Vol. 54, No. 1, January 5, 1962. 4 pages. View this issue
The National JACL Credit Union was the lead story. Its board declared a 4% dividend for 1961, and Shigeki Ushio was nominated for a three-year term on the board. Also on page one, Mike Masaoka looked ahead to President Kennedy’s State of the Union and the challenges of a conservative coalition in Congress. Gayle Shinagawa became the first Nisei court reporter in Richmond, California, and a new book on Japanese Canadians was being written to document their wartime evacuation and postwar resettlement.
Page two carries columns by Saburo Kido and Tamotsu Murayama, whose profile of Mme. Yamada, an Issei woman, is among them. Pages three and four follow chapter life across the country: new presidents in Pasadena, Oakland and Detroit, a children’s Christmas party in Philadelphia, and Junior JACL presidents reviewing their 1961 programs. An American GI also described a visit to East Berlin.
What’s in this issue
JACL
- National JACL Credit Union Declares 4% Dividend, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National JACL Credit Union board declared a 4% dividend for 1961, payable on December accounts by January 15. Shigeki Ushio was nominated for a three-year board term.
Incarceration & Redress
- Maryland County Law Backed Up by Washington D.C. JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Maryland county ordinance opposed by proponents was backed by the Washington D.C. JACL chapter. The measure’s final vote tally surprised its supporters.
Community
- Gayle Shinagawa Becomes First Nisei Court Reporter, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Gayle Shinagawa became the first Nisei court reporter in Richmond, California. The article covers her appointment and her background as a shorthand recorder.
- Berlin Wall Visit: Life in Berlin Includes the Wall, by P.C. Staff, page 3. An American GI describes a visit to East Berlin and the Checkpoint Charlie crossing. The piece captures the tension and daily realities of life near the Wall.
- No. Calif.-West. Nevada Jr. JACL Presidents Review Program for 1961, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Junior JACL chapter presidents reviewed their programs, successful events, and areas needing improvement. Chapters reported on membership, activities, and community involvement.
- Philadelphia JACL Holds Christmas Party for Children, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Philadelphia JACL held a Christmas party for children at the International Institute with movies and gifts. The event raised funds through a folk fair and a children’s activity.
- Wallace Kagawa to Head Detroit JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Wallace Kagawa was named chairman of the Detroit JACL chapter. The article covers the chapter’s leadership and plans for the coming year.
- Eiko Matsui Elected Pasadena JACL President, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Eiko Matsui was unanimously elected president of the Pasadena JACL chapter for 1962. Other officers were installed at the Christmas potluck dinner.
- Oakland JACL Elects New President, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Ted T. Miyoda, a consultant engineer and active civic leader, was elected president of the Oakland JACL. The officers will be installed at a joint dinner with Berkeley JACL.
Commentary
- Washington Newsletter, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. Mike Masaoka previews President Kennedy’s upcoming State of the Union and legislative priorities. He discusses the challenges posed by a conservative Republican-Democrat coalition in Congress.
- Why We Fight?, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A reader responds to Dr. David Dean Ridge’s views on Japanese Canadians and the Nisei experience. The letter argues for understanding the wartime memories that shaped community attitudes.
- Living with JACL, by Saburo Kido, page 2. Saburo Kido’s column reflects on JACL membership and community life. The piece offers his personal views on the organization’s role.
- Tokyo Topics, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 2. Tamotsu Murayama profiles Mme. Yamada, a colorful Issei woman. The column recounts her life experiences and contributions.
Military & Veterans
- Japanese Canadians Mark Settlement History in New Book, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A history of Japanese Canadians is being written to document the wartime evacuation and postwar resettlement. Ken Adachi began research on the project and gathered materials across Canadian communities.
- Wing Taibo Denounces Campaign Against Seattle Council, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Wing Taibo, a Chinese American veteran with a Purple Heart, announced his candidacy for the Seattle City Council. He is a former assistant attorney general.
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