Chapter elections, civil rights news and a Pearl Harbor remembrance

Vol. 53, No. 24, December 15, 1961. 4 pages. View this issue

Chapter and district news filled this four-page issue, with new leaders named from Central California and the Pacific Northwest to Chicago and Sonoma County. At the district conventions, Bill Hosokawa urged Japanese Americans to work against injustice toward others, and George Inagaki became president of the Venice-Culver chapter. Mike Masaoka concluded his Washington Newsletter on how Americans view Japan, and the Supreme Court’s reversal of the Baton Rouge sit-in convictions led the national news.

For the 20th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, Hosokawa recounted the wartime incarceration and the record of the 442nd and 100th Battalion, while Chris Dexter gathered recollections from Nisei in Dayton. Saburo Kido continued his series on the 1940 Portland convention, and the letters page carried a debate between Kiyoshi Matsuo and Clifford Uyeda. Christmas parties, a bass derby and a Parlier grape-growing story rounded out the issue.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• A Washington Newsletter: American Image of Japan, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. Masaoka concludes his discussion of how Americans view Japan, noting its democratic reforms and growing cultural, industrial, and political stature. He argues that Japan has joined the ranks of the great democratic nations and is a valued partner to the United States.
• Thoughts from an Old-Timer, page 1. A newly elected JACL official reflects on the recent convention in California and the challenges ahead for the National Board. He praises the youthful chapter leaders and looks forward to serving again.
• Civil Rights Week Proclaimed in Utah, page 1. Utah Governor George D. Clyde proclaimed December 10 to 17 as Human Rights Week. Hosokawa’s themes of Nisei progress and continuing responsibility toward other minorities were echoed in the state’s observance.
• Endurable English in Japan, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 2. Murayama’s Tokyo Topics column examines the use of English words and signs in Japanese daily life and fashion. He finds the mix of Western language and Japanese culture especially interesting.
• Sonoma County Chapter Acknowledges Donations, page 2. Sonoma County JACL chapter president Dr. Roy Okamoto thanked donors whose gifts were placed in the chapter’s scholarship fund. The donations marked weddings and a golden anniversary.
• Must Remain United, by Roy Endo, page 2. Oakland JACL member Roy Endo urges Japanese Americans to support a united JACL that represents them nationally and locally. He argues that members should contribute time and effort to keep the organization functioning.
• Shocked and Surprised, by Kiyoshi Matsuo, page 2. Kiyoshi Matsuo criticizes a San Francisco JACL newsletter editorial by Clifford Uyeda for emotional and racist-sounding arguments. He questions whether the editorial reflects the views of the chapter.
• A Reply to Mr. Kiyoshi Matsuo, by Clifford Uyeda, page 2. Dr. Clifford Uyeda responds to criticism of his editorial, saying his views on individual responsibility and earning citizenship are his own. He argues that citizens must make themselves deserving of their rights through individual behavior.
• Dr. Ken Fujii Named Stockton Chapter President, page 4. Dr. Ken Fujii was elected president of the Stockton JACL along with a full slate of officers for 1962. A 20-member board of directors was also seated.
• Living with JACL: 1940 Portland Convention, by Saburo Kido, page 4. Kido recounts JACL’s 1940 Portland convention and efforts to raise funds for a national endowment. He describes how chapters organized send-off parties for Nisei entering the armed forces.

National

• Louisiana Ruling on Sit-Ins Upset by Supreme Court, page 1. The Supreme Court overturned the convictions of 16 Negro college students who staged lunch counter sit-ins in Baton Rouge. The 9-0 decision held there was no evidence the group had disturbed the peace.
• Final Report of U.S. Civil Rights Commission Urges Stronger Leadership, page 1. The Civil Rights Commission’s fifth and final report urges the President, Congress, and Justice Department to provide stronger civil rights leadership. It also addresses police brutality and recommends several reforms.

Community

• Tom Shimasaki at Helm of CCDC, Hosokawa Talks on Broader View, page 1. Tulare County JACLer Tom Shimasaki was elected chairman of the Central California District Council at its Fresno convention. Bill Hosokawa, the keynote speaker, urged Japanese Americans to direct their efforts toward stopping injustices against others at home and abroad.
• George Inagaki Elected President of Venice-Culver, page 1. Former National JACL President George Inagaki became the first past national president to serve as a chapter president, leading the Venice-Culver chapter. A cabinet of older and younger members was installed at a January 13 program.
• West L.A. Auxiliary Honored by Kiwanis for Community Service, page 1. The West Los Angeles JACL Auxiliary received the Rancho Park Kiwanis plaque for its service projects over four years. New officers were also elected for the coming year.
• Three Oji Brothers Honored for Farming Contributions, page 1. The Oji brothers of Yuba City were honored by the Sutter County-Yuba City Chamber of Commerce for their agricultural contributions. They farm about 1,000 acres of peaches, rice, tomatoes, and other crops.
• Hood River Remembered for Anti-Nisei Bias During 40s Ends Successful Parley, by George Nakamura, page 1. The Pacific Northwest District Council convention in Hood River drew about 350 attendees to the valley once noted for wartime discrimination. Toro Sakahara was elected PNWDC chairman, and Oregon Attorney General Robert Thornton addressed the gathering.
• Japanese Conductor Named for S.F. Concerts, page 1. A 25-year-old assistant conductor of the New York Philharmonic was named guest conductor of the San Francisco Symphony concerts on January 10 and 12. He replaces Aram Khachaturian, who canceled his U.S. tour.
• Judge Kanemoto Leaves Civic Group, page 3. San Jose Municipal Judge Wayne Kanemoto resigned from the Human Relations Commission upon his new judgeship. The mayor said he would nominate Norman Mineta to fill the vacancy.
• Christmas Cheer at 69 Pct. of Goal, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Los Angeles Christmas Cheer campaign reached $2,083 of its $3,000 goal for local Japanese needy. Volunteer groups were scheduled to wrap gifts and pack food baskets.
• Alameda Schedules Second Bass Derby, page 3. The Alameda JACL announced its second bass derby of the 1961 fishing season on December 17. Entry was $1 per person and prizes were awarded for the heaviest catches.
• Eden Township Christmas Party Draws 240, page 4. A capacity audience of 240 children and adults attended the Eden Township JACL’s 19th annual Christmas party in San Lorenzo. Performances, Santa Claus, and refreshments made up the program.
• Sonoma County Youngsters Take Spotlight in Year-Ender, page 4. The Sonoma County JACL planned its children’s Christmas party at the Memorial Hall for December 16. The event featured carols, games, and a visit from Santa Claus.
• Parlier Growers Protect Grapes with Plastic Umbrellas, by Richard Mijaki, page 4. Parlier grape growers have sheltered their Thompson seedless vines with polyethylene plastic covers for three years to prevent rain damage at harvest. Growers say the covers saved 70 to 80 percent of their crop in years when early rains came.
• Chicago JACL Cabinet Members Chosen, page 4. The Chicago JACL installed its 1962 cabinet at a November 25 inaugural dinner dance. The chapter also set a membership goal of 1,200 members.
• Terry Minjii Elected Marysville JACL President, page 4. Buddhist leader and rancher Terry Minjii was elected president of the Marysville JACL for 1962. A full cabinet and board of directors was also named.
• James Murakami to Lead Sonoma County JACL, page 4. James Murakami, an electrical engineer, was elected Sonoma County JACL president for 1962. Treasurer Jim Miyano was re-elected for an eighth consecutive year.
• Long Beach CLers to End Year Dancing at Wilton, page 4. The Long Beach-Harbor JACL will close its year with an Old Year dance at the Wilton Hotel on December 30. Committee chairs were named for tickets, social arrangements, and gate.
• Pasadena Sansei Wins Essay Contest, page 4. Robert Takata, a 17-year-old Pasadena student, won a $50 savings bond for the best essay in a Pasadena Board of Realtors contest. The essay addressed American freedom and moral strength in the face of Communism.
• Kern County Assemblyman Guest of Bakersfield, Delano JACL, page 4. Assemblyman Jack Casey attended the Central California District Council convention as the guest of the Bakersfield and Delano chapters. Nineteen officers from the two Kern County chapters were installed.

Military & Veterans

• Nisei West Pointer Wins Essay Contest, page 2. Cadet Roy Kobayashi of Honolulu won first prize in a West Point essay contest on Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. He received a $200 prize at a dinner in his honor.
• Pearl Harbor Feature: Tales of Heroism and Loyalty During War, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa marks the 20th anniversary of Pearl Harbor by recounting the wartime incarceration of Japanese Americans and their loyalty to the nation. He describes the 442nd and 100th Battalion records and the hardships in the camps.

Incarceration & Redress

• Lesson on Evacuation: The Nisei Story, by Chris Dexter, page 3. Dayton’s Nisei recall evacuation and camp life in a feature drawing on personal accounts from Ohio residents. The article traces how families rebuilt after relocation and the JACL’s role in later gains.

Arts & Entertainment

• Ballerina Accents Tokyo English Lessons, page 3. A Nisei ballerina trained at a New York school plans to teach English in Tokyo and perform with a ballet school there. She hopes to explore her Oriental heritage through the trip.

Sports

• Sacramento to Bid for 1964 JACL Classic, page 3. Sacramento submitted a bid to host the 1964 National JACL Bowling Tournament. Tournament committee members were named to evaluate sites.
• Zebra Old-Timers Outlast 60-49, page 3. The San Jose Zebra Old-Timers held off the younger YBA Zebras in a bowling-style game held at the Buddhist gym. The old-timers led for most of the contest before the younger team mounted a late rally.

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