Alaska statehood, Hawaii’s hopes and a countdown to the Salt Lake City convention

Vol. 47, No. 1, July 4, 1958. 8 pages. View this issue

The Senate’s vote making Alaska the 49th state set the tone for the front page of this eight-page issue. An editorial signed H.H. argued that Hawaii’s admission would strengthen American credibility with Asia, and a news story reported that the Washington JACL Office urged Congress to act on Hawaii statehood no later than the 86th Congress. Seven weeks out, the national convention was close at hand: Rupert Hachiya reported on housing and booklet ads, Masao Satow gave the National Director’s Report, and Mike Masaoka introduced Congressman Dalip Singh Saund as the Banquet Speaker.

Elsewhere, Harry Honda looked at a proposal to send the Pacific Citizen with every JACL membership. Bill Hosokawa wrote of a Seattle homecoming and a razor clam expedition, and Larry S. Tajiri profiled the actress Yoko Tani. Readers will also find a Nisei Kyokai formed in Japan, a July 20 picnic honoring Mary Nakahara Kochiyama, and nominations for the JACLer of the Biennium.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• 49th State: Hope of the World — and Hawaii, by H.H., page 1. The editorial welcomes Alaska’s admission as the 49th state and argues that Hawaii’s statehood would strengthen American credibility with Asia. It concludes that Americans must honor the long-promised admission of Hawaii.
• Homecoming, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Hosokawa describes a Seattle visit, revisiting childhood neighborhoods and a reunion of the Somekawa family. He reflects on the happiness of family gatherings and the changes time brings.
• Very Truly Yours, by Harry K. Honda, page 5. Editor Honda previews the upcoming Holiday Issue and thanks chapters and readers for their support. He argues the PC’s future depends on membership cooperation.

National

• JACL Hails Alaska Statehood, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Senate approved Alaska statehood 64-20, and the Washington JACL Office said the precedent now supports Hawaii’s admission. The office urged Congress to act on Hawaii statehood no later than the 86th Congress.
• Convention Headquarters and Committee Updates, by Rupert Hachiya, page 2. Convention chairman Rupert Hachiya reports on the Salt Lake City headquarters, housing reservations, and booklet ad deadlines. He also notes preparations by the Midwest District Council and the golf tournament.
• National Director’s Report, by Masao Satow, page 4. Satow reports on National Council delegate designations, proposed constitutional amendments, and membership figures. He also outlines convention luncheon honors and the nominating committee process.
• Washington Newsletter: Convention Speaker, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Masaoka introduces Congressman Dalip Singh Saund as the Banquet Speaker for the Salt Lake convention. He recounts Saund’s rise from India to Congress and his efforts to improve Asian relations.
• Supreme Court Rules on School Integration, NAACP Membership, and Loyalty Oaths, by JACL News Service, page 8. The Supreme Court declined to bypass the Eighth Circuit on the Little Rock desegregation delay, struck down Alabama’s contempt fine against the NAACP, and ruled California’s loyalty oath burden unconstitutional. JACL had supported the NAACP in its brief.

Community

• Youth Denied Dismissal Plea in Murder Trial, to Appear in L.A. Court July 11, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Judge F. Ray Bennett denied Takeshi Masukawa’s motion to dismiss the murder charge in the April 18 killing of Richard Sumii. Both Masukawa and Louis Yamashiro are to appear in Los Angeles superior court on July 11.
• ‘One Girl USO’ of WWII to Be Honored, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Friends plan a July 20 potluck picnic in San Pedro to honor Mary Nakahara Kochiyama, who wrote weekly to 442nd soldiers during the war. The event coincides with her visit for the Nisei Veterans Reunion in Los Angeles.
• Nisei Delinquency in Central Cal Still Low, Fowler JACLers Told, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Fresno County probation assistant E. Vieu told the Fowler JACL that Nisei juvenile delinquency there is negligible. He credited the small staff with preventing juvenile crimes before they happen.
• Write-in Candidate for School Board Busy Cleaning Up Mess, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Calvin Kawanami won a school board trustee seat in Coyote as a write-in candidate. He now faces the resignation of the principal and six of eight teachers at the Encinal school.
• Expedition to the Sea, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Hosokawa recounts a razor clam digging trip to Washington’s beaches with the Somekawa family. He explains the technique, the state limit, and the satisfaction of a good catch.
• Nisei Kyokai Formed for Nisei Residing in Japan, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 3. Nisei in Japan agreed on the name Nisei Kyokai at a June 3 meeting, with purposes to foster relations and promote Nisei welfare. The group will admit Nisei from the United States and Canada as members.
• Michi Kobi to Appear at PSWDC Pre-Convention Rally, by P.C. Staff, page 5. TV and movie star Michi Kobi will make a personal appearance at the PSWDC pre-convention rally at the Los Angeles Police Academy. The day includes official delegate meetings, a fashion show, and an oratorical contest.
• Hollywood Nisei Florist Accepted by FTD Group, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Flower View Gardens in Los Angeles, owned by Arthur and Alice Ito and Kiyo and Hitoshi Kuromi, was accepted into the Florists’ Telegraph Delivery Association. The shop is a notable Nisei business achievement.
• Woes of a Photographer with Specs, by Elmer Ogawa, page 6. Ogawa describes losing his spectacles at the Seattle JACL picnic and the difficulties this caused his darkroom work. He also comments on the modest turnout caused by weather forecasts.
• Long Beach Hosts 2-Day Hi-Co Clinic, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Long Beach-Harbor Hi-Co hosts a two-day youth clinic with beach party, discussion groups, and a dinner-dance. High school and college students from several areas are expected to attend.
• Grandmothers to Handle Baby Show, by Henry Mori, page 7. With no younger Nisei groups volunteering, the Los Angeles Fujin Kai agreed to sponsor Nisei Week’s baby show. The article notes a language barrier that may complicate the event.

JACL

• CCDC Seeking Issei Viewpoint on JACL Role in U.S.-Japan Issue, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Central California JACL District Council will hold a special meeting on what stand JACL should take on U.S.-Japan relations. Issei members’ opinions will be solicited, with James Matsumura chairing.
• PC With Membership, by Harry Honda, page 4. Honda examines a proposal to include the Pacific Citizen with every JACL membership and presents cost estimates for runs of 10,000 to 15,000. He notes the PC lost about $900 in 1957 and asks chapters to study the proposal before the Salt Lake convention.
• Harold Gordon, Tom Hayashi, and Mrs. Sue Joe Nominated for JACLer of Biennium, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Three JACLers were nominated for the Dr. Randolph M. Sakada Memorial Award. Nominations close August 15 and should be sent to the Recognitions Committee.

Obituaries

• Pasadena Clergyman Celebrates 50th Year, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Rev. Jingoro Kokubun was honored on June 21 for fifty years of ministry among Japanese in America. He began his work at the turn of the century and later served in Imperial Valley and Pasadena.

Arts & Entertainment

• Yoko Tani of ‘The Wind Cannot Read’, by Larry S. Tajiri, page 3. Tajiri profiles Yoko Tani, whose starring role in the British film based on Richard Mason’s novel drew praise. He also discusses other Asian-cast projects on Broadway, including Flower Drum Song and Cry for Happy.

Military & Veterans

• Maryknoll Girls Win Two State Titles, by Henry Mori, page 7. The Maryknoll drum and bugle corps won state American Legion junior and VFW championships within ten days. Koyasan Boy Scout Troop 379 placed second at Sacramento.
• Shunkichi Ego of Fresno Nominated for Biennium, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Fresno JACL nominated Shunkichi Ego for the Nisei of the Biennium award. Ego previously received a National Junior Chamber of Commerce honor and a Boy Scouts Silver Beaver award for youth work.

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.