Vol. 48, No. 14, April 3, 1959. 8 pages. View this issue
An alien land law still on Arizona’s books was the subject of the front-page editorial, which noted that Nisei in the state had succeeded in land development and real estate, yet Arizona remained the only state with such a law. It urged Arizona JACLers to start a repeal campaign, following Washington State’s lead. Immigration was the other main subject: Mike Masaoka of the JACL Washington office hailed Congressman Francis Walter’s six-point bill to expand opportunities for separated families. Masaoka’s column also reviewed the first three months of the 86th Congress.
Other pages cover the California FEPC bill sent to the Senate Finance committee, a proposal to turn the abandoned Tule Lake barracks into a youth honor camp, and Tamotsu Murayama’s profile of Nisei diplomats Koh Chiba and Toshio Yamanaka. Larry S. Tojiri reviewed Pork Chop Hill, and the sports page reports the Southern California Nisei Travelers’ win in Salt Lake City.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Land Sales Boom in Arizona, but Alien Land Law Still Stands, by H.H., page 1. The editorial notes that Arizona Nisei have succeeded in land development and real estate, yet the state remains the only one with an alien land law on its books. It urges Arizona JACLers to launch a repeal campaign following Washington State’s lead.
- Time for Repeal, by California Eagle, page 2. The California Eagle editorial urges repeal of California’s outdated anti-intermarriage law, which the state supreme court invalidated over ten years ago. It notes Idaho and Nevada have already repealed similar laws.
- U.S.-Born Japanese Diplomats, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 2. Tokyo correspondent Tamotsu Murayama profiles Nisei career diplomats Koh Chiba and Toshio Yamanaka, both raised in San Francisco. He observes that discrimination against Nisei and immigrants persists within Japan’s Foreign Office.
- The National Director’s Report, by Masao W. Satow, page 4. The National Director reports on an upcoming National Board meeting in San Francisco, Encampment for Citizenship scholarships, and membership support. He also recognizes bowling tournament trophy donors and notes a successful challenge to a derogatory newspaper ad.
- By the Board: Children’s Therapy Center in Omaha, by Lily A. Okura, page 5. Lily Okura, Secretary to the National Board, describes the Children’s Therapy Center in Omaha, a medical facility for handicapped children. She encourages JACL chapters to participate actively in community affairs.
National
- Walter Bill Liberalizes Immigration Law, page 1. Congressman Francis Walter introduced a six-point bill to expand immigration opportunities, particularly for separated families. Mike Masaoka of the JACL Washington office hailed the proposals as historic.
- California FEPC Bill Detoured to Senate Finance Committee, page 1. The California Senate sent the Rumford FEPC bill to the Finance committee due to appropriations required by the measure. Gov. Pat Brown expressed confidence it would clear the committee.
Community
- Harry Masunaga Successful Arizona Newcomer, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Harry Masunaga, owner of Interstate Plant Co., was featured in the Phoenix Gazette’s Meet Mr. series. The article covers his nursery business and real estate ventures in Arizona.
- Tule Lake Center May Become Youth Honor Camp, page 1. Officials in Siskiyou, Modoc, Tehama and Shasta counties hope to convert the abandoned Tule Lake WWII camp barracks into a youth honor camp. The proposal faces opposition over cost.
- Japanese American Youth Inc. Opens Headquarters, by Henry Mori, page 7. The Japanese American Youth organization opened its headquarters in San Pedro Firm Building, with Inspector Noel McQuown warning of rising juvenile delinquency among Sansei. Weapons confiscated from gangs were displayed at the open house.
- Oxnard Supports Anti-Bias Housing Resolution, page 8. The Oxnard City Council adopted a Ventura County NAACP resolution prohibiting discrimination in publicly assisted housing. The resolution responded to complaints that Negroes face housing barriers.
Military & Veterans
- Nisei Vets Hold Elections in Seattle, page 2. Tom Onishi was elected commander of the Seattle Nisei Vets at the annual election. Other officers and committee chairmen were also chosen.
- Congress at Midpoint, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Washington correspondent Mike Masaoka reviews the first three months of the 86th Congress and notes major pending legislation. He reports on JACL-related matters including Hawaii statehood and Japanese American evacuation claims.
Arts & Entertainment
- Pork Chop Hill and Nisei Actor George Shibata, by Larry S. Tojiri, page 3. Columnist Larry Tojiri reviews Gregory Peck’s Korean War film Pork Chop Hill and its casting of Nisei West Point graduate George Shibata. The column also discusses Japanese American roles in Hollywood war films.
Sports
- L.A. Travelers Win Salt Lake Invitationals, page 6. The Southern California Nisei Travelers won the 24th annual National Nisei basketball tournament in Salt Lake City, defeating the San Jose Zebras 85-58. Kaz Shinzato was named the tournament’s most valuable player.
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