Vol. 50, No. 21, May 20, 1960. 8 pages. View this issue
JACL’s future was the main subject of this eight-page issue. National President Shig Wakamatsu argued that financing was the central problem of the 1960-70 JACL Planning program, and proposed ending the quota system and raising national dues. In his own column he declined to seek re-election. Mike Masaoka warned that JACL must stay a national organization, and the NC-WNDC nominated Jerry Enomoto for National Board secretary. The 1000 Club reached a record 1,398 memberships before the biennial convention.
Other stories reached beyond the organization. Bill Hosokawa reported from the Paris summit for the Denver Post, and Grant Shimizu, a 442nd RCT veteran, filed suit over a San Jose housing tract. Also inside: the Nisei Relays results, Tsuru Aoki’s return to film, and the resignation of Hawaii Justice Masaji Marumoto.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Diplomacy of the 20th Century Changes Its Attire and Habits, by H.H., page 1. The collapsed Paris summit conference is viewed as the latest example of shifting diplomatic practice. The editorial anticipates how future historians will assess the contradictions surrounding Khrushchev’s demands on Berlin and the summit.
- Wakamatsu Will Not Accept Re-election Nomination, by Shig Wakamatsu, page 2. National JACL President Shig Wakamatsu declines re-nomination despite Midwest District support, citing the one-term precedent set by Dr. Thomas Yatabe and Dr. Randolph Sakada. He argues that rotating leadership keeps the organization vital.
- Shig Wakamatsu Addresses Eastern District Council on JACL Future, by Shig Wakamatsu, page 2. In a speech at the Eastern District Council meeting in Washington, D.C., Wakamatsu praised Mike Masaoka’s two decades of service and emphasized the Nisei’s civil rights responsibility. He argued that JACL needs sustained financing, proposing across-the-board dues increases and new membership structures.
- East of the River: A Handful of Votes, by Richard Akagi, page 6. Richard Akagi describes how a small reform club in New York’s West Side defeated a Tammany district leader in a primary. He argues that small groups of committed voters can decisively shape political outcomes.
- Washington Newsletter: JACL 1960-1970 Planning, by Mike Masaoka, page 7. Mike Masaoka argues that JACL must remain a national organization rather than becoming a West Coast sectional group. He warns that failing to finance a national program could cause eastern and midwestern chapters to decline.
Community
- XC-WN Nominates Jerry Enomoto, page 1. The NC-WNDC district pre-convention rally in Pleasanton nominated Jerry Enomoto for National Board secretary and summarized over 100 recommendations from its 1960-70 planning commission. Oratorical contest winners were also announced, led by William Y. Hayashi of Sonoma County.
- Hosokawa Among 3,000 Correspondents Reporting Big Four Summit Meeting, by Larry S. Tojiri, page 3. Denver Post assistant managing editor Bill Hosokawa is covering the Paris Big Four Summit and was featured in an Associated Press story. He described the press headquarters and an encounter with Khrushchev’s son-in-law Alexei Adzhubei.
- Kiku Ito Chosen Senior Prom Queen at Denver Cathedral High School, by Tom Matsumori, page 3. Kiku Ito, daughter of Mrs. Atsuyo S. Namba, was selected senior prom queen at Denver Cathedral High School. The article notes her classmates’ choice and her plans to attend college in the fall.
- Rodney Omachi Receives Honors in Math Exam, page 3. Rodney Omachi, a student at Edison High School in Stockton, received honorable mention for his achievement in a regional mathematics contest taken by more than 10,000 students. The contest covered Northern California, Nevada and Hawaii high schools.
- Hawaii Justice Masaji Marumoto Resigns from Supreme Court, page 3. Governor William F. Quinn accepted the resignation of Associate Justice Masaji Marumoto of the Hawaii Supreme Court, effective August 31. Marumoto will return to private practice with his son in Honolulu, and the governor praised his integrity.
- Chicago JACL Reports 999 Members as of May 1, page 3. The Chicago JACL membership chairman reported 999 members for 1960 as of May 1. Solicitors are making calls on Sunday afternoons with a goal of 1,260 members this year.
- Herbert Kawahara to Speak on Stock Investment at San Fernando Valley JACL, page 4. Herbert G. Kawahara of E.F. Hutton and Co. will speak on stock investment at the San Fernando Valley JACL general meeting on May 21. Two short films will also be shown.
- NC-WNDC Recommendations for 1960-70 JACL Planning Featured, page 4. The NC-WNDC submitted a 12-section report with over 100 recommendations for 1960-70 JACL Planning covering public relations, civil rights, youth, and finance. The report was summarized from workshops and chapter reports.
- Gallup Sansei Among 10 Finalists Winning Bausch & Lomb Grant, page 6. Eddie Shibata of Gallup, New Mexico, won a Bausch & Lomb scholarship worth $1,300 per year to the University of Rochester. He was one of 33 national finalists and was also offered a scholarship at New Mexico State University.
- Newsletter from Los Angeles: Alan Cranston Addresses Japanese Chamber of Commerce, by Henry Mori, page 7. State Controller Alan Cranston spoke to the press at the Japanese Chamber of Commerce about California’s projected growth and civil rights progress. The column also previews the centennial U.S.-Japan trade observances.
- Eastern District Council Nominates Ira Shimasaki for National Third Vice President, page 8. Delegates to the Eastern District Council unanimously nominated Ira Shimasaki of Washington, D.C., for national third vice president. The two-day meeting covered over 20 agenda topics, including the Issei Story project and Pacific Citizen.
- Urge National Democratic Convention to Include Nisei Participants, page 8. The West Jefferson Democratic Club proposed that Nisei ministers give an invocation and Nisei entertainers perform at the National Democratic Convention in Los Angeles. The suggestions were offered to convention general manager Leonard Reinsch.
- Nisei Barrister Defends Man Tried in Wrong Court, page 8. Attorney Tom Okawara secured a continuance for Carmen, a man convicted of murder in the wrong court in 1950. A psychiatrist will examine Carmen’s mental competency before the May 27 hearing.
- Rev. Donald Toriumi and Takeshi Kubota Nominated for Nisei of the Biennium, page 8. JACL recognitions committee chairman Dr. Roy Nishikawa announced new nominees for Nisei of the Biennium, including Rev. Donald Toriumi of Pasadena and Takeshi Kubota of Seattle. Toriumi was installed as moderator of the Los Angeles Presbytery, and Kubota has served in many civic roles.
JACL
- JACL 1000 Club Hits New High of 1,400, page 1. National JACL headquarters reported a record 1,398 current 1000 Club memberships ahead of the biennial convention. Chapter chairmen were commended for their membership drives, and 140 new and renewal memberships were reported for the first half of May.
- Finance Key to Success of 1960-70 Plan, Says National President, page 1. National President Shig Wakamatsu, speaking at an Eastern District meeting, stressed that financing is the central problem of the 1960-70 JACL Planning program. He proposed ending the quota system, raising national dues toward $5, and changing 1000 Club and Jr. JACL dues policies.
National
- Nisei Attorney Alleges Racial Bias in San Jose Suburban Housing Tract, page 1. Attorney Grant Shimizu filed a civil suit alleging racial discrimination by Country Lane Homes, Inc. in San Jose after being denied the chance to purchase a home because of his Japanese ancestry. He is a veteran of the 442nd RCT and is represented by attorney Peter M. Nakahara.
- Canada Relaxes Rule Permitting Citizens to Import Marriage Mates, page 1. Canada eased immigration rules so that fiances and spouses of Canadian citizens of Japanese and Chinese ancestry may enter on non-immigrant permits. The $1,000 sponsor’s bond requirement and 30-day marriage deadline were removed.
- Ask Tolerance and Mission of Peace, page 3. Congressman Daniel Inouye addressed a Chicago dinner honoring him and reflected on America’s leadership role in the Free World. He urged Americans to accept greater sacrifices to protect democratic ideals and foreign aid.
Arts & Entertainment
- Tsuru Aoki Makes First Hollywood Role in 40 Years in Hell to Eternity, page 3. Veteran actress Tsuru Aoki returns to Hollywood for a key role in Allied Artists’ Hell to Eternity, based on the heroism of Guy Gabaldon. The article traces her career from early silent films with Sessue Hayakawa to her recent casting.
Sports
- Hobos Retain Open Division Team Championship at JACL Nisei Relays, page 6. The Oshige Jewelry Hobos captured the Open Division title with 98 points at the ninth annual JACL Nisei Relays, setting five records. The Untouchables won the Junior Division.
- Sansei Yell Count for Cal and Stanford Oarsmen, page 6. Bob Shimasaki and Kent Imai serve as coxswains for the California and Stanford freshman crews this season. The article gives their heights, weights and academic details.
Obituaries
- Vital Statistics: Deaths and Weddings, page 7. This section lists recent weddings and deaths among persons of Japanese ancestry across the country. Entries include names, locations and dates.
- Gardener Sukeichiro Kishi Dies of Lockjaw Infection, page 7. Sukeichiro Kishi, 63, of Los Angeles died of tetanus after a rose thorn became embedded under his thumbnail. The City Health Department noted he was the first fatality of three cases that year.
Military & Veterans
- Ronald Yamamoto Awarded Bronze Medal of Legion of Valor, page 8. Ronald Yamamoto, an ROTC cadet major at Manual High School in Denver, received the Bronze Medal of the Army-Navy Legion of Valor for outstanding service and academic achievement. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dick Yamamoto.
Thank you for exploring the Pacific Citizen archive. The title, introduction and contents on this page were written by an AI model from scans of the printed issue, so they may contain mistakes. If you spot one, we would be grateful if you let us know.
