Hawaii statehood, Nisei judges and JACL’s future, October 1959

Vol. 49, No. 16, October 16, 1959. 8 pages. View this issue

Hawaii’s new statehood ran through this issue. Three Nisei, Ben Tashiro, Tamao Monden and Jack Mizuha, were named to the state’s first Circuit bench, and the legislature set a November 27 Admission Day. Congressman Daniel K. Inouye invited mainland business to help diversify the island economy, and Dayton JACL entered a Columbus Day float marking the 50th state. JACL president Shig Wakamatsu wrote that the recent debate over the organization’s civil rights record had stimulated healthy thinking about its future, while Charles H. Slayman, Jr. documented JACL’s long role in civil rights. Mike Masaoka reviewed the Supreme Court’s new term.

Also in these eight pages: Joe Yoshida’s retirement after 53 years as a red cap at Seattle’s King Street Station, and a Chicago Issei’s 100th birthday greeting from President Eisenhower. Henry Mori and Paul Yamaguchi reported on typhoon relief for Nagoya. Chapter news covered Go For Broke screenings, a Christmas Cheer drive and convention plans in Reno and Fresno.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Another Black Eye for Americans, by H.H., page 1. The House probe into TV quiz show rigging drew congressional outrage and exposed industry ethics failures. The editorial argues the scandal further damages America’s image abroad as a leader for freedom.
• Reassurance from Capitol Hill, by Charles H. Slayman, Jr., page 2. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee chief counsel Charles Slayman responds to a critic and documents the JACL’s longstanding role in civil rights advocacy. He cites its achievements in military desegregation, naturalization, and Hawaii statehood.
• Seattle and the Cold War, by Elmer Ogawa, page 4. Elmer Ogawa examines how Seattle’s economy, heavily dependent on Boeing missile production, would be affected by a thaw in the Cold War. He questions whether public works and other projects could replace defense spending.
• Retreat from Militancy, by Richard Akagi, page 6. Richard Akagi reflects on his youthful zeal for assimilation and his later embarrassment over the reactions of white acquaintances. He concludes he has retreated into cowardice in social situations.
• Newsletter: Typhoon Victims, by Henry Mori, page 7. Henry Mori reports on relief efforts for Nagoya, a sister city of Los Angeles, after a typhoon killed nearly 4,500 people. Los Angeles Japanese organizations launched a city-wide fundraising drive.
• Southland Issei-Nisei Dentists, by Henry Mori, page 7. Henry Mori notes that more than 80 Issei and Nisei dentists practice in Southern California. Seven will be honored at a banquet sponsored by the Southern California Dental Association.

Community

• Dayton JACL Enters Columbus Day Float, page 1. The Dayton JACL chapter entered its first float in a city parade to celebrate Hawaii’s admission as the 50th state. Grace Yoshida and friends rode the decorated boat.
• Issei Red Cap Working at Seattle’s King St. Station Since 1906 Retires, page 1. Joe Yoshida, 78, retired after 53 years as a red cap at Seattle’s King Street Station. Colleagues held a farewell party and presented him with a new Bible and gifts.
• Three Nisei on Hawaii’s New Circuit Bench, page 1. Three Nisei, Ben Tashiro, Tamao Monden, and Jack Mizuha, were named to Hawaii’s first gubernatorially appointed Circuit bench. Their six-year terms await Senate confirmation.
• Ike Congratulates Issei 100 Years Old, page 1. Mrs. Kay Ishida of Chicago celebrated her 100th birthday with congratulations from President and Mrs. Eisenhower. A party hosted by Consul and Mrs. T. Ozawa and the Mutual Aid Society honored her.
• Reno Preparing for NC-WNDC Confab, page 1. NC-WNDC delegates will travel to Reno for the November 7-8 convention by plane or chartered bus. Reno JACL, the host chapter, asked for pre-registration at $10 per person.
• Fresno to Host CCDC Confab Committee Meeting, page 1. The Fresno chapter will host a CCDC committee meeting on October 27 to plan the tenth annual convention at the Hacienda Motel on December 6. Several Fresno members hold committee roles.
• San Francisco Bay Area Surpassing Los Angeles in Production of Cut Flowers, page 1. A report by Professor Daniel DeLoach and Walter Mikhus shows Bay Area flower sales rose to $22.2 million in 1958, while Southern California production declined. Issei and Nisei growers in the Bay Area produce about 60 percent of cut flowers grown for markets.
• Olivet Community Center Starts 71st Year of Work, page 1. Olivet Community Center in Chicago begins its 71st year of services, with a fall and winter recreation program for children, teens, and adults. Lillian Kimura coordinates the program.
• Seek State Law to Rid Poisonous Castor Bean Plant, page 1. After a two-year-old in Hayward was poisoned by a castor bean from a neighbor’s tree, Assemblyman Carlos Bee announced plans to seek a statewide ban on the plant. The Hayward Chamber of Commerce had urged the state-level legislation.
• Cleveland Meeting, page 1. The Cleveland JACL chapter screened the film Go For Broke at its general meeting at the Buddhist Church. The film depicts the 442nd combat team’s wartime heroism.
• Christmas Cheer Campaign in 12th Year, $198 in First Report, page 4. The 12th annual Christmas Cheer Fund drive received $198 in its first week of donations, with the Hiroshima Fujinkai contributing $25. Since its start, the campaign has raised nearly $20,000 for Japanese American families in Los Angeles County.
• Christmas Cheer Benefit Dance Planned Nov. 28, page 4. Southwest Los Angeles JACL will hold its third annual Christmas Cheer benefit dance at Old Dixie Ballroom on November 28. Jeep Smith and his band will provide the music.
• Midori Fashions Hit with N.Y. Herald-Trib., page 4. Midori Shimamoto’s Japanese-inspired fashions drew praise from the New York Herald Tribune for their feminine kimono-influenced lines. Her made-to-order designs were showcased at the EDC-MDC convention fashion show.
• Go For Broke Film for Dayton Nov. 15, page 4. The Dayton JACL will screen the film Go For Broke about the 442nd combat team at Goodwill Auditorium on November 15. The chapter also plans a Hallowe’en party on October 25.
• Fresno Films Challenge and Miss Universe, page 4. The Fresno JACL general membership meeting on October 23 will select a 1960 cabinet slate and screen The Challenge and Miss Universe Beauty Pageant. The films will be presented by Bob Kishita.
• Hollywood JACLers Aid in New Look, page 4. Ten community groups, including Hollywood JACL, will brighten the interior of the Hollywood Japanese Community Center in a project called Operation New Look. Women from participating organizations will serve lunch.
• Detroit JACLers Serve Sukiyaki to 160 Guests, page 4. Detroit JACL served a sukiyaki luncheon to 160 people at the International Institute’s monthly nationality luncheon. The event included a program with Japanese flower arrangement and origami demonstrations.
• Monterey Ginza’s Fourth Golf Tourney on Nov. 1, page 6. The fourth annual Monterey Ginza invitational golf tournament will be held November 1 at Del Monte. Trophies and prizes will be awarded, with an entry fee of $10 covering greens and dinner.
• Nisei Backs Exchange 80 and 95 Yard Runs, page 6. LeRoy Abe of Caldwell High returned a kick 95 yards for a touchdown in the final minutes of a 13-13 tie against Ontario High. Abe is also active in judo, basketball, and Junior Legion baseball.
• Sticks 2 Game, page 6. Chieko Yagi bowled a 278 game in the Ritz Ladies League, the highest women’s league score of the season in the area. Her performance helped White City set a team game record.
• Typhoon Victims, by Paul Yamaguchi, page 6. A Nisei in Nagoya appealed for relief supplies after a typhoon killed nearly 4,500 people in Japan. Flooding left many residents homeless and needing clothing, bedding, and food.
• San Jose Therapist Attends Paris Congress, page 6. Takumi Taketa, a San Jose physical therapist, attended the Third World Federation for Physical Therapists Congress in Paris. He visited rehabilitation centers across Europe before returning home.
• Nisei Week Court Joins TOT Ball Hostess Line, page 6. Faith Higurashi, the 1959 Nisei Week queen, and her court will serve as hostesses at the fourth annual TOT Ball at Fox Hills Country Club on October 31. Marvin Johnson’s orchestra will provide music.
• Montebello Women’s Club to Assist Junior Blind, page 6. The Japanese Women’s Club of Montebello will hold its fifth annual benefit dance at the Ambassador Hotel for the Foundation for the Junior Blind. The event honors foundation director Norman Kaplan.
• Farm Placement Man, page 6. Steve Sako, a farm placement officer at the Caldwell State Employment Service, was transferred to the Boise office as a technical assistant. He had worked in the local office for eleven years.
• Shimon Wincelberg Play Kataki Named Best, page 8. Shimon Wincelberg’s play Kataki was accepted for inclusion in Burns Mantle’s Best Plays of 1958-59. The honor recognizes its quality on the stage.
• Baby Bonanza Won by a Baby, page 8. Nine-month-old Chris Haines won the Baby Bonanza prize presented by Dayton JACL on behalf of the EDC-MDC Convention. His father, William K. Haines, is a staff artist for the Dayton Daily News.

JACL

• Dr. Miyake of Fowler Appointed Nat’l Nominations Committee Chairman, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. George Miyake was named chairman of the National JACL Nominations Committee by President Shig Wakamatsu. The district councils were given procedures for nominating candidates for seven elective national board positions.
• Healthy Thinking on JACL’s Future, by Shig Wakamatsu, page 4. JACL president Shig Wakamatsu says the recent debate over the organization’s civil rights record stimulated healthy thinking about its future. He urges members to prepare for the 1960-70 Planning Commission’s work.

National

• Hawaii Admission Day Set for Next Nov. 27, page 1. Hawaii’s House of Representatives passed a bill establishing Admission Day as a state holiday. The bill sets Nov. 27 as the first observance and the third Friday in August for later years.
• Supreme Court Term Begins, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Mike Masaoka reviews the start of the Supreme Court’s 1959 term and the Warren Court’s record on constitutional questions. He argues the Court’s decisions have not usurped legislative power and that it deserves public trust.
• Rep. Inouye Invites Diversified Trade from Mainland to Bolster Hawaii Economy, page 8. Congressman Daniel K. Inouye told a Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce luncheon that Hawaii seeks new business and a more diversified economy. A panel of Hawaii business leaders explained opportunities and problems including labor, land, and taxes.

Military & Veterans

• Seabrook Sansei Named South Jersey Prep of Week Gridder, page 6. Eisuke Murono, a 183-pound fullback at Bridgeton High, was honored as South Jersey Back of the Week by the Brooks-Irvine Memorial Football Club. He accepted the award as a challenge and credited his coaches and teammates.

Sports

• Weightlifter Kono Named for Sullivan Award Again, page 6. Tommy Kono, who recently won his third world middleweight weightlifting title, was endorsed for the Sullivan Award by the Hawaiian AAU. Kono also holds Olympic titles from 1952 and 1956.

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