Vol. 49, No. 24, December 11, 1959. 8 pages. View this issue
A national testimonial for Dr. Thomas T. Yatabe, set for the 1960 national convention in Sacramento, led this eight-page issue. JACL National President Shig Wakamatsu announced it at the Central California District Council’s convention in Fresno, where more than 125 members were sworn in as 1960 officers and Fred Hirasuna became CCDC chairman. Wakamatsu also spoke in Placer County, condemning race discrimination, and Masao Satow reported on the Mountain-Plains District Convention and preparations for Sacramento.
Other pages looked at civil rights and veterans. San Jose attorney Peter Nakahara won damages for three Black plaintiffs refused entry to a nightclub. Rep. Daniel K. Inouye was reunited in Tokyo with Sam Matsuura of the 442nd. Columns came from Larry S. Tajiri on Japanese Americans in film, Mike Masaoka from Tokyo, Harry K. Honda, Elmer Ogawa and Richard Akagi.
What’s in this issue
JACL
- Testimonial for Dr. Yatabe at ’60 Parley Set, by P.C. Staff, page 1. National JACL President Shig Wakamatsu announced plans for a national testimonial honoring Dr. Thomas T. Yatabe at the 1960 national convention in Sacramento. Yatabe, a founder of JACL and its first national president, is recognized for four decades of service to Japanese Americans.
Community
- Over 125 JACLers Mass CCDC Installation, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Over 125 JACL members were sworn in as 1960 officers of Central California District Council chapters, auxiliaries, and Jr. JACL groups at the Hacienda Hotel in Fresno. Fred Hirasuna was installed as the new CCDC chairman, with other officers and agenda reports covered.
- Wakamatsu Hits Race Bias in Talk Before Placer County JACL Fete, by Roy T. Yoshida, page 1. JACL National President Shig Wakamatsu addressed nearly 400 guests at Placer County JACL’s 19th annual goodwill dinner, condemning race discrimination as a threat to democracy. He also announced a planned JACL history of the Issei immigrant experience.
- 10-Year Dream Comes True for Japanese Community Center in San Fernando Valley, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The San Fernando Valley Japanese American Club dedicated a $150,000 community center in Pacoima after a decade of fundraising. The center will serve all faiths and promote welfare, citizenship, and community goodwill.
- U.S. and Japan Need Each Other to Survive, Rep. Inouye Declares, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Rep. Daniel K. Inouye told a Tokyo press luncheon that the United States and Japan must remain friends for mutual survival. He also discussed his meeting with the Crown Prince and improvements in the Pacific trust territories.
- Culver City High Girl Wins DAR Citizen Award, by Helene Black, page 3. Yohko Kitagawa, a Japanese-born student and president of the Culver City High School Girls’ League, received a DAR good citizenship award. The report praises her leadership, service, and enthusiasm for American life.
- Los Angeles Newsletter: Perry Post Legion Discrimination Ends, by Henry Mori, page 7. Henry Mori discusses the American Legion’s dispute with its subsidiary, the 40 & 8 Society, over its whites-only membership clause. He traces the Nisei-led Commodore Perry Post’s history and the shift in west coast attitudes.
National
- Nisei Attorney Wins Civil Rights Case for Three Negroes, by P.C. Staff, page 1. San Jose attorney Peter Nakahara won damages for three Black plaintiffs who were refused entry to Leon Gardens nightclub. The court awarded monetary damages under the civil rights statute.
- The National Director’s Report, by Masao Satow, page 5. National Director Masao Satow reports on the Mountain-Plains District Convention in Denver, the upcoming national bowling tournament, and the CCDC convention. He also covers preparations for the 1960 national convention in Sacramento.
Commentary
- Northwest Picture, by Elmer Ogawa, page 2. Elmer Ogawa writes a Seattle column on boating, skiing, and mushroom hunting, including matsutake lore shared by a local hot-stove expert. He reflects on the Northwest’s outdoor culture and local pride.
- Truly Yours, by Harry K. Honda, page 4. Harry Honda previews the 1959 Holiday Issue, noting growth in greetings and new features such as a JACL history timeline. He also comments on proportional representation proposals for district councils.
- Eagle’s Eye, by Richard Akagi, page 6. Richard Akagi writes about his New York business handling All-America football promotions and the Asian presence he encounters there. He reflects wryly on stereotypes and visibility among the players and staff.
- Washington Newsletter: Comments from Japan, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Mike Masaoka reports from Tokyo on Japan’s transformed economy, television growth, and the textile industry study his firm is conducting for importers. He also describes meeting Nisei visitors and the Nichibei Club.
Arts & Entertainment
- Vagaries, by Larry S. Tajiri, page 3. Larry Tajiri’s column traces the changing portrayal of Japanese Americans in film, from the Hashimura Togo humor of earlier decades to the 1959 cartoon Hashimoto-San. He also reports on Nisei performers such as Nobu McCarthy, James Shigeta, Miyoshi Umeki, and Dale Ishimoto.
Military & Veterans
- Rep. Inouye in Fearful Reunion with GI Who Saved His Life, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Rep. Daniel K. Inouye reunited in Tokyo with Sam Matsuura, the 442nd comrade who dragged him to safety after he lost an arm in Italy during World War II. The emotional meeting was recorded for a Japanese television program.
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