On the eve of the 1958 JACL convention in Salt Lake City

Vol. 47, No. 8, August 22, 1958. 8 pages. View this issue

The 15th Biennial JACL convention in Salt Lake City was the subject of this eight-page issue, which went to press as about 600 delegates and boosters gathered. Outgoing National President Roy Nishikawa summarized the work of the president’s office and warned of complacency in the organization. Harry Honda laid out the crucial issues before delegates and followed the long debate over including a Pacific Citizen subscription with JACL membership. Bill Hosokawa recalled the 1942 emergency JACL meeting held in the same city, and Mike Masaoka looked back to the 1948 convention there.

Also inside: a profile of banquet speaker Judge D.S. Saund and Senator Mike Mansfield’s tribute to him, plus seven young orators entering the national speech contest. Henry Mori reported on local feelings about U.S.-Japan affairs, and Larry S. Tajiri wrote about Nisei in Jerry Lewis’s film Geisha Boy. Masaoka also reported that Congress had approved bills to help adjust alien status.

What’s in this issue

JACL

• Functions of National JACL President’s Office Summarized, by Roy Nishikawa, page 1. Outgoing National President Roy Nishikawa reviews the state of the organization, including complacency, chapter programs, civil rights, youth work, and the international relations question. He closes with reflections on his two years of service.
• Crucial Issues Before Conventioners, by Harry Honda, page 1. Ahead of the 15th Biennial JACL convention in Salt Lake City, delegates face numerous issues including U.S.-Japan affairs, evacuation claims, membership, Pacific Citizen funding, and youth work. The article outlines the committee process and key debates expected at the National Council.
• ‘PC with Membership’ Debate Moves to Convention Floor, by Harry Honda, page 1. The proposal to include Pacific Citizen subscriptions with JACL membership dues has been debated for several conventions. Supporters argue it would produce a better informed membership, while the dues increase question remains divided.
• Convention Opening Remarks from the Convention Board, by Rupert Hachiya, page 2. Convention Board chairman Rupert Hachiya describes final preparations for the Salt Lake City convention, including the hi-fi drawing and social events. He thanks the National Board, staff, and chapters for their support.
• Seven Youth Orators to Vie in National JACL Speech Contest, page 5. Seven young orators representing JACL district councils will compete at the convention on the topic What JACL Means to a Japanese American Youth. The grand prize is a $250 war bond.
• Program and Activities Committees Set Agenda, page 5. Convention committees will address the national headquarters building question, constitutional amendments, the travel pool, scholarships, and the Arlington cemetery plaque proposal. Each committee’s key questions are outlined.

Commentary

• Sen. Mansfield Lauds Convention Banquet Speaker Judge Saund, by JACL News Service, page 1. Senator Mike Mansfield praised Congressman D.S. Saund on the Senate floor, and the tribute was entered into the Congressional Record. Saund is scheduled as featured speaker at the convention’s Recognitions Banquet.
• Sixteen Years, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Hosokawa recalls the 1942 emergency JACL meeting in Salt Lake City and contrasts the wartime solemnity with the Nisei’s postwar acceptance. He notes the years have brought achievement and respect, though time has taken its toll.
• Vagaries, by Larry S. Tajiri, page 3. Tajiri reports on Nisei involvement in Jerry Lewis’s film Geisha Boy, including young Robert Hirano and dialogue coach Midori Watanabe. He also notes William Goetz’s planned film of Time of the Dragons.
• In a Nostalgic Mood, by Harry K. Honda, page 5. Honda recalls past JACL conventions in Salt Lake City and reflects on the first Nisei Week queen, June Yoshimoto. He also comments on this year’s Nisei Week festivities and general manager Matao Uwate.

Community

• Letter on Chicago Chapter Leadership and JACL Policy, by Shig Wakamatsu, page 2. Chicago JACL’s Shig Wakamatsu responds to a former member’s criticism of chapter leadership and the national organization’s political stance. He defends the chapter’s nonpartisan mailings and argues the U.S.-Japan debate should move toward practical solutions.
• Study Committee Favored by Cleveland JACL, by Masy Tashima, page 3. After a heated debate, Cleveland JACL members voted for a committee to study and evaluate international issues rather than adopting a hands-off or free-participation position. Arguments on both sides centered on racial identification and the organization’s primary goals.
• Yoshinari, Azumano Candidates for ‘Biennium JACLer’, page 4. Kumeo Yoshinari and George Azumano were nominated for the JACLer of the Biennium award. Their backgrounds in chapter and district leadership are summarized.
• Delay Sentence of Young Delinquent, page 4. A Los Angeles court deferred sentencing of 17-year-old Louis Yamashiro, convicted of involuntary manslaughter, and turned him over to the California Youth Authority. The Authority has until Sept. 4 to decide whether to accept him.
• Committeemen Announced for Fashion Show-Luncheon, page 4. San Francisco JACL Women’s Auxiliary named committee chairs for its Sept. 20 luncheon and fashion show at the Fairmount Hotel. Fashion coordinator Yuki Yui will lead the event.
• Pacific Citizen with Membership Seen as Close Link, by Roy Yoshida, page 4. Roy Yoshida writes that low PC subscription rates leave members uninformed about JACL activity. He argues that the PC with Membership plan, despite objections, would strengthen the organization.
• Fred Takata Column: This Must Be the Place, by Fred Takata, page 4. Takata welcomes PSWDC delegates to Salt Lake City and recaps Nisei Week parade highlights. Regional office secretary Blanche Shiosaki then describes the character of Salt Lake City.
• Issei Entertainment Program Planned for San Francisco, page 5. San Francisco JACL announced a free program for the Issei featuring travelogues on Japan and modern Japanese music. Refreshments and transportation home will be provided.
• Northwest Newsletter: Urban Redevelopment, by Elmer Ogawa, page 6. Seattle’s Jackson Street area was declared blighted, opening the way for federal urban renewal funds and a possible International Center. Ogawa also reports on the restoration of Sono Hoshi’s AT&T shares by Congress.
• Chicago Corner, by Smoky H. Sakurada, page 6. Sakurada covers a Chicago community performance of Teahouse of the August Moon and membership news for JASC and Chicago JACL. He also notes a Hawaiian-born singer’s award.
• Local Feelings on U.S.-Japan Affairs, by Henry Mori, page 7. Henry Mori reports that Los Angeles chapters oppose JACL involvement in international politics, with Saburo Kido arguing the organization should not take such stands. Long Beach JACL also voted to keep the hands-off policy.
• Hawaii Senator Tsukiyama Visits Japan, page 7. Hawaii State Senator Tsukiyama, a Nisei and former Senate president, visited Japan largely unnoticed by the press. He discussed Japan’s monetary controls and praised the Issei for their sacrifices to educate their children.
• Fresno JACL Plans 35th Anniversary, page 7. Fresno JACL appointed Dr. Kikuo Taira as general chairman for its 35th anniversary celebration. The chapter also backed a proposed University of California branch in Fresno.
• Failure to Aid Nisei Invokes New Ambulance Procedure, page 8. After an injured Gardena Nisei waited an hour for aid due to a jurisdictional dispute, Los Angeles County ordered its ambulances to render aid regardless of territory. The incident occurred where Gardena, Torrance, and Los Angeles meet.
• Nisei Reveals Plans for 400-House Subdivision, page 8. Attorney Mas Yano revealed plans for a 400-house subdivision in Brigham City to serve workers at Thiokol Chemical Corp. The 130-acre development is being engineered with sales aimed mainly at Thiokol employees.
• Judge Saund Profile, page 8. Judge D.S. Saund, the first person of Asian ancestry elected to Congress, is profiled as the featured speaker at the convention banquet. Mike Masaoka notes his life experience reflects the trials of Asian Americans.

Arts & Entertainment

• ‘Flower Drum Song’ Signs Two More Californians, page 4. Dancer George Minami Jr. and singer Arabella Hong were cast in the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Flower Drum Song. The show opens at the St. James Theater in November.

Sports

• Ariz. All-Star Prep Grid and Cage Fills to Honor Kajikawa, page 6. The Arizona high school all-star games will be dedicated to Bill Kajikawa, former Arizona State basketball coach. Kajikawa remains the only Japanese American head coach in a major college sport in the country.

Military & Veterans

• Ten Years Ago, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Masaoka recalls the 10th Biennial JACL convention held in Salt Lake City in 1948, including its leadership, panels, and legislative achievements. He links those milestones to the 15th Biennial now underway.
• Congress Approves Bills to Aid Alien Status Adjustment, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Congress passed two bills by Rep. Francis Walter to expedite status adjustments for certain aliens and to register long-term residents who entered unlawfully. The Washington JACL Office expects both to help Japanese aliens.

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