The 1958 holiday issue: JACL and U.S.-Japan relations

Vol. 47, No. 25, December 19, 1958. 76 pages. View this issue

JACL’s role in U.S.-Japan relations ran through the 76-page holiday issue of 1958. National President Shig Wakamatsu argued for a moral approach to the question, and the paper printed the new JACL policy statement on international relations along with a report on the first steps taken after the convention’s decision. Bill Hosokawa, honored as Nisei of the Biennium, challenged Nisei to take part in U.S. foreign aid work in Asia. Reports from National Director Masao W. Satow and Mike Masaoka’s Washington office reviewed the biennium, and the revised JACL constitution was printed in full.

Other pages offer local history and chapter news. Some Kosuge and Roy Mikawa traced Japanese settlement in Colorado, and Evelyn Okamoto wrote about the Japanese of Cheyenne. Year-end reports came from chapters in Chicago, Detroit, New York, Salinas and Seabrook, among others. About 47 of the issue’s pages carry holiday greetings and advertising.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Editorial Note: 1958 Holiday Issue Introduction, by Harry K. Honda, page 1. The editor explains the holiday issue’s balance of reading matter and advertising and the purpose of the new JACL Reference Manual. He notes the issue’s theme of U.S.-Japan relations and youth activities.
• Picture Bride, by Selko Oshita, page 2. A poem recalling the author’s aunt, a picture bride who came from Japan to Hawaii and spent decades working in a white employer’s home. The poem ends with her death in her sixties.
• Let’s Bring Christmas to Everyone, by P.C. Staff, page 23. A holiday commentary urging readers to share the spirit of Christmas with others. It encourages goodwill throughout the community.

JACL

• President’s Corner: Moral Approach to JACL Policy on U.S.-Japan Ties Embraced, by Shig Wakamatsu, page 3. National President Wakamatsu argues JACL should approach U.S.-Japan relations from a moral standpoint, since the Nisei’s wartime removal reflected failed international relations. He announces William Marutani as chairman of the new JACL international relations committee.
• Policy Statement of JACL on International Relations, by Shig Wakamatsu, page 5. The statement explains that JACL will address U.S.-Japan issues only where the welfare of Japanese Americans is directly affected. It establishes a standing committee on international relations to review such matters before the National Board decides.
• 1st Round Opens for JACL Role on U.S.-Japan Issue, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Reviews the JACL’s preliminary steps on U.S.-Japan affairs following the 1958 convention decision. It recounts the debate between non-involvement and liberalization positions and summarizes the revised policy statement.
• Washington Newsletter: JACL’s Legislative Prospects in 86th Congress Best in Years, by Mike Masaoka, page 19. Masaoka assesses the prospects for JACL legislative goals in the new Congress, noting more liberal freshmen and better chances for civil rights and Hawaii statehood. He notes that Senate cloture reform remains a key obstacle.
• Report of National Director 1957-1958 Biennium, by Masao W. Satow, page 45. The National Director reviews JACL’s chapter growth, finances, the 1000 Club, Pacific Citizen operations, evacuation claims, and legislative work over the biennium. It notes membership totals and key recognitions.
• Washington Report 1957-58 Biennium, by Mike Masaoka, page 45. Summarizes the Washington office’s work on evacuation claims, immigration amendments, civil rights, Hawaii statehood, and vested property. It also reports on television campaigns and recommendations for the coming biennium.
• JACL National Constitution (as revised 1958), by P.C. Staff, page 62. Presents the JACL constitution and by-laws, covering the organization’s purposes, membership, chapters, district councils, national officers, conventions, committees, and finances.

Military & Veterans

• Nisei Challenged to Regain American Prestige Abroad, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Denver Post editor Bill Hosokawa, honored as Nisei of the Biennium, argues that U.S. foreign aid in Asia is essential to countering communism. He challenges Nisei to contribute through foreign aid service and to become informed about Far Eastern affairs.
• Is He Going to Fly to Japan, Papa?, by Elmer Ogawa, page 8. Recounts the story of Seiji Terada, a Seattle Issei who built and attempted to fly a homemade motorized plane in 1910 and 1911. Ogawa recalls seeing the early flight attempt as a child.
• Nisei Team Wins Football Honors, by P.C. Staff, page 16. Brief report on Nisei achievements in athletics and related sports news during the year.

Community

• Fred Tayama’s Bleakest Christmas Eve, by Henry Mori, page 4. Profile of Fred Tayama, a Los Angeles JACL leader who served as Southern District Council chairman during the evacuation period and was caught between government officials and the community. The piece recounts his wartime experiences and his later career in the flower business.
• Never a Dull Month During East L.A.’s Tenth Anniversary, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Summarizes East Los Angeles JACL’s year of events, including joint socials, a youth program, the Issei appreciation night, and the 10th anniversary dinner-dance. The chapter also raised money for community projects.
• Cortez Chapter Report, by Helen Yuge, page 11. Reports the Cortez JACL’s installation dinner, fishing derby, youth activities, and community involvement during the year.
• Contra Costa Chapter Report, by George Sugihara, page 11. Describes the Contra Costa JACL’s six years of growth, its monthly meetings, and its programs. The chapter emphasized youth and community service.
• Seabrook Chapter Culminates Another Outstanding Year, by Ayako Nakamura, page 12. Reviews the Seabrook, New Jersey JACL chapter’s year of events, including a testimonial dinner for Belford Seabrook, community donations to hospitals, scholarships, and a picnic. The chapter also honored graduates and supported Little League and bowling.
• Cleveland Ready for Countdown, by Mary Yoshida, page 14. Describes the Cleveland JACL’s revitalized year, including the Midwest District Convention, a scholarship talent show, and a Voice of America recording project. The chapter also decorated a Public Square Christmas tree.
• Fowler Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Community, by P.C. Staff, page 15. The Fowler JACL took part in the city’s 50th anniversary, holding a coronation ball open to the public. The chapter also held a membership drive, a narcotics talk, a picnic, and awarded a scholarship.
• Southwest L.A. Chapter Sports Program for Youth, by Joe Yasaki, page 16. Describes the Southwest Los Angeles JACL’s youth sports leagues, Hi-Co program support, and community activities. It also covers the chapter’s board system and membership drive.
• Sonoma County Chapter Report, by P.C. Staff, page 16. Reports on the Sonoma County JACL’s Issei survey, pioneer recognition dinner, youth programs, and bowling league. The chapter’s successful membership drive is highlighted.
• Meaning and Spirit of Christmas, by Father Clement, page 17. A Christmas essay reflecting on the spirit of the holiday and the message of Christ’s birth as an example of humility and love. It argues that the teachings of Christmas should guide human conduct.
• West Los Angeles Chapter Report, by P.C. Staff, page 18. Describes the West Los Angeles JACL’s neighborhood improvement efforts, youth programs, and civic activities. It also notes the chapter’s new auxiliary and its community service.
• Ex-Wisconsin Flash and Community Briefs, by P.C. Staff, page 19. Brief news items from several JACL chapters and community events during the year.
• Japanese in the Rockies, by Some Kosuge and Roy Mikawa, page 21. A history of Japanese settlement in Colorado from the pioneer Tadaatsu Matsudaira through labor contractors, Denver businesses, newspapers, churches, and farmers. It profiles many Issei who shaped Colorado’s Japanese community.
• Monterey Peninsula Chapter Activities, by P.C. Staff, page 21. Brief report on Monterey Peninsula chapter events and members.
• Japanese of Cheyenne, by Evelyn Okamoto, page 22. Chronicles the Japanese community of Cheyenne, Wyoming, from early railroad workers through the wartime period to the present families and businesses. It profiles multiple families and their occupations.
• Idaho Falls, Parlier, and Omaha Chapter Reports, by P.C. Staff, page 22. Short reports from three JACL chapters on programs and local news.
• Denver Civic Notes, by P.C. Staff, page 23. Brief community news items from Denver’s Japanese American residents.
• Salt Lake City Youth, by Keiko Nakahara, page 23. Describes youth activities in Salt Lake City, including college and church youth groups and community involvement. It covers recreational and cultural programs for young Nisei.
• Shig Wakamatsu Named Presiding Officer, by P.C. Staff, page 24. Brief notice about national JACL officers and community leadership appointments.
• Pioneer Recognition and Mountain Plains Notes, by P.C. Staff, page 25. Brief community reports from Mountain Plains chapters covering recognition events and local activities.
• Seattle JACL Chapter Notes, by P.C. Staff, page 26. Brief Seattle chapter news and community items.
• Salinas Chapter Functions Popular and Well-Established, by P.C. Staff, page 27. Reports on Salinas Valley JACL’s 1958 year under President Henry Tanda, including a blood bank, installation dinner, and a beach party. The chapter’s committees and social events are described.
• New York Chapter Consolidates, Shows Steady Growth, by P.C. Staff, page 28. Reviews the New York JACL’s 1958 year, including its board system, a film presentation, the annual installation dinner, and a visit from Japanese newsmen. The chapter continues to plan for the 1959 EDC-MDC convention.
• Chicago Chapter Report, by P.C. Staff, page 32. A comprehensive year review of the Chicago JACL, covering membership, social events, scholarships, and the national convention. The chapter’s credit union and community projects are noted.
• Detroit Chapter Activities Report, by Bebe Horiuchi, page 39. Describes the Detroit JACL’s work to assist Issei through an annual party and an Issei club. It also covers youth programs, the teen club, and fund-raising projects.
• Salt Lake City Chapter and Auxiliary Report, by Josie Hachiya, page 53. Describes Salt Lake JACL’s preparations for the national convention, including decorations and social events. It highlights the auxiliary’s community service and the convention’s success.
• Pacific Citizen Holiday Issue Ads Section Notes, by P.C. Staff, page 57. Brief community chapter directory and recognition notes from several JACL chapters.

Sports

• Ex-Wisconsin Flash Coaches Grid Champs, by Wendy Watanabe, page 15. Profile of Yosh Yamada, a Nisei athletic director who coached Englewood High School of Chicago to its first Public League football title in decades. Yamada was a former Wisconsin lightweight football player and track sprinter.

Arts & Entertainment

• Nisei Visits the Soviet Union, by Dave Yamakawa, Jr., page 24. A young Nisei recounts a summer trip to the Soviet Union with American students, describing the people and culture he observed. He recommends travel abroad and reflects on Soviet youth’s desire for peace.

In-Depth

• A Measure of Success, by Toshi Uriu, page 25. Biography of Kingiro Nakamura, an Issei who immigrated in 1904 and struggled through farming setbacks in Wyoming and Montana. His family later prospered and gained citizenship in 1956.

Obituaries

• Obituary and Memorial Notices, by P.C. Staff, page 58. Short memorial notices for JACL members who died during the year.

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