Counting down to the 1960 JACL convention in Sacramento

Vol. 50, No. 20, May 13, 1960. 8 pages. View this issue

Preparations for the 16th biennial National JACL Convention in Sacramento, June 28-July 2, filled the front page. Sterling Sakamoto reported that pre-registration was extended to June 15, with about 1,000 delegates and boosters expected, and later outlined the program. The JACL Planning Commission readied a questionnaire on the organization’s future, and the Midwest District Council planned to nominate National President Shig Wakamatsu for re-election. Chapters also put forward names for the Nisei of the Biennium honors, with K. Patrick Okura and John Y. Yoshino among them.

In the columns, Harry K. Honda asked readers whether the Pacific Citizen should stay a JACL house organ or become a national Nisei newspaper. Bill Hosokawa wrote about jet travel, a voter registration clerk and a cinematographer’s visa to Korea. Mike Masaoka reported on the centennial of U.S.-Japan relations and the signing of the 1960 Civil Rights Act. Berry Suzukida covered a Chicago dinner for Congressman Daniel K. Inouye.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Shig Wakamatsu Nominated for Re-election Support by Midwest Chapters, by (JACL News Service), page 1. The Midwest District Council announced it will officially nominate National President Shig Wakamatsu for re-election at its May 28-29 meeting. The council cited his leadership on significant national projects during the biennium.
• Ye Editor’s Desk: Which Will It Be?, by Harry K. Honda, page 2. The editor asks whether the Pacific Citizen should remain primarily a JACL house organ or become a national Nisei newspaper. He invites readers to comment as the National Council considers the paper’s direction.
• Public Service, by Harry K. Honda, page 2. The editor cites Congressman Charles Teague’s newsletter on the Kiwanis CQ citizenship project and notes low voter turnout. He reaffirms citizenship as a foundation of JACL’s mission.
• From the Frying Pan: Shrinking World, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa contrasts his grandfather’s month-long Pacific crossing with modern jet travel and notes Nisei engineers working on the Dyna-Soar space craft. He reflects on how far Japanese Americans have come.
• From the Frying Pan: Complexion?, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa humorously recounts a voter registration clerk struggling to classify his complexion and that of his wife. The piece pokes gentle fun at racial categorization.
• From the Frying Pan: Off to Korea, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Cinematographer Toge Fujihira finally received a visa to South Korea after earlier denials, following JACL intervention with the Korean ambassador. Hosokawa reports Fujihira’s travel plans across several countries.
• Washington Newsletter: Centennial of U.S.-Japan Relations, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Masaoka describes the 1960 centennial of U.S.-Japan diplomatic relations, including a message from Secretary Herter and a visit by former Prime Minister Yoshida. He also highlights a Japanese embassy pamphlet on the first embassy’s 1860 journey.
• Washington Newsletter: Civil Rights Act Signed, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. President Eisenhower signed the 1960 Civil Rights Act, which creates court-appointed referees to help minorities register and vote. The measure is expected to face legal challenges.

JACL

• Planning Commission Readies Questionnaire on JACL’s Future, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL Planning Commission is preparing a questionnaire on general organizational issues to be mailed to chapters by May 16. Chapters and district councils were asked to submit their decade-program reports by May 30.
• Two More Named for ‘Nisei of the Biennium’ Honors, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Omaha chapter nominated K. Patrick Okura for community leadership, and Washington D.C. chapter nominated John Y. Yoshino for public relations work. Both nominees are recognized for distinguished service to the community.
• Extend Deadline for Biennium Nominees, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL chapters now have until June 1 to submit nominations for Nisei and JACLer of the Biennium awards. The committee extended the deadline because the early convention date left chapters less time to consider candidates.
• JACL Convention Pre-Registration Deadline Extended to June 15, by Sterling Sakamoto, page 1. The 16th biennial National JACL Convention in Sacramento, June 28-July 2, has extended its pre-registration prize deadline to June 15. Organizers expect about 1,000 delegates and boosters.
• Convention Program Overview, by Sterling Sakamoto, page 2. The article outlines the convention schedule, including the National Council session, the Pioneer Banquet with Koto Matsudaira, golf and bridge tournaments, and the Recognitions Banquet. It also describes the social events and Fourth of July holiday plans.
• Congressman Inouye Honored at Chicago Testimonial Dinner, by Berry Suzukida, page 7. Congressman Daniel K. Inouye spoke at a Chicago testimonial dinner, recounting Depression-era family hardships and the immigrant sacrifices of the Issei. He credited the 442nd’s war record to the teachings of the Issei parents.

Community

• Rep. Inouye to Talk to Central Cal Group, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Congressman Daniel K. Inouye of Hawaii will speak in Fresno on July 19 at an event sponsored by the Central California District Council. Henry Seiichi Mikami was named chairman of the event committee.
• Peggy Sasashima Named by CCDC for Oratoricals, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Peggy Sasashima of Sanger was selected as the Central California entrant in the 1960 National JACL oratorical championships. She will present her speech at a special CCDC meeting in Fresno on May 21.
• Widow Since 1936 Hailed as Honolulu’s Mother of the Year, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Mrs. Riu Wakai of Honolulu was honored as Mother of the Year after raising seven children alone following her husband’s death. The article details her career as a teacher and her children’s accomplishments.
• Nisei Acculturation Report Presented, by Marie Kurihara, page 4. Dr. George DeVos presented findings on the acculturation of Japanese Americans to a San Francisco Youth JACL meeting. He discussed agricultural, educational, religious, family, and artistic traditions carried from Japan.
• Detroit JACL Approves Chapter Changeover to Board System, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Detroit JACL voted to replace its cabinet administration with a 16-member board of directors effective with the 1961 elections. The change was intended to improve continuity and ease candidate recruitment.
• Nisei Relays Queen Toki Nohara, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Toki Nohara of San Fernando was chosen queen of the 1960 Nisei Relays from a field of attractive candidates. Her court includes Ruby Hada, Sachi Ishihara, Elaine Yoshizaki, and Janice Shimazaki.
• Chicago JACL Youth Festival Planned for May 20-22, by Berry Suzukida, page 5. The Chicago JACL Junior Division will hold a three-day youth festival featuring a queen contest, dance, carnival, and variety show. Proceeds will fund scholarship, athletic, and leadership programs.

Military & Veterans

• Akiji Yoshimura to Address May 30 Rites at Golden Gate, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Akiji Yoshimura, National JACL first vice president, will speak at Memorial Day services honoring Nisei war dead at Golden Gate National Cemetery. The service is sponsored by VFW Post 9879 and the San Francisco JACL chapter.
• Certificate of Appreciation from Nagoya, by P.C. Staff, page 5. JACL received a certificate of appreciation from the mayor of Nagoya for its relief efforts after a typhoon. The article thanks the members and chapters who contributed funds and clothing.

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