Vol. 52, No. 12, March 24, 1961. 4 pages. View this issue
The Kawakita treason case ran through this issue. After a National JACL Board meeting of nearly 25 hours in Los Angeles, the JACL declared that Kawakita’s case is an internal matter for the U.S. government and that no foreign government should intervene. Mike Masaoka’s Washington Newsletter looked at the case and at the different effects a pardon and a parole would have on Kawakita’s citizenship rights. The Board also took up convention format, the endowment fund, the Lechner matter and a History of the Japanese in America project.
Elsewhere, Congressman Daniel Inouye presented JACL with a 50-star flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol, and Dick Akagi wrote about strategies for protesting the word “Jap”. Bill Hosokawa reviewed a film, and the sports pages covered the National JACL Bowling Tournament in San Jose and two weightlifting records set by Tommy Kono. Elmer Ogawa looked back at the 1930 Northwest JACL convention.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Washington Newsletter: National JACL Board Meetings, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. Masaoka reflects on the Board meetings and the Kawakita treason case, arguing that JACL should avoid foreign government intervention in the matter. He notes that a presidential pardon and a parole would carry different consequences for Kawakita’s citizenship rights.
- East of the River: Strategy of Protest Against Use of ‘Jap’, by Dick Akagi, page 1. Shosuke Sasaki, who led JACL’s campaign to label ‘Jap’ as derogatory in dictionaries, outlines effective strategies for protesting the term in newspapers. He recommends informative letters to editors that avoid pleading and emphasize the term’s offensiveness.
- Tournament Memories, by Phil Matsumura, page 2. Phil Matsumura recounts the 15th National JACL bowling tournament in San Jose, praising the banquet, press coverage, and organizing committees. He highlights prize winners and Long Beach’s selection as the 1963 host.
JACL
- Laud Board meeting most productive, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National JACL Board met for nearly 25 hours in Los Angeles, making decisions on legislation, organizational projects, and protecting the Nisei image. Key outcomes included the Kawakita policy statement, the Lechner matter, and the launch of a History of the Japanese in America project.
- JACL Receives 50-Star Flag From Rep. Inouye, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Congressman Daniel Inouye presented a 50-star flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol to JACL. National President Frank Chuman accepted it at the national bowling tournament awards dinner.
- Kawakita Case ‘Internal’ Issue, JACL Declares, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL board declared that the Kawakita matter is an internal domestic issue for the U.S. government and that no foreign government should intervene. The statement followed reports that Prime Minister Ikeda might appeal for Kawakita’s release during his visit to President Kennedy.
- Policy declaration of national board meeting most significant, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL issued its declaration of policy on the Kawakita case at the close of the March 17-19 board meeting. The board also addressed convention format, the endowment fund, and the Lechner dispute.
Community
- Chuman to attend PNW Mar. 26 meeting, by P.C. Staff, page 1. National JACL President Frank Chuman will attend the Pacific Northwest District Council spring session in Seattle on March 26. He will also install new officers for the Puyallup Valley and Seattle chapters.
- Mike Suzuki elected child care head, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Mike Suzuki, JACL president and director of Shonien, was elected president of the California Association of Executives of Child Care Institutions. The statewide group of about 50 administrators works to improve child care programs.
- Northwest Picture: Delving into the Courier Archives, by Elmer Ogawa, page 1. Elmer Ogawa recounts the first Northwest JACL convention in Seattle in 1930, drawing on archived issues of The Courier. He describes the delegates, resolutions on Cable Act and citizenship issues, and early JACL activity in the region.
- Chicago JACL youths earn basketball awards, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Chicago JACL youth basketball teams and coaches received awards at a recognition event. Commission chairman Lincoln Shimidzu presented gifts to volunteers who served the program.
National
- Japanese-Designed Fountains Selected for Century 21 Fair, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Seattle’s Municipal Art Commission selected a fountain and plaza design by Japanese architects Hideki Shimizu and Kazuyuki Matsushita for the 1962 World’s Fair. The winning design treats water as sculpture between the Opera House and Coliseum.
- Washington Newsletter: JACL Ex-Prisoner, by P.C. Staff, page 3. JACL launched campaigns to remove anti-Nisei films from television and eliminate the term ‘Jap’ from written and spoken language. The effort was reported in connection with Board actions on Kawakita and film projects.
Military & Veterans
- Rep. Inouye warns of grave international situation, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Congressman Daniel Inouye told the JACL bowling banquet audience that the international situation is more serious than the public understands. He urged Americans to support the president and warned of Red China’s military strength.
Arts & Entertainment
- From the Frying Pan: The World of Suzie Wong, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Bill Hosokawa reviews the film The World of Suzie Wong and questions whether a similar movie about a Japanese prostitute would be accepted. He reflects on whether Nisei have become overly sensitive about stereotypes in entertainment.
Sports
- Danar Abe wins Hollywood chapter perch derby, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Danar Abe won the second annual Hollywood JACL perch derby held at Zuma Beach, taking home the trophy and jackpot prize. Sixteen youth participated in the event.
- Champions of 15th annual National JACL Bowling Tournament, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Champions from the 15th annual National JACL Bowling Tournament held in San Jose are pictured with their trophies. Winners included singles, all-events, doubles, and team champions from multiple cities.
- Tommy Kono sets 2 new world records, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Tommy Kono of Hawaii set two new world weightlifting records while winning the light-heavyweight championship at the Prize of Moscow competition. He lifted a total of 1,012 pounds and pressed 336.5 pounds.
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