A 1961 issue on JACL’s anti-communist stance, Li’l Tokio and civil rights

Vol. 52, No. 9, March 3, 1961. 4 pages. View this issue

The JACL’s policy statement against communism ran on the front page, reaffirming its 1954 position and its opposition to guilt-by-association smears. An editorial on page 2 argued that Dr. John Lechner did not deserve the honor proposed for him, and praised JACL president Frank Chuman for opposing it. Also on page 1, Los Angeles Mayor Poulson told a delegation that no immediate plans existed to alter Li’l Tokio. Mike Masaoka reported on the JACL’s protest to Life magazine over its use of the word ‘Jap.’ The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review whether Congress may strip native-born Americans of citizenship.

The 15th National JACL bowling tournament in San Jose drew a record 174 teams, and Long Beach bid for the 1963 event. Saburo Kido’s column recalled the 1931 push to amend the Cable Act, and Richard Akagi and Richard Y. Okita wrote commentary. Chapter news filled page 4, from membership drives to new officers.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Policy Statement Against Communism, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL reaffirms its 1954 policy statement opposing communism, fascism, and all forms of totalitarianism while condemning smears and guilt-by-association tactics. The statement bars Communist Party members from JACL membership while upholding fundamental American principles.
• Life Magazine Rebuked for Insisting ‘Jap’ as Colloquial, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. The JACL protested Life magazine’s continued use of the term ‘Jap,’ citing its derogatory history and noting that multiple dictionaries label it offensive or contemptuous. Life’s response defending the term as colloquial was met with strong objection.
• Thoughts from Hawaii, by Richard Y. Okita, page 2. A Honolulu reader questions the JACL’s emphasis on ‘Security through Unity’ and criticizes its intervention in the Lechner case, arguing that individual deeds better demonstrate Americanism. He suggests the Japanese American community should earn acceptance through merit rather than organized protest.
• Idaho Falls JAY Parents, by Leo Hosoda, page 2. The Idaho Falls JACL chapter president argues that at least one parent of each Idaho Falls JAY member should be a JACL member, since the chapter bears responsibility for the youth group. He also welcomed youths from Rexburg into the group.
• Lechner Undeserving, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial argues that Dr. John Lechner, who was honored for anti-Communist education work, does not deserve citation given his divisive rhetoric, and praises JACL president Frank Chuman for opposing the resolution. It contends that recent sentiment defending Lechner is misguided.
• East of the River, by Richard Akagi, page 2. Akagi reflects on individualistic white ‘oddballs’ who supported Japanese Americans during World War II evacuation when such stands carried social and economic risk. He suggests such voices may someday become more accepted.

Community

• L.A. Mayor Supports Plan to Preserve Li’l Tokio, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Los Angeles Mayor Poulson assured a Japanese American delegation that no immediate plans exist to alter Li’l Tokio, which faced threats from proposed street widening and a Customs House project. Community leaders argued the district remains vital as the cultural and economic center of Japanese Southern Californians.
• Nisei Accountant and Newspaper Editor Honored at Chicago JACL Brotherhood Fete, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Chicago JACL presented its Human Relations Awards to Frank Y. Takahashi, a Nisei CPA active in community improvement, and to Naperville Clarion editor Joanne Dutcher Maxwell for aiding a Japanese war bride. The honors were presented at the annual Sukiyaki Brotherhood Dinner.
• Dr. Taira to Head National Bussei Body, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Seattle physician Dr. Kikuo Taira was named president of the Buddhist Churches of America board of directors, succeeding Albert S. Kosakura. Other officers and board members representing its districts were also announced.
• San Francisco JACLer Passes Contractor Exam, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Harry Y. Tono passed the California State Board of Contractors examination and received his B-1 general building contractor license. He previously worked with Cheney and Sons in New Jersey before relocating to San Francisco.
• Calif. FEPC Rules on First Formal Hearing, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The California Fair Employment Practices Commission ordered the Santa Fe Railroad to reinstate Black coach cleaner Lenile Andrews with back pay after finding discrimination in promotion and retaliatory firing. It was the commission’s first formal public hearing.
• Phone Cover Girl Draws Winning Design for Lodi Directory, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Judy Michiko Kosaka, a Lodi high school student, won a contest to design the cover of the new Lodi telephone directory with a Lodi-Kofu sister city theme. The Lodi City Council honored her for the design.
• Harry Matsukane’s Son Elected Student Mayor, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Melvin Matsukane, son of Orange County JACL members, was elected student mayor of Placentia during Student Pages Day observances. Fellow Valencia High student Ronnie Muranaka was elected councilman for the day.
• Idaho Area Sansei Directory Compiled, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A 20-page directory listing Sansei families living in Idaho has been compiled and sold for $1, with proceeds supporting the local newsletter. Listings include parents’ names, mothers’ maiden names, and children’s birthdates.
• JACL Represented on City Youth Authority, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Two new members were appointed to the Adult Advisory Council of the San Francisco Youth Association, including San Francisco JACL board member Marie Kurihara. The council oversees a city-wide youth organization for high school students.
• Chicago Nisei Wins $1,500 Newspaper Contest Prize, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Dr. Sam Sasamoto, a Chicago Board of Health dentist, won $1,500 in a Chicago Sun-Times ‘Find the Right Job’ contest by correctly matching all ten job listings. He plans to use the prize for medical bills, baby supplies, and furniture.
• Calif. FEPC Rules on First Formal Hearing, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The California FEPC ordered Santa Fe Railroad to reinstate a Negro coach cleaner with back pay after finding discrimination. Most complaints investigated in the first 17 months were resolved without public hearing.
• Imperial Gardens Sukiyaki Restaurant Advertisement, page 2. Advertisement content only; no editorial article present.
• Ex-JACL Queen in Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 3. June Kawai, a former JACL convention queen from Pasadena, was hired by Japan Air Lines for a travelogue film in Japan after fooling officials into believing she was a native Japanese speaker. She is now working on a 7- to 10-day film assignment there.
• Long Beach JACL in Bid for 1963 National Bowling Tournament, by Larry Tojiri, page 3. Southern California bowlers are supporting a Long Beach-Harbor District and Southern California Nisei Bowling Association bid to host the 1963 national JACL tournament. Sacramento is also bidding for the event.
• San Jose Awards Dinner Dance Shapes Up as Outstanding Event, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The awards banquet closing the National JACL bowling tournament will feature Congressman Dan Inouye of Hawaii as guest speaker. Over 1,000 people are expected at the Santa Clara County fairgrounds on March 11.
• Four AJAs on Board of PCL Entry from Hawaii, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Four Japanese Americans were named to the board of directors of the Hawaii Islanders, a Pacific Coast League baseball team formerly the Sacramento Solons. The team will hold spring training in Ontario, California.
• Sacramento Nisei Developing Japanese-Style Hotel and Restaurant, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A $500,000 Nisei-led development called Fuji Gardens is being built in Sacramento, featuring a Japanese restaurant and a hotel with tatami rooms and sunken baths. Construction is expected to be completed by winter.
• D.C. Issei Story Group Gathering Information on 1900-20 Era Issei, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A Washington, D.C. JACL committee is collecting information about Japanese residents who lived in the District during the first two decades of the century as part of the Issei Story project. Some of these residents remain in the area.
• Long Beach Bowling Notes, by Larry Tojiri, page 3. Southern California bowlers are traveling to San Jose for the national JACL tournament while supporting the Long Beach bid for the 1963 event. Premiere Lanes and other venues are noted as attractions for the proposed host city.
• Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Appoints Nisei to Building Committee, by P.C. Staff, page 3. George Miyano and John Hirooka were appointed to the advisory committee for the Cotati Veterans Memorial Building. Both are active in the local American Legion and Sonoma County JACL, marking the first such recognition of Nisei leadership there.
• Discrimination Goes Underground, by Mikio Uchiyama, page 4. CCDC chairman Mikio Uchiyama argues that while overt discrimination has been corrected, subtler and more secretive prejudices remain that require sustained JACL effort. He calls for members to join other minority groups in combating injustice.
• Chapter Signs 884 Members in 1961 Campaign, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The San Francisco JACL reported 884 members in its 1961 membership drive, with the campaign continuing through March. The chapter led the nation with 1,227 members last year.
• Sequoia Chapter Announces Year’s Activities, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Sequoia JACL outlined its calendar of events including bridge tournaments, an Easter egg hunt, dances, a community picnic, and an installation dinner. Special projects include a Fourth of July float and sponsorship of a youth baseball team.
• Alameda JACL Passes Last Year’s Membership, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Alameda JACL signed 155 members for 1961, surpassing last year’s total of 147. A committee of volunteers conducted the membership drive.
• Southwest L.A. JACL Installs Kiguchi, Honors PTA Leader, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Attorney Mark Kiguchi was installed as Southwest Los Angeles JACL president, and Betty Kozuma was honored as Outstanding Community Worker of 1960 for her PTA and community service. The chapter also announced March events.
• Seattle Chapter Out to Secure All-Time Membership High, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Seattle JACL has already reached last year’s enrollment of 224 through a mail and telephone campaign, with solicitation teams working toward a record. Chapter leaders stressed the need for strong membership to support future convention and legislative work.
• Yosh Sakahara Heads Snake River Valley JACL, by Virginia Hirai, page 4. New officers were installed for the Snake River Valley JACL at a banquet where National Director Mas Satow stressed the organization’s role in combating discrimination. The chapter also presented a $200 check to the Presbyterian Nursing Home.
• Detroit Cabinet Positions Filled, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Detroit JACL president Peter Fujioka announced the chapter’s cabinet appointments for the year. Positions include vice chairman, public relations, treasurer, and youth roles.
• Sheraton-West Hotel to Host PSWDC Convention May 6-7, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Pacific Southwest District Council convention will be held May 6-7 at the Sheraton-West Hotel, hosted by Southwest Los Angeles JACL. The two-day event includes business sessions, a banquet, a dance, and a bowling tournament.
• Living with JACL: Saburo Kido Column on Cable Act Amendment Lobbying, by Saburo Kido, page 4. Kido recounts efforts in 1931 to pass the Cable Act amendment preserving citizenship for American-born women who marry foreigners, including Suma Sugi’s lobbying trip to Washington. The column describes how San Francisco JACL members arranged a lecture tour for Sugi after her return.

JACL

• San Jose Mayor to Officially Open Kegfest; Record 174 Teams to Compete in 1961 JACL Tournament, by Phil Matsumura, page 1. The 15th annual National JACL bowling tournament in San Jose will feature a record 174 teams competing for national championships and individual honors. Records and top bowlers are highlighted as the event opens March 8 at Mel’s Palm Bowl.

National

• U.S. Supreme Court Decides Cases Affecting Civil Rights, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Supreme Court agreed to review whether Congress may strip native-born Americans of citizenship, a question affecting many stranded Nisei, and ruled that individuals can sue officials for civil rights violations under an 1871 law. The decisions carry significant implications for civil rights and citizenship protections.
• Rep. Walter, Friend of Issei and Nisei, Plans to Retire, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Pennsylvania Congressman Francis E. Walter, a key ally of Japanese Americans and co-author of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, announced he will retire at the end of his term due to health concerns. He cited asthma and the need for a better climate.
• Washington Senate Passes Alien Land Amendment, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Washington State Senate passed a joint resolution to repeal the state’s alien land law amendments, which is now under consideration by a House committee. The measure marks progress toward removing discriminatory land restrictions.

Obituaries

• Tamisuke Kino Dies at 88, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Tamisuke Kino, who opened Li’l Tokio’s first drug store in 1905, died February 26 after a prolonged illness. He was recognized as an early mayor of the Japanese community.

Arts & Entertainment

• Japanese Theatrical Culture Reaches American Audiences, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The article traces Japanese performers in American vaudeville, Broadway productions like The Geisha and Madame Butterfly, and modern revues such as Holiday in Japan. It also notes Kabuki troupes and an off-Broadway program of Japanese plays with simultaneous English translation.

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