol. 45, No. 25, December 20, 1957. 72 pages. View this issue

JACL’s future was the subject that ran through this 72-page holiday issue. National President Dr. Roy Nishikawa urged members to reexamine the past while focusing on the future. Mike Masaoka previewed the 1958 national convention theme, “Past Is Prologue,” and laid out five possible directions for the organization. Kango Kunitsugu predicted 1958 would be a year of decision, and Bill Hosokawa and Tamotsu Murayama wrote about the place of Nisei in relations between the United States and Japan.

Chapter reports fill much of the rest, from Detroit, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Philadelphia, Long Beach and many others, and Salt Lake City’s plans for hosting the 1958 convention appear on pages 50 and 51. Local history pieces cover Japanese settlement in Idaho and the golden anniversary of the Yamato Colony. Seiko Oshita recalled her wartime radio work in Honolulu. About 41 of the issue’s pages carry holiday greetings.

What’s in this issue

JACL

• Focus on the Future, by Dr. Roy Nishikawa, page 2. JACL National President Dr. Roy Nishikawa delivered this keynote at the Intermountain District Council convention, urging members to reexamine the past while focusing on the future. He emphasized public relations, youth leadership training, civil rights, local chapter initiative, and service as the basis for JACL’s continued relevance.
• Year of Decision Predicted in ’58, by Kango Kunitsugu, page 7. Kunitsugu argues that 1958 will be a decisive year for JACL as it searches for a new sense of direction. He weighs whether expanding into US-Japan relations is an appropriate goal versus preserving JACL’s identity as a Nisei welfare organization.
• Walter McCarran Act Best Christmas Gift, by Mike Masaoka, page 9. Masaoka marks the fifth anniversary of the Walter-McCarran Act, which ended racial bars to naturalization and enabled tens of thousands of Japanese to become citizens or immigrants. He calls it the greatest Christmas gift Japanese Americans have received.

Commentary

• What Is Past Is Prologue, by Mike Masaoka, page 3. Washington representative Mike Masaoka previews the 1958 national convention theme ‘Past Is Prologue’ and frames JACL’s crossroads. He lays out five alternative directions for the organization’s future, from fraternal group to political action and US-Japan bridge roles.
• Maybe Nisei Have Flopped… Bridges Across the Pacific, by Bill Hosokawa, page 4. Hosokawa reflects on the Girard incident and prewar hopes that Nisei would serve as bridges across the Pacific. He raises questions about Nisei responsibility in US-Japan relations amid shifting public opinion.
• Japan-America Relations Too Artificial Now, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 7. Tokyo correspondent Tamotsu Murayama examines the lopsided US-Japan trade relationship and its political artificiality. He reflects on JACL’s early efforts to promote understanding and suggests caution in future involvement.
• Upon Seeing an Etching, by Helen Aoki, page 11. A short poem that evokes a monkey emerging from an etched line. Its imagery is brief and playful.
• Yuletide and Auxiliary Notes, by P.C. Staff, page 30. The Sonoma Women’s Auxiliary staged its community Christmas party and other events during the year. The auxiliary’s fundraising and visiting activities are summarized.

Community

• Whing-Dings to the Rescue, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The article traces the origins and evolution of the JACL 1000 Club and its whing-ding parties from the 1947 Idaho Falls founding through later conventions. It credits the whing-dings with helping the club reach its membership goals.
• Mountain-Plains Journey, by Masao Satow, page 6. National director Masao Satow reports on his travels through the Mountain-Plains District, including Omaha, Colorado chapters, Central California, and Seattle. He highlights chapter hospitality and the growing JACL network.
• Mr. East Los Angeles, by Fred Takata, page 11. Fred Takata profiles Roy Yamadera, longtime East Los Angeles JACL leader, recounting his youth, early JACL membership, and role in building the chapter. The profile celebrates his decades of service.
• Nisei Niche in New York, by Martha Kaihatsu, page 12. Kaihatsu surveys Nisei professionals in New York across communications, fashion, architecture, social work, and business. She highlights individuals whose success reflects personal satisfaction and community contribution.
• Powell High Retires Kawano’s Jersey, by P.C. Staff, page 14. Powell, Wyoming honored Nisei halfback Eddie Kawano by retiring his jersey after a record scoring season. Teammate Stan Takeuchi was also recognized for his standout play as a guard.
• Cortez JACL Reports, by P.C. Staff, page 16. The Cortez chapter reports on its year of activities, including a Japanese cultural program for the Turlock Garden Club and a community Christmas party. The chapter emphasizes continued good community relations.
• Detroit JACL Assumes Greater Responsibilities, by Kay Miyaya, page 19. The Detroit chapter reports a year of expanded public relations, including a Japan Night show at the photographic exhibition and participation in the Teahouse production. It also notes new youth and community programs.
• Seabrook Anticipates Big Year Again, by Ayako Nakamura, page 22. The Seabrook chapter reports on its 1957 activities, including a major fundraising dinner, scholarship donations, and community picnics. It also looks ahead to the new EDC leadership.
• Fowler Reports, by Thomas Toyama, page 23. The Fowler JACL provides a roster and brief report of its members. The chapter emphasizes continued community ties.
• Idaho Falls in Yellowstone, by John Sakota, page 25. This Yellowstone chapter feature describes Nisei farming families in Rexburg and the surrounding Yellowstone area. It highlights chapter leadership and the community contributions of local farmers.
• Sonoma County JACL Notable Accomplishments, by Frank Oda, page 30. The Sonoma County chapter achieved record membership and a full calendar of events in 1957. The article covers its activities and honors two longtime members, Kanemi Ono and Jim Miyano.
• Two Who Helped Sonoma County, by Frank Oda, page 31. The article profiles Kanemi Ono and Jim Miyano, longtime Sonoma County JACL leaders honored for two decades of service. Both are recognized for their sustained contributions to the chapter.
• Caring for Aged Issei, by Henry Mori, page 33. Charles Kamayatsu discusses the aging Issei problem and JACL’s responsibility to provide future care. He recalls early Nisei history and his role at the 1930 national convention.
• Salinas Valley JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 34. The Salinas Valley chapter reports on its restoration of Yamato Cemetery and its ongoing community projects. It also summarizes the chapter’s 1957 social and civic activities.
• Yamato Colony Golden Anniversary, by P.C. Staff, page 35. The Livingston-Merced JACL celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Yamato Colony founded in 1907. Pioneer families were honored at a dinner featuring historical photographs and tributes.
• Philadelphia Reports, by Warren H. Watanabe, page 40. The Philadelphia chapter reports on its tenth anniversary year, including a dinner, picnic, and bazaar. It emphasizes outreach to the wider Japanese community.
• Long Beach Reports, by Sue Joe, page 41. The Long Beach-Harbor chapter reports a record membership year, a youth program with baseball and basketball, and revived social activities. The chapter credits its new leadership for the turnaround.
• Tulare County Reports, by James Matsumura, page 44. The Tulare County chapter reports its activities, including a family fishing derby, a newly formed junior JACL, and bowling. It also notes chapter leadership changes for 1958.
• Berkeley Reports, by Yuri Yamashita, page 45. The Berkeley chapter describes its community engagement, including civic participation, Issei programs, and youth events. It outlines plans for a new chapter building.
• Salt Lake City Reports, by Grace Iida, page 50. The Salt Lake chapter reports a full year of activities and preparations for hosting the 1958 national convention. It also highlights individual member honors and community service.
• Convention for the Entire Family, by Alice Kasai, page 51. Kasai describes Salt Lake City’s attractions and the planned 1958 national convention program for families. She emphasizes the convention’s role in shaping JACL’s future.
• I Was a Honolulu Rose, by Seiko Oshita, page 54. Oshita recalls her wartime work in Honolulu as one of the Japanese-language announcers for the OWI radio program beamed to Japan. She reflects on the moral ambiguity of that service and her later return to Japan.
• Mt. Olympus Reports, by P.C. Staff, page 54. The Mt. Olympus JACL reports on its year of socials, outings, and officer elections. It notes its satisfaction with 1957 activities.
• Pasadena Clers Work Hard, Play Hard, by Mack Yamaguchi, page 54. The Pasadena chapter describes its general meetings, community service, and social events throughout 1957. It highlights the chapter’s leadership and active involvement.
• Monterey Peninsula Reports, by P.C. Staff, page 58. The Monterey Peninsula chapter reports its largest membership, a talent show, potluck dinners, and a regional council meeting. The year is described as one of the most active in its history.
• Assignment: Old Timers, by Henry Taketa, page 63. Taketa reconstructs the prewar history of the Sacramento JACL from minutes and records, covering 1931 to 1942. He profiles its early leaders and activities before evacuation.

Obituaries

• Helen Momita Memorial, by Mike Masaoka, page 9. Masaoka tells of Helen Momita, a Japanese American woman killed in an accident, and the Calipatria community’s effort to erect a flagpole in her memory. The story is presented as an example of neighborly democratic spirit.
• Kokubo Will Establish Scholarship Fund, by P.C. Staff, page 66. The Detroit JACL announced a $10,000 educational loan fund established by the will of Issei pioneer Taizo Kokubo. The fund aids worthy Japanese college students through loans.

Incarceration & Redress

• Sadako Hawkins’ Day, by Berry Suzukida, page 18. A humorous retelling in the style of the comic strip Li’l Abner, in which a rancher’s daughter hunts a husband on Sadie Hawkins Day. The piece gently comments on the plight of unmarried women.

Military & Veterans

• Nisei Soldiers in Idaho, by Ronald Yokota, page 26. This Idaho feature traces Japanese settlement in Pocatello and Blackfoot from railroad work to farming, business, and military service. It highlights Nisei contributions and the Pocatello chapter’s wartime sacrifices.

In-Depth

• Japanese in Idaho Falls, by Yoshiko Ochi, page 26. Ochi recounts the arrival of Japanese pioneers in Idaho Falls beginning around 1903, their sugar beet and potato farming, and the founding of community institutions. The article also describes later Nisei civic involvement and public relations efforts.
• Caring for Aged Issei, by Henry Mori, page 26. Mori profiles Charles Kamayatsu of Hollywood JACL, a veteran member who attended the 1930 national convention. The article covers his early life, Li’l Tokio memories, and his views on the JACL’s responsibility to care for aging Issei.

Arts & Entertainment

• Surprise, by Author Unknown, page 56. A short story in which Mrs. Morita receives mysterious theater tickets and a sinister plot unfolds involving her maid. The story ends in tragedy when the maid dies during a struggle over a valuable document.
• A Christmas Miracle, by Arlene Fukei, page 72. A short story in which a Buddhist priest receives a replacement statue and mistakenly gets a porcelain Christ Child. The priest returns it to the Catholic mission, and the episode resolves with mutual goodwill.

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