Whether JACL should speak on U.S.-Japan relations, ahead of the 1958 convention

Vol. 47, No. 4, July 25, 1958. 8 pages. View this issue

The question of JACL’s role in U.S.-Japan affairs ran through this eight-page issue. National President Dr. Roy Nishikawa argued in his column that the organization should not sit on the fence, and he laid out five choices for delegates. Harry Honda gathered chapter newsletter opinions on the same question. Mike Masaoka wrote from Washington about the decision to send troops to Lebanon and what it meant for Japan, and he praised the Nisei veterans gathering in Los Angeles.

Plans for the 15th Biennial National JACL Convention in Salt Lake City filled much of the paper: Nisei of the Biennium nominees, an Issei recognition banquet, a mascot named Pip, and a 1000 Club party. Bill Hosokawa profiled a Colorado Nisei honored by his hometown, and Larry S. Tajiri wrote about the Japanese American cast of the film Geisha Boy. Local news came from Seattle, San Jose, Pasadena and Contra Costa.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• President’s Corner: JACL and U.S.-Japan Relations, by Dr. Roy Nishikawa, page 1. The National President argues that JACL should not remain non-committal on international relations, particularly U.S.-Japan affairs. He urges a measured, evolutionary approach with safeguards and outlines five choices for delegates at the National Convention.
• From the Frying Pan: Bright Spot in Brighton, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Hosokawa profiles Seiji Horiuchi, a Nisei from Brighton, Colorado, who was honored by his community after being elected a vice-president of the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce. The column also highlights Bob Sakata and the community’s Japanese American residents.
• Letter: Objection to Use of ‘Jap’, by Berry Suzukida, page 2. Berry Suzukida writes to object to an earlier article’s statement about Webster’s dictionary and the term ‘Jap.’ The letter notes that the objectionable connotation disappears when the infinitive ‘to be’ is removed.
• Troly Yours: JACL and U.S.-Japan Affairs, by Harry Honda, page 5. Harry Honda surveys chapter newsletter commentary on whether JACL should participate in U.S.-Japan affairs. He quotes several contributors and concludes that JACL’s responsibilities as an influential organization are central to the question.
• Washington Newsletter: International Crisis, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Mike Masaoka analyzes the U.S. decision to send troops to Lebanon and congressional support for the President’s action. He also discusses the impact on the Middle East, the United Nations, and Japan.

JACL

• California Hogging ‘Nisei of Biennium’ Nominations, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Four Californians, including Judge John F. Aiso and attorney Frank F. Chuman, have been nominated for Nisei of the Biennium honors to be presented at the 15th Biennial National JACL Convention in Salt Lake City. The article profiles each nominee’s accomplishments.
• 1000 Club Whing Ding Set at Red Chimney, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The 1000 Club Whing Ding for the 15th Biennial JACL Convention will be held August 23 at the Red Chimney in Salt Lake City with a prime rib dinner. Planned features include a can-can dance, skits, and a bow tie requirement.
• Convention Hotel Reservations and Advance Registrations Urged, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Convention chairman Rupert Hachiya urged delegates to secure hotel reservations and advance registrations for the Salt Lake City convention because summer lodging fills quickly. Advance registrants before August 5 were eligible for a prize.
• Dr. Roy Nishikawa’s Position on U.S.-Japan Affairs Continued, by Dr. Roy Nishikawa, page 4. Dr. Nishikawa concludes his column by urging delegates to decide on JACL’s position on U.S.-Japan affairs at the convention. He asks members to accept the outcome gracefully and remain united.
• Biennium Awards Nominees Profiled, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Profiles are given of nominees Mayor James Kanno, Tom Shimasaki, Judge John Aiso, and attorney Frank Chuman for Nisei of the Biennium. Nominations for JACLer of the Biennium close August 15.

National

• Illinois Congressman O’Hara Lauds Convention Speaker Judge Saund, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Rep. Barratt O’Hara praised Rep. D.S. Saund on the House floor, noting his significance as the first native Asian to join Congress. Saund is the Convention Banquet Speaker in Salt Lake City on August 25.
• Japan UN Mansion Tax-Free by 500 Feet, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Japanese mission to the United Nations avoided property taxes on a New York residence because it lies just under 15 miles from UN headquarters as the crow flies. Town officials conceded the measurement after six months of deliberation.
• Rebuke from Prime Minister, Press and Aroused Citizens Over Jung Affair, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Canadian MP Douglas Jung was insulted by Senator John Farris, who questioned his right to represent Canadians, drawing rebukes from the prime minister, press, and community groups. The article covers reactions across Canada to the remark.
• Eastern District Council Reports Progress, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Eastern District Council annual meeting in Washington discussed the New York office, which has operated on a stand-by basis. The council also recommended raising chapter dues and established a credit union study committee.

Community

• Fresno JACL Joins City Move to Get U.C. Branch, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. Kikuo Taira was named Fresno JACL representative to a City of Fresno Committee of 100 studying a University of California branch in the city. The committee will discuss the proposal with the board of regents.
• Intermountain Issei Pioneers to Be Honored, by P.C. Staff, page 1. An Issei Recognition Banquet will be held August 22 at the Hotel Utah in Salt Lake City to honor Issei pioneers of the Intermountain area. The event will feature speakers, Japanese entertainment, and a dinner priced at $4.
• Introducing ‘Pip’: 15th Biennial Convention Mascot, by Rupert Hachiya, page 2. Convention chairman Rupert Hachiya introduces ‘Pip,’ the mascot created for the Salt Lake City convention booklet to represent the fun and camaraderie of JACL conventions. The column also covers Sonen-Kai support and a pre-convention chapter outing.
• L.A. County Supervisors Urge Hawaiian Statehood, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, on a motion by John Anson Ford, urged county congressional representatives to support Hawaiian statehood this session. The brief reports the board’s formal resolution.
• Pasadena Steak Bake, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Pasadena JACL held its annual steak bake at Oak Grove Park with volleyball, games, cha-cha dancing, and a white elephant auction. The column also mentions the Obon carnival and Ondo dancing in Little Tokyo.
• ELA Beach Party at Newport Dunes, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The East Los Angeles JACL chapter held a beach party at the new Newport Dunes with barbecue, swimming, and a pirate ship. The writer recommends the location to other chapters planning beach events.
• Assemblyman Elliott’s Testimonial, by P.C. Staff, page 4. A testimonial dinner at San Kwo Low honored Assemblyman Edward Elliott for his fight for equal opportunity. Speakers and attendees included Supervisor John Anson Ford and several JACL members.
• Fall Fashions Slated for San Francisco Fashion Show, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The fifth annual San Francisco JACL Auxiliary fashion show is scheduled for September 20 with a luncheon by Fairmont Hotel chefs. Exclusive fall collections from top women’s shops will be featured.
• Contra Costa JACL Sixth Annual Community Picnic, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Contra Costa JACL will hold its sixth annual community picnic this Sunday at Curry Creek Park with free admission, races, swimming, and games. Ice cream and cold drinks will be served without charge.
• Seattle JACL Pushes Voter Registration, by Elmer Ogawa, page 6. Seattle JACL president Takeshi Kubota organized a fifteen-member committee to increase voter registration in the Jackson Street area. The drive, running July 15 through August 8, involves multiple community groups.
• Los Angeles Newsletter: Nisei Veterans Reunion, by Henry Mori, page 7. Henry Mori previews the Nisei Veterans Reunion in Los Angeles, which expects more than 800 attendees, and describes the souvenir booklet. He also reports on Assemblyman Elliott’s testimonial dinner and the Optimist League softball championships.
• Minneapolis Japanese Americans Participate in Festival of Nations, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Over 150 Japanese Americans in Minneapolis-St. Paul took part in the triennial Festival of Nations, staging dances, serving food, and presenting exhibits. The group was credited with the best ticket sales.
• National JACL Credit Union Semi-Annual Report Shows Rise, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The National JACL Credit Union reported a net profit of $8,097.47 for the first half of 1958, up from the prior year. Loans totaled $125,982.45, and a dividend of at least 5 percent is expected.
• Heart Association Fellowship Awarded to Horace Mochizuki, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Horace Y. Mochizuki of Madera received a summer fellowship from the Fresno County and California Heart Associations. He is researching protein polypeptides at the University of Redlands.
• San Jose JACL Endorses Human Rights Commission, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The San Jose JACL endorsed a permanent San Jose Commission on Human Rights and notified the city council. The executive board said equal treatment is essential for a healthy community.
• Michigan Highway Department Seeks Yamasaki Design, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Michigan Highway Department hired architect Minoru Yamasaki to design an elevated double-deck expressway on James Couzens highway. The design aims to overcome community opposition to the plan.

Arts & Entertainment

• Little Lad in ‘Geisha Boy’, by Larry S. Tajiri, page 3. Jerry Lewis’s film Geisha Boy cast six-year-old Robert Hirano of Seattle after testing more than 200 boys. Coach Midori Watanabe and others prepared the young actors, and the column covers the film’s Japanese American cast members.
• Hayakawa Being Paged by Broadway, by Larry S. Tajiri, page 3. Sessue Hayakawa, after completing his role in Geisha Boy, has been approached by producers Eleanor Saudenberg and Jay Garon to star in a Broadway version of The Sea Is Boiling Hot. The column also reports on the search for Asian dancers for Flower Drum Song.

Military & Veterans

• Nisei Veterans Reunion, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Masaoka writes that the Nisei Veterans of World War II and Korea are holding their Reunion in Los Angeles, and he praises their achievements. He expresses hope for a future of peace and prosperity.

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