Noguchi honored, and JACL looks to new frontiers

Vol. 54, No. 8, February 23, 1962. 4 pages. View this issue

Isamu Noguchi’s election to the National Institute of Arts and Letters led this four-page issue. The honor is limited to 250 outstanding artists. Frank Sakamoto’s column, “New Frontiers for JACL,” asked where the organization should grow next, and argued for a place in art, culture and other dynamic areas. Mike Masaoka examined whether Japan would be left out of President Kennedy’s proposed trade plan, and Saburo Kido’s “Living with JACL” series recounted wartime planning with Army officials.

Elsewhere in the issue: Bill Hosokawa wrote on cultural exchange and the role Nisei might play, and Dick Akagi commented on South Africa classifying Japanese as legally white for business reasons. Berkeley JACL members phoned landlords to test for housing discrimination, and chapter news came from Twin Cities, Placer County and Snake River Valley. A notice reminded chapters that membership renewals were due.

What’s in this issue

National

  • Named to Nat’l Institute of Arts and Letters, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Noguchi, a famous sculptor, was named to the National Institute of Arts and Letters, an honor limited to 250 outstanding artists. The election recognizes his achievements in the creative arts.
  • Will Japan be Excluded in Kennedy’s New Trade Plan?, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. Masaoka examines President Kennedy’s proposed trade legislation and whether Japan will be left out of its benefits. He discusses the implications for American trade policy and Asian relations.
  • Negroes Raise Question of Keeping Public School Records by Race, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The U.S. Civil Rights Commission recommends annual reports to evaluate equal protection in schools. Several southern and border states have stopped keeping racial records since the Supreme Court desegregation decision.

Commentary

  • New Frontiers for JACL, by Frank Sakamoto, page 1. The author reflects on JACL’s future in the Midwest and Mid-Pacific, noting the maturing of its members and new opportunities for public relations. He argues the organization should expand into art, culture and other dynamic areas.
  • Same Problem, by Dick Akagi, page 2. Akagi comments on South Africa’s decision to classify Japanese as legally white for business reasons. He draws parallels to American racial classification of Chinese and Japanese in earlier decades.
  • Our Heritage in the Right to Vote, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial traces the history of suffrage from ancient Greece through the modern era. It emphasizes voting as a fundamental right amid debate over civil rights priorities.
  • Living with JACL: Chapter XII, by Saburo Kido, page 2. Kido recounts the wartime evacuation planning and JACL’s role in negotiating with Army officials. He describes assurances that evacuation would be humane and orderly.
  • Cultural Exchange and the Nisei Role, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa comments on the U.S.-Japan Cultural and Educational Conference held in Tokyo and doubts whether its programs will reach ordinary people. He suggests Nisei Americans could contribute valuable insight to cultural exchange.

Community

  • Twin Cities Honor Issei Pioneer, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Twin Cities JACL installation dinner honored an Issei pioneer along with new chapter officers. Attendees included past presidents and chapter leaders.
  • Scratch 1125 Team Game Wins Sacramento Keg Tournament, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A team bowling tournament in Sacramento was won with a scratch 1125 team game. The report covers the team’s record-setting performance.
  • JACLers Participate in Special Survey on Berkeley Housing Discrimination, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Berkeley JACL members telephoned landlords advertising apartments to test for racial discrimination. The survey found that about 15 percent of listings discriminated against nonwhite applicants.
  • San Fernando Valley JACLer Commended, by P.C. Staff, page 4. A San Fernando Valley JACL member who completed a term as Pacific Southwest district council chairman received a certificate of appreciation from National Director Masao Satow. The honor recognizes years of chapter service.
  • Placer County JACL Picnic and Homecoming Planned for April 15, by Paul Yokote, page 4. The Placer County JACL announced its annual picnic and homecoming for April 15 at the chapter’s recreational park. Over 5,000 attendees are expected for games, food and entertainment.
  • Snake River Valley JACL Sponsors Violin Concert, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Snake River Valley JACL sponsored a recital by Japanese violinist Kenji Kobayashi at Ontario High School. The audience of over 200 heard him perform the Sibelius Concerto.

Military & Veterans

  • Eighteen-Point Evacuation Plan Adopted by Delegates, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Delegates to the JACL emergency council meeting in San Francisco adopted an eighteen-point evacuation plan. The plan addresses relocation from coastal areas and the protection of citizens and property.
  • Statewide Group Formed to Aid Apprenticeships, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A statewide committee was formed to help minority trainees obtain apprenticeships, the first such state committee in the Union. The group aims to assist minority workers in securing job training.

JACL

  • PC With Membership Renewals Now Due, by P.C. Staff, page 4. JACL membership renewals are lagging behind last year’s pace, and chapters are urged to renew before the end of March. Each household receives the Pacific Citizen with membership.

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