Vol. 53, No. 17, October 27, 1961. 4 pages. View this issue
Dr. Roy M. Nishikawa, the PC Board chairman, looked back on one year of sending the Pacific Citizen to every JACL household, a program set by the 1960 Sacramento convention. He wrote that 52 chapters had passed their 1960 memberships, and that the true test would come at the end of the 1962 campaign. The Rohwer Relocation Center cemetery also drew attention. Graveside services brought 175 visitors, and JACL leaders, including Joseph K. Sagami of the Chicago chapter, asked for federal care and national shrine status. Mike Masaoka reviewed the U.S. Civil Rights Commission’s employment recommendations.
Other pages carried a report on former Canadian Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent defending the wartime treatment of Japanese Canadians, and the Bruyeres-Honolulu sister city ceremony honoring the 442nd Infantry Regiment. Saburo Kido recalled the 1936 Seattle convention, and JACL outlined a plan for a definitive Issei history. Chapter news came from Detroit, Seattle, Orange County, Fowler and elsewhere.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- “PC With Membership” After One Year, by Dr. Roy M. Nishikawa, page 1. The PC Board chairman reviews the first year of providing the Pacific Citizen to every JACL household under the 1960 convention mandate, noting membership gains and the paper’s growth. He argues the program’s true success will be measured at the end of the 1962 membership campaign and calls for JACL to look to its long-range future.
- Freedom in Employment, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. Washington representative Mike Masaoka reviews the U.S. Civil Rights Commission’s employment recommendations, including a new federal agency to combat discrimination. He notes the parallels to past job discrimination against Nisei and urges extending nondiscrimination to promotions and upgrading.
- Fear of Fallout, by P.C. Staff, page 3. This editorial examines America’s civil defense planning, including California’s shelter program and federal funding changes. It questions whether JACL should prepare by protecting essential records and planning for recovery after a nuclear attack.
National
- Canada Leader Defends Wartime Nisei Evacuation, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Former Canadian Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent defended the wartime roundup and relocation of Japanese Canadians in a CBC interview. Critics called his remarks shocking given the loyalty Japanese Canadians showed during the war.
- Issei Disburses Own Savings, Sensing Approach of Death, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Rev. Ryden Hayase of the Monterey Hokkedo Nichiren Buddhist Church distributed his savings to various organizations and churches while critically ill. He expressed thanks to the world and to those who had been good to him.
- National Park Status Sought for Rohwer Relocation Center Cemetery, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL leaders and local supporters sought federal care and national shrine designation for the Rohwer Relocation Center cemetery. The Pine Bluff Commercial editorial and a memorial ceremony drew broad support for preserving the site.
- Maryland Governor Willing to Recall Legislature for Anti-Bias Bill, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Maryland Restaurant Association called for statewide anti-discrimination legislation after racial barriers embarrassed visiting diplomats. Governor Tawes indicated he might recall the legislature in special session if needed.
Community
- Bruyeres-Honolulu Sister City Tie Feted, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Three tons of Hawaiian flowers were flown into Bruyeres, France, for the sister-city ceremony honoring the 442nd Infantry Regiment’s liberation of the town. Veterans and Honolulu officials attended the celebration.
- Chicago JACL Charm School, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Chicago JACL Youth Commission held the second session of its Teen Time for Beauty charm school at Olivet Community Center. Volunteer instructors guided teens in grooming and poise.
- Detroit Chapter’s Capsule Report, by Wallace Kagawa, page 4. The Detroit JACL chapter reports on its spring general meeting, Mothers’ Day honors, and youth club activities including the Teen Club. The chapter also details its recent leadership and programming.
- Bakersfield JACL Gives to AID United Givers, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Bakersfield JACL presented a check to AID-United Givers for distribution to 17 local charities. AID officials presented the chapter with a membership certificate in return.
- Seattle Chapter Prepares for Busy November, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Seattle JACL reports on its general meeting, a testimonial dinner for Sen. Warren Magnuson, and preparations for the PNWDC convention. Upcoming chapter events and nominations for the 1962 board are also noted.
- Orange County JACL Takes Lead to Build Community Center, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Orange County JACL announced a fundraising campaign for a Japanese community center, beginning with a talent show on November 18. The chapter responded to growing needs among local Japanese American youth.
- West Los Angeles JACL Talent and Family Night, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The West Los Angeles JACL scheduled new acts and talent, including an original drama, for its November 18 family program. The event follows a previous talent show that drew 500 attendees.
- Fowler Chapter Honors 60 Issei During Its 10th Anniversary Fete, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Fowler JACL marked its 10th anniversary with a banquet honoring 60 Issei, with National President Frank Chuman as keynote speaker. Speakers praised the Issei for their hard work and contributions to agriculture and community.
Incarceration & Redress
- Monuments at Rohwer Cemetery, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Graveside services at the Rohwer Relocation Center cemetery drew 175 visitors who honored the Issei and Nisei buried there. Speakers reflected on freedom, loyalty, and the service of Rohwer men who fought in combat.
- Chicago JACL Calls for Rohwer Cemetery as Federal Shrine, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Joseph K. Sagami of the Chicago chapter urged the federal government to take over the Rohwer Cemetery and maintain it as a national shrine. The Chicago Nisei Post of the American Legion also supported designation.
Arts & Entertainment
- Bridge to the Sun Film Hailed by JACL, Shigeta Cited, by P.C. Staff, page 3. JACL president Frank Chuman presented a certificate of appreciation to James Shigeta at the Beverly Hills premiere of MGM’s Bridge to the Sun. The film portrays an American woman married to a Japanese diplomat before World War II.
In-Depth
- Issei Story Project: Who, What, Why, How?, by P.C. Staff, page 4. JACL outlines a national project to research and publish a definitive history of Japanese Americans, estimated at four to five years and $400,000. The history will document immigrant contributions, anti-Japanese movements, and the community’s place in American democracy.
JACL
- Living With JACL: 1936 Seattle Convention, by Saburo Kido, page 4. Saburo Kido recalls the internal politics of the 1936 JACL national convention in Seattle, including the candidacy of James Sakamoto. He also reflects on the growth of oratorical contests and the hospitality of the Seattle host city.
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.