The 1958 elections and Nisei Democrats cheering California’s sweep

Vol. 47, No. 19, November 7, 1958. 8 pages. View this issue

The November 1958 elections filled the front page of this eight-page issue. An editorial on the Democratic landslide argued that Republicans should organize earlier for 1960, and a news story told how Japanese American Democrats in Los Angeles celebrated Pat Brown’s win over Knowland for governor. Elsewhere on page one, Jerry Enomoto of San Francisco was installed as chairman of the NC-WNDC JACL District Council, and both national party chairmen commended the JACL for urging members to join a small-gift campaign fund drive.

Inside are Mike Masaoka’s Washington newsletters on the Eisenhower Supreme Court and a loyalty program review sought in the Greene case. Berry Suzukida wrote from Tokyo about sushi and tempura, and Masao Satow’s report gave way to a note on circulation. Other pages cover Kunie Imai’s Metropolitan Opera engagement, Chicago JACL discussions, a Japan typhoon relief drive, baseball in Japan, and Christmas Cheer donations.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Lesson of Nov. 4 Democratic Landslide, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Democrats won a sweeping victory in the November 1958 elections, gaining control of Congress and key California offices. The editorial argues Republicans should learn from the defeat and organize earlier for the 1960 campaign.
• Good Neighbors in Calipatria, by Los Angeles Times, page 1. The town of Calipatria raised a memorial flagpole honoring Helen Momita, a Japanese American resident killed in a car accident. Townspeople and businesses contributed to the pole, which Vice President Nixon helped supply with a flag.
• Lasting Impression, by Hisako Sakata; Joe Kadowaki, page 2. Letter writers recalled the 1958 JACL convention in Salt Lake City, praising Nisei leadership and the dedication of Tom Miyasaki, a blind chapter president who runs a large poultry farm. Miyasaki received the JACL sapphire pin for outstanding loyalty.
• Tokyo, Japan, by Berry Suzukida, page 3. The author describes Tokyo dining experiences, including sushi, oil-yaki beef, and tempura. The column reflects on Japanese culinary traditions and summer food habits.
• Washington Newsletter: Eisenhower Supreme Court, by Mike Masaoka, page 7. Mike Masaoka reviews the Eisenhower Supreme Court’s composition and its past civil rights decisions affecting Japanese Americans. He notes the justices who ruled on Nisei citizenship, evacuation, and housing covenant cases.
• Loyalty Program Review Sought in Greene Case, by Mike Masaoka, page 7. Masaoka praised the Supreme Court’s decision to review the industrial security program affecting about three million civilians. He argued the program lacks due process protections and cited the case of William L. Greene.

JACL

• Jerry Enomoto Elected NC-WNDC Chairman, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Jerry Enomoto of San Francisco was installed as chairman of the Northern California-Western Nevada JACL District Council at its quarterly meeting in San Mateo. Other officers and five new board members were also chosen by delegates from 23 chapters.
• JACL Commended for Urging Nisei Support of Small Gift Fund Drive, by JACL News Service, page 1. Both national party chairmen commended the JACL for urging members to participate in a program broadening small-donor financial support for political campaigns. The endorsement followed the JACL’s 1958 national convention resolution.
• The National Director’s Report, by Masao Satow, page 4. National Director Masao Satow’s report was replaced this week by a note on the missing column and circulation inquiries. Readers were asked to notify the office if they still needed the delayed October 24 issue.

Community

• Buddhist Training Center to Be Moved from Japan to U.S., by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Buddhist Churches of America decided to transfer its ministerial training center from Kyoto, Japan to the United States. Possible sites under consideration include Berkeley and New York City.
• Mikami Reelected Int’l Institute Head, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Seiichi H. Mikami was re-elected president of the Fresno International Institute at its annual dinner. The institute serves persons of foreign background across 43 nationalities.
• Teenage Girls Change Club Name to ‘Sairéens’, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Jonelles, a teenage girls group sponsored by the Venice-Culver JACL chapter, adopted the new name Sairéens. Kayo Asari serves as president and Joyce Imazu as advisor.
• Nisei Square Club for Master Masons Grows, Has 30 Nisei and 3 Issei Members, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The International Nisei Square Club of Masons, formed at the 1958 JACL convention, has grown to 30 Nisei and three Issei members. The Grand Lodge of Ohio became the 22nd state to recognize Japanese Masons.
• Chicago JACL Discusses Future of Japanese Americans, by P.C. Staff, page 3. About 65 people attended a Chicago JACL session on social and delinquency problems among Japanese Americans and their community future. Speakers addressed soldier bride cases, teenage issues, and community participation.
• Japan Typhoon Relief Campaign Started, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Chicago JACL solicited donations for victims of a September typhoon in central Japan, joining the Japan Flood Relief Committee. The drive concluded November 10.
• Idaho Sansei to Serve as Mormon Missionary, by Mary Hikida, page 3. Joe Ikeda of Hibbard, Idaho was called to serve an LDS mission to Japan. A farewell testimonial was held in his honor at the Hibbard Ward Chapel.
• Hawaiian Club Plays Part in Civic Affairs, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Chicago’s Hawaiian Nisei club discussed civic responsibilities at a community session on social and delinquency problems. Members noted their transient status and need for social awareness.
• Windy Wendy: The Social of the Year, by Wendy Watanabe, page 4. The Chicago JACL’s inaugural dinner-dance was planned for November 29 at the Edgewater Beach Hotel. Officers will be sworn in and a surprise entertainment is promised.
• Desegregation for Illinois Schools, by Smoky H. Sakurada, page 4. The Illinois NAACP called for complete desegregation of public schools in Illinois by the next fall. It noted that 70 all-Negro schools remain in 13 counties outside Chicago.
• NC-WNDC Chapter Reports and Programs Discussed, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Delegates from 23 chapters at the NC-WNDC meeting discussed chapter reporting, quarterly reports, and quota adjustments. The district council also recommended support for youth attendance at district meetings.
• Issei Talent, Cooking Sought for Sequoia Party, by Sakaye Okamura, page 4. The Sequoia JACL sixth annual potluck dinner will be held at the Palo Alto Buddhist Hall with special effort to include Issei. Co-chairs are organizing a Japanese-style potluck and entertainment.
• Five Eager to Run for Chapter Presidency of Tulare County Group, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Five candidates were nominated for president of the Tulare County Jr. JACL at its October meeting in Dinuba. The group also planned joint activities with Sanger Jr. JACL and a Fresno convention.
• Gardeners Form State-Wide Council, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Over 500 delegates attended a state-wide Japanese American landscape workers convention in Long Beach. The meeting established the California Landscape Gardeners Coordinating Council.
• Christmas Cheer Donations Keep Rolling, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Christmas Cheer committee reported $924.73 raised toward its $2,000 goal for less fortunate families. Chapters such as Long Beach and Hollywood have contributed through benefit dances and donations.
• Oratorical Contestant Aids Seasonal Workers, by P.C. Staff, page 8. About 60 seasonal workers from Japan attended special night classes at Delano High School to learn English and typing. Jane Kubota, a Bakersfield Junior College student, served as instructor.
• Ft. Lupton Nisei Speaks on State’s Only Orphanage, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Ben Yanaga, a sociologist at the Colorado State Children’s Home, spoke to the Uptown Optimists about the state-operated orphanage. He described its services for children in care.

National

• Nisei Since Jubilant, Hail California Landslide Win, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Democrats swept California and other states in the 1958 elections, with Pat Brown defeating Knowland for governor. Japanese American Democrats in Los Angeles celebrated the results, which were expected to advance progressive legislation.
• 466 Japanese Cases on L.A. Police Blotter, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Los Angeles police reported 466 arrests of persons of Japanese ancestry in 1957, most for drunkenness and gambling. The figures were released by the LAPD.
• Social Security: Base Rate, Tax Increased, by Los Angeles Social Security District Office, page 6. Social Security deduction rates and the taxable wage base are increasing starting in 1959. The article outlines the scheduled tax rates through 1969 for employers, employees, and self-employed workers.

Military & Veterans

• Five Outstanding Nisei Women Cited by Labor Dept. Official, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Labor Department consultant Roberta Church cited five Nisei women as examples of success in their fields at a National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs convention. The women include Miyoshi Umeki, Hisako Sakata, Lily Okura, Midori Tsuji, and Dr. Yoshiye Togasaki.

Arts & Entertainment

• New York Met Engages First Japanese Soprano as Regular for Puccini Opera, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Kunie Imai became the first Japanese soprano engaged as a regular Metropolitan Opera artist, with a debut scheduled as Cio-Cio-San in Madama Butterfly. She trained in Spain and previously sang the role in Seville and Italy.

Sports

• Baseball in Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The article traces Japanese professional baseball, noting its two leagues and the strong fan base for the sport. It compares Japanese play to American teams and notes possible future U.S. interest.
• Canadian Judoists, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Canada named one entry for the second World Judo Championships in Tokyo after a mix-up over invitations. The dispute concerned which Canadian judo organization was properly recognized.

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