Immigration reform, the Sato-Johnson talks and a history project

Vol. 60, No. 4, January 22, 1965. 6 pages. View this issue

Talks between Japan and the United States and a call to end racial bars in immigration shared the front page of this six-page issue. President Johnson asked Congress to remove racial bars from immigration law, and an inside article gave the JACL’s views on the proposed bill. Prime Minister Eisaku Sato’s address at the National Press Club is printed on page 5. Fred Ogasawara wrote a membership appeal, and Kiyoshi Saiki wrote about Jr. JACL members.

The Japanese American History Project, directed by Tom Wakamatsu, was moving forward with interviews of Issei and Nisei, and readers were asked to save documents and photographs for it. Other pages cover a heart-health study of Hawaiian Nisei, the installation of chapter presidents including Mike Sakaguchi in Monterey Peninsula, a column on Japanese restaurants in New York, and a bill on credit for private Japanese language schools.

What’s in this issue

National

• LBJ-Sato Talks End; Agree to Check Asian Reds Schedule in Four Areas, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Talks between Japan and the United States concluded with agreement on a schedule for checking Asian communist activity across four areas. Differences over policy toward Red China remained unresolved.
• Johnson Asks Removal of Racial Bars in Immigration, by P.C. Staff, page 1. President Johnson asked Congress to remove racial bars from immigration law, including for India and Pakistan. The proposal would benefit nations with the longest waiting lists for applicants.
• Senator Fong Sponsors Bill on Foreign Trade, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Senator Hiram L. Fong introduced legislation addressing foreign trade issues. The bill would affect certain tax and purchasing provisions.
• JACL Views on Immigration Bill, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The JACL outlined its views on the proposed immigration bill, supporting elimination of racial discrimination in immigration and nationality law. The organization urged Congress to pass the reform.
• Prime Minister Sato’s Main Address at National Press Club, by Eisaku Sato, page 5. Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato delivered an address at the National Press Club in Washington on Jan. 12 discussing Japan-U.S. relations and regional issues. He reported on his meeting with President Johnson and discussed the state of the world.

Community

• Monterey Peninsula JACL Installs New President, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Mike Sakaguchi was installed as president of the Monterey Peninsula JACL at a ceremony attended by national JACL director Mas Satow. The chapter also honored outgoing officers and its community standing.
• Health Study of Hawaiian Nisei Started by Heart Institute, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National Heart Institute began a major health study of Japanese Americans in Hawaii by mailing 11,000 questionnaires. Early evidence suggests heart disease death rates are lower among Japanese Americans than among other groups.
• Nisei Bowling Tournament Held, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A bowling tournament for Nisei participants was held with several teams competing. Results and standings were reported.
• Mid-Columbia JACL President Profile: George Nakamura, by George Nakamura, page 1. George Tsuneo Ishikawa, an orchardist in Hood River, Oregon, heads the Mid-Columbia JACL chapter. He has served as vice-president and treasurer of the chapter and is active in community affairs.
• Carnations Developed by Nisei at Union City, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Nisei grower in Union City developed a new variety of pink carnation. The new strain was introduced last November and attracted notice in the floral industry.
• Orange County JACL Elects Officers, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Orange County JACL chapter held its election of new officers. The new leadership will guide the chapter’s programs for the coming year.
• Inauguration Week, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Inauguration week events and ceremonies are described, including remarks on Japan’s relations with the United States. Several community figures are noted as attending.
• Fullerton Savings and Loan Association Advertisement Notice, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Fullerton Savings and Loan Association announced its services and rates to local residents. The notice highlights community financial services.
• Save Documents for Japanese History Project, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Readers are asked to save documents, letters, and photographs for the Japanese American History Project. The project aims to preserve the historical record of Issei and Nisei.
• Fact Finding Group Ends State Hearings, page 4. A special state Senate committee concluded its hearings on race relations in California, examining housing, employment, and related issues. JACL representatives testified before the committee.
• Monterey Park Youth Scholarship Offered to Young Adults 17-30, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A scholarship was offered to young people aged 17 to 30 through the San Francisco JACL. Applicants were encouraged to apply for the award.
• Stockton Auxiliary to Organize Jr. JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Stockton JACL Auxiliary announced plans to organize a Junior JACL chapter. The auxiliary hopes to involve more young people in community activities.
• Introduce Bill to Grant Public School Credit for Private California Gakuen, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Assemblyman Edward Elliott introduced a bill that would grant credit under the state foreign language law for courses taught in private Japanese language schools. The bill would apply even when teachers lack state credentials.

In-Depth

• Japanese American History Project Proceeds, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Japanese American History Project, directed by Tom Wakamatsu, is moving forward with interviews of Issei and Nisei. Publication of the history is planned through the University of California.
• First Japanese in Denver Reputed to Be Chinese-Imported ‘Pleasure Girls’, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Legend holds that white slavers brought Japanese girls into Denver brothels, a story the Pacific Citizen examines as part of its History Project research. The article traces the early Japanese settlement of Denver.

Commentary

• Health Insurance Policies and the Pacific Citizen Membership, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The article discusses health insurance coverage and warns readers about misinformation given by some agents. It urges readers to understand the coverage they hold.
• Hiro Omura Installed as East Los Angeles JACL President, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A column reflects on JACL chapter installations in Los Angeles, including Hiro Omura’s installation in East Los Angeles. It praises those who serve as chapter presidents and the quiet work of community leaders.
• Prop. 14 Fair Housing Initiative Opposed by JACL, by Kiyoshi Saiki, IDC Chairman, page 3. The Intermountain District Council chairman writes about the importance of youth programs and encouragement of Jr. JACL members. He thanks officers and delegates for their service.
• The Gentle Knock, page 3. A reflective column on the importance of answering the knocks of opportunity and neglected gifts, comparing them to rare talents. The writer urges readers to nurture the abilities of youth.
• Mashiyes in Manhattan, page 4. A columnist surveys the growth of Japanese restaurants in New York City, from the Miyako in earlier decades to newer establishments like Benihana of Tokyo. The piece notes the influence of Occupation-era veterans on the popularity of Japanese cuisine.
• JACL Membership Appeal from a Hawaii Newcomer, by Fred Ogasawara, page 6. Fred Ogasawara, a Hollywood JACL member originally from Hawaii, describes his experience recruiting young members. He argues the chapter needs young, aggressive ideas and new leadership to build on JACL’s past accomplishments.

Military & Veterans

• Nisei Fun Tour Special Visit to 100th Infantry Battalion, by P.C. Staff, page 6. A tour was announced that includes a special visit to the 100th Infantry Battalion memorial in Italy. Travelers would also visit Japan, Hawaii, and other destinations.

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