Vol. 47, No. 18, October 31, 1958. 8 pages. View this issue
Community news from around the country filled this eight-page issue. The front page reported that Tokichi Matsuoka was re-elected president of the New York Nikkeijinkai for an eleventh straight term, and that a 184-foot flagpole went up in Calipatria. JACL joined the National Leadership Conference on Civil Rights in seeking to change Senate filibuster rules. Larry S. Tajiri reported on the Boston tryout of Flower Drum Song, and Bill Hosokawa wrote about the women he saw while touring Asia.
With elections close, Harry Honda’s editorial urged readers to vote, and Henry Mori looked at how Issei and Nisei were leaning in the California contest. Dr. Roy M. Nishikawa answered a question about why JACL did not use its Endowment Fund for a national headquarters. Chapter news included a Nisei soldier memorial service in West Los Angeles with a screening of Go For Broke!, and the Mt. Olympus JACL elected officers.
What’s in this issue
Community
- Re-elected to lead for 11th straight year, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Tokichi Matsuoka was re-elected president of the New York Nikkeijinkai for an eleventh consecutive term. The editorial praises his leadership and community service.
- Calipatria’s 184 ft. flagpole planted without a hitch, page 1. A 184-foot flagpole was erected in Calipatria at sea level, a gift honoring Harry Momita’s late wife. Officials plan a formal dedication in November.
- Triplets born to childless couple of 10-year marriage, page 1. Yoshio and Mrs. Kondo of Los Angeles welcomed triplet daughters after ten years of marriage. Mother and babies were reported in good condition.
- 90 register for voting in Seattle JACL project, by PC Correspondent, page 1. Ninety people registered to vote at the Jackson Street Community Council office before the fall primary. Seattle JACL thanked the volunteers who helped run the program.
- Dr. Ruby Hirose gets reassigned to Pa. post, page 1. Dr. Ruby Hirose, a Dayton 1000 Club member, was transferred to a Veterans Administration hospital in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Dayton JACL held a farewell party and presented her a pocketbook.
- Mature cherry trees to bloom next year gift of Tulare Issei, page 2. Tom Shimasaki presented 15 Akebono cherry trees to the Tulare County Board of Supervisors on behalf of naturalized Japanese Americans. The trees are expected to bloom next April.
- Flagpole—Continued from front page, page 3. The Calipatria flagpole was built in memory of Helen Momita and is intended as a token of thanks to the community. Donations from around the world financed the project.
- Nisei researcher working for stronger looking potato without black spots, page 3. Mas Yamaguchi and colleagues at UC Davis determined that black spot in potatoes results from ruptured cell membranes after bruising. The findings guide future research into field conditions that affect membrane strength.
- Shonien acknowledges $502 proceeds from show, page 3. The Shonien Child Welfare Center received a $502 donation from a fashion show organized by Madame Yoshizawa. Expenses were borne personally by the organizer.
- Flower arrangement school opened in St. Louis, page 3. Mrs. Dan Sakahara opened a flower arrangement school at her St. Louis home after training in New York. She is known professionally as Shosui.
- Southwestwar, page 4. The column reports on Gardena Valley JACL’s 1959 board and plans for youth programs, and on the San Fernando Valley chapter’s youth organizing efforts. It also describes a West LA chapter Nisei soldier memorial service and screening of Go For Broke!
- Mt. Olympus JACL elects officers, page 4. Lou Nakagawa was re-elected president of the Mt. Olympus JACL in Murray, Utah, and the new slate was introduced at a Halloween party. Officers were named for the 1959 year.
- Nearly $8,000 for JACL endowment fund acknowledged, page 4. National Director Masao Satow acknowledged 81 contributors to the National JACL Endowment Fund totaling nearly $8,000. The donations support claims award assistance.
- Tokyo newsman touring U.S. to observe general New Mexico elections, page 5. Shig Suzuki, a Tokyo press officer touring the United States under the USIA program, is observing New Mexico’s general election. He describes the value of American cultural centers in informing Japanese audiences.
National
- JACL joins campaign to change Senate filibustering rules, by JACL News Service, page 1. The JACL joined the National Leadership Conference on Civil Rights in seeking to liberalize Senate filibuster rules before the next Congress. A bipartisan group of senators plans to move for revised rules at the session’s start.
Arts & Entertainment
- Variety calls tryout in Boston ‘sure winner’, page 1. Daily Variety praised the Boston premiere of Flower Drum Song, highlighting Miyoshi Umeki and Pat Suzuki. The review predicts a long run for the musical.
- Flower Drum Song opens, by Larry S. Tajiri, page 3. Tajiri reports on the Boston tryout of Flower Drum Song and on Broadway productions featuring Nisei performers such as The World of Suzie Wong. He also previews upcoming projects including Rashomon, Cry for Happy, and a Hayakawa television role.
- Nisei art works part of ‘Cross Currents’, page 3. Works by Nisei and Japanese artists were included in the Cross Currents exhibition of East-West artistic influence. The show toured after closing in New York.
Incarceration & Redress
- Kanrin Maru centennial in 1960 proposed, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 1. Groups in Japan, the US, and Hawaii proposed commemorating the 1860 crossing of the Pacific by the Kanrin Maru. The article recounts historical sources about the ship’s voyage.
Obituaries
- Mrs. Shizu Sakata’s father dies Oct. 18, page 1. Tokujiro Bando, 82, died in San Mateo and his funeral was held in Detroit. He was the father of Mrs. Shizu Sakata, widow of former national JACL president Randolph Sakata.
Commentary
- From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Hosokawa offers observations on the appearance and charm of Chinese and Japanese women while touring Asia. He laments that Japanese women’s traditional charm is fading as entertainment trends turn brazen.
- Endowment fund letter reply, by Dr. Roy M. Nishikawa, page 2. Berry Suzukida questioned why JACL did not use part of its Endowment Fund to build a national headquarters. Dr. Nishikawa responds that the trust terms, rental economics, and preference for a special fund drive guided the board’s decision.
- Importance of a single vote, by Harry Honda, page 5. The editorial argues that close votes have shaped major outcomes in Congress and history. It urges readers to vote carefully in the upcoming elections.
- Nisei Democrats hope for California sweep, by Henry Mori, page 7. Mori discusses the political leanings of Issei and Nisei voters and the statewide contest between Brown and Knowland. He also notes local support for Congressman McDonough.
Military & Veterans
- WLA Chapter memorial service, page 4. The West Los Angeles JACL held a Nisei soldier memorial service with Gold Star Mothers attending. The program included a screening of Go For Broke!, which impressed young attendees.
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