Vol. 54, No. 9, March 2, 1962. 4 pages. View this issue
A call for a bigger, more colorful Nisei Week Festival led this four-page issue. National JACL President Frank Chuman published an open letter to the festival board urging broader participation, including Japanese businessmen and displays from Japan. Chuman also wrote on John Glenn’s orbital flight, and the front page reported that he will be admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court on March 26. Mike Masaoka’s column looked at U.S. trade with Japan, and the Supreme Court’s ruling against racial segregation in interstate transportation made the news.
Other items include the Buddhist Churches of America’s pledge to cooperate with the JACL on its Japanese American history project, and nominations for Nisei of the Biennium and JACLer of the Biennium. Page 2 carries JACL material on the 1942 forced removal and budget, with a column by Saburo Kido. Lorry Tajiri surveyed Japanese soldier brides, and an architect urged keeping San Francisco’s Nihonmachi.
What’s in this issue
Community
- For a Bigger Nisei Week Festival, by Frank Chuman, page 1. National JACL President Frank Chuman published an open letter to the Nisei Week Festival Board urging a bigger, more colorful festival with broader participation. He proposes including Japanese businessmen and displays from Japan and inviting exhibitors from across Southern California.
- Two Nisei Firms Win Sweepstakes Prizes, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Two Nisei-operated nursery firms won sweepstakes prizes at the Pan Pacific Flower and Garden Show. Several other Nisei exhibitors also received awards in the show.
- Berkeley Real Estate Board Reinstated, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Berkeley Realty Board, which had been closed, was reorganized and the Nakamura Realty Co. joined as a member. Its membership became effective at the beginning of the year.
- Freewheeling on the Freeways, by Jim Higashi, page 4. PSW Regional Director Jim Higashi describes a tour of Oahu, including the Honolulu Buddhist temple, Wahiawa pineapple fields, and Pearl Harbor. He mixes travel notes with chapter news.
- Jacklers Hear Challenge to Maintain San Francisco’s Nihonmachi, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Architect George Rockrise urged the Japanese American community to preserve Nihonmachi in San Francisco during redevelopment. He called on Japanese Americans to shape the future planning of the city.
JACL
- Buddhists to Aid JACL in Japanese History Project, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Buddhist Churches of America national council approved a resolution to cooperate with the JACL on its Japanese American history project. The action was taken at the council’s annual meeting in San Francisco.
- Nominations Open for Nisei of Biennium and JACLer of Biennium, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Chapters may now nominate candidates for the Nisei of the Biennium and JACLer of the Biennium awards, with a May 15 deadline. Ten categories are established for the Nisei award, and nominees are judged on their accomplishments.
National
- Chuman to Be Admitted for Practice Before U.S. Supreme Court, by P.C. Staff, page 1. National JACL President Frank Chuman of Los Angeles will be admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington on March 26. The admission ceremony will be held at the Supreme Court.
- Supreme Court Rules Against Racial Segregation in Transportation, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in interstate transportation facilities is unconstitutional. The ruling stems indirectly from the arrest and prosecution of Freedom Riders in Jackson, Mississippi.
- U.S. Trade with Japan, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. Washington columnist Mike Masaoka examines the importance of U.S. trade with Japan and the public debate over the administration’s trade expansion program. He argues the trade policy decision will affect every American.
Commentary
- Nationalism or Patriotism, page 2. A letter writer responds to a LIFE magazine article and to a Hichard Akagi column, arguing that the young Nisei should not confuse patriotism with blind nationalism. The writer considers the distinction between the extreme right and mainstream conservatism.
- Frank Chuman’s Column on Project Mercury and John Glenn’s Orbit, by Frank Chuman, page 2. National JACL President Frank Chuman praises John Glenn’s orbital flight in Friendship 7 as a boost to American prestige and morale. He reflects on the teamwork and faith behind the achievement.
- Living with JACL, by Saburo Kido, page 2. JACL National Director Saburo Kido writes a column on the organization’s work during the evacuation crisis. He discusses the responsibilities facing members as they relocate.
- Vagaries, by Henry Mori, page 3. Columnist Henry Mori recounts his experience with Michener’s political involvement and the 1960 Democratic campaign. He reflects on Mari Michener’s role supporting Adlai Stevenson’s candidacy.
Incarceration & Redress
- Emergency Meeting: JACL Leaders Confer with Army, Gov’t Officials, by P.C. Staff, page 2. JACL leaders met with Army and federal officials on the evacuation of West Coast Japanese Americans and aliens. The JACL agreed to assist in the evacuation and to continue organizational work during resettlement.
- $26,000 Budget OK’d for 1942 JACL Operations, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The JACL emergency council approved a budget for its 1942 operations during the evacuation period. Delegates also pledged full cooperation with the Army and federal authorities.
Military & Veterans
- Japanese Soldier Brides Surveyed, by Lorry Tajiri, page 3. A survey of Japanese women who married American soldiers in Japan examines their adjustment to life in America. The interim report covers the women’s backgrounds, language, family life, and challenges.
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