Vol. 49, No. 4, July 24, 1959. 8 pages. View this issue
Civil rights and citizenship ran through the news of July 1959. A private bill signed by the President restored U.S. citizenship to Asae Kato Nishimoto of Idaho. Mike Masaoka testified before a Senate subcommittee for the return of vested Japanese property, and the House passed a JACL-backed measure for the children of Japanese refugees. In California, the University of California regents acted against fraternity bias and Governor Pat Brown signed the Unruh Civil Rights Act. The editors also asked older JACLers to say what the organization should do beyond social events.
Elsewhere in the eight pages: George T. Smith’s profile of rice farmer Kiyoaki Saibara, Larry S. Tajiri on James Shigeta and Miiko Taka, and Harry K. Honda’s Ye Editor’s Desk. Akira Hayashi’s New York column looked ahead to the Labor Day EDC-MDC convention. The issue also holds a review of The Marauders and its Nisei linguists, chapter news, and sports.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Mature Thoughts from Mature Men Needed, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The editorial observes that JACL chapter programming has become too focused on social activities, which may discourage older members seeking more meaningful participation. It calls on long-time JACLers to share their views on what JACL can accomplish at regional and national levels.
- Ye Editor’s Desk, by Harry K. Honda, page 2. The editor discusses the term ‘cop’ versus ‘policeman’ and the origins of the telegraph shorthand term. He also comments on market forecasts for 1970 family incomes and what they imply for JACL’s planning and membership fees.
- Press Comments: Restoration of Citizenship, by Tokyo Asahi Evening News, page 2. A Tokyo newspaper editorial praises the restoration of citizenship to Japanese Americans wrongly detained during World War II. It credits JACL and Mike Masaoka’s efforts alongside the Justice Department’s work.
- Letter from Allen Eaton, by Allen Eaton, page 2. Author Allen Eaton writes that he is proud of Japanese American people and values the Pacific Citizen as a source of democratic inspiration. He comments on a Portland Oregonian editorial about the community.
- The National Director’s Report, by Masao Satow, page 5. Satow reports on housing discrimination in the Bay Area, including a Nisei dentist’s threatened purchase and new open-occupancy committees. He also covers district council planning, youth citizenship encampment activities, and member inquiries.
- Los Angeles Newsletter: Stranded in Mexico City, by Henry Mori, page 7. Henry Mori writes about Nisei Week queen candidate Katie Tsuchiya being detained in Mexico City over a work permit issue. He also comments on rising costs of tofu and his struggles with stamp collecting after buying a new car.
- Washington Newsletter: Soviet Exchange Exhibit, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Mike Masaoka reviews the Soviet Exchange Exhibit in New York, which showcased Soviet industrial, scientific, and consumer achievements. He concludes the exhibition presents a formidable Communist challenge to the United States.
National
- U.C. Regents Clear Campus of Fraternity Bias, page 1. The University of California regents banned fraternities and sororities from discriminatory membership rules based on race, religion, or national origin. Restrictions must be eliminated by September 1, 1964.
- Father LaFarge Takes Issue with Eisenhower Stand on Civil Rights Legislation, page 1. Father John LaFarge criticized President Eisenhower’s statement that segregation is immoral but civil rights cannot be legislated. LaFarge argued that legislation is necessary to end segregation and immorality.
- Trailing Edge of the Fair Employment Practices Law, page 2. San Francisco’s Commission on Equal Employment Opportunity will go out of business after its second anniversary as California’s state FEP law takes effect. Executive director Edward Howden announced the agency would wind up pending cases within a year.
- Refugee Children Admission Section Passes House, by JACL News Service, page 8. The House passed a provision sponsored by JACL allowing children of Japanese refugees admitted under the 1953 Refugee Relief Act to enter as non-quota immigrants. The measure aims to reunite separated families.
- Governor Signs Unruh Civil Rights Act, page 8. Governor Pat Brown signed the Unruh Civil Rights Act prohibiting discrimination in business accommodations based on race, color, religion, or ancestry. It completes a package of five anti-discrimination measures effective September 18.
Incarceration & Redress
- Idaho Nisei Regains U.S. Citizenship as Private Bill Signed, by JACL News Service, page 1. President signed a private bill sponsored by Senator Frank Church to expedite naturalization of Asae Kato Nishimoto, who lost citizenship by voting in Japanese postwar elections. She could not use the 1954 JACL-sponsored law because she voted after Japan regained sovereignty.
- JACL Urges Return of Vested Property, page 1. Washington representative Mike Masaoka testified before a Senate subcommittee urging return of sequestrated Japanese private property vested during and after World War II without discrimination against Japanese. He argued the reasons for vesting no longer exist fourteen years after Japan’s surrender.
- State of Washington Law Banning Bias 10 Years Old, page 1. A dinner marked the tenth anniversary of the Washington Law Against Discrimination, attended by JACL representatives from Seattle and Puyallup Valley. The law has been a key civil rights measure in the state.
Community
- Ambassador Asakai to Address JACLers, page 1. Japanese Ambassador Koichiro Asakai will speak at the EDC-MDC JACL Convention Recognitions Banquet in New York over Labor Day weekend. Tokichi Matsuoka of the New York Japanese American Association will be honored at the banquet.
- Alameda JACL Bids Minister Farewell, page 2. The Alameda JACL honored Rev. Waichi Oyanagi and his wife Sachi at a farewell dinner as he transfers to Tacoma. Oyanagi served as the chapter’s corresponding secretary and newsletter editor.
- Contra Costa JACL Holds Panel on Teenagers, page 4. A Contra Costa JACL panel discussed adolescent issues with teenagers and parents, moderated by school psychologist Jack Nakashima. The chapter also reported a successful graduation party and planned its annual picnic.
- Omaha Families Enjoy JACL Picnic, by Mary Misaki, page 4. Omaha JACL families gathered for a picnic with games, prizes, and refreshments. The chapter also announced plans for a winter bowling season starting in September.
- NY Skyline: Jr. JACLers Head for EDC-MDC Parley, by Akira Hayashi, page 5. Akira Hayashi reports that Sansei teenagers from Detroit, Seabrook, and other chapters plan to attend the Labor Day EDC-MDC convention in New York. He encourages parents to expose their children to other Sansei and urges early hotel reservations.
- Pasco Nisei Named Water Follies Queen, page 6. Linda Yamauchi, an 18-year-old Pasco High graduate, was selected Water Follies Queen of the Tri-Cities area. She will represent the three cities at Northwest events including Seattle Seafair.
JACL
- 1000 Club Notes, by William Matsumoto, page 2. The 1000 Club stands at 1,259 active members as of this week, with June renewals and new members noted. The column previews the upcoming NC-WNDC meeting in Monterey and a 1000 Club luncheon in Los Angeles.
In-Depth
- Rice Farmer Kiyoaki Saibara, Texan and U.S. Citizen, by George T. Smith, page 3. Kiyoaki Saibara, an Issei pioneer, is profiled for his role in establishing rice farming in Texas with seed imported from Japan. The article traces his family history and his farming career in the Texas Gulf Coast.
Arts & Entertainment
- Crimson Kimono’s Leading Man, by Larry S. Tajiri, page 3. Producer-director Sam Fuller plans to cast James Shigeta in future films as a leading man without regard to ancestry, after The Crimson Kimono. The column also covers Miiko Taka’s career after Sayonara and her failed audition for The Mountain Road.
Military & Veterans
- Nisei and the Marauders, page 4. A review of Charlton Ogburn Jr.’s book The Marauders recounts the unit’s combat in North Burma and highlights the fourteen Nisei linguists who served. The article credits their heroic contributions in the Pacific campaign.
Sports
- Sports Roundup, page 6. Nisei dominate the California state men’s bowling tournament, with Will Tanaka leading and Tadashi Yeto in third place. Other items cover weightlifter Tommy Kono’s national preparation and the Southern California Nisei golf team’s win over Hawaii.
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