Vol. 63, No. 9, August 26, 1966. 4 pages. View this issue
Nisei Week in Li’l Tokio opened this four-page issue, with turnaway crowds and an estimated 30,000 spectators along the Ondo Parade route. William Hohri of Chicago described joining the last stretch of James Meredith’s march to Jackson, Mississippi, and Chicago and Twin Cities JACL members took up what the national civil rights statement meant for their chapters. Military Intelligence Service veterans announced a 25th anniversary reunion in San Francisco, and a documentary by Dorothy and Bill Nye, Issei, Nisei, Sansei, was set to air on NBC-owned stations.
Columnists looked back and ahead. Masao Satow wrote about the San Diego convention, Mike Masaoka about Ambassador Edwin Reischauer’s departure from Tokyo, and Bill Hosokawa about autumn in Denver. Harry K. Honda previewed California’s November ballot propositions. Inside are also a Seattle hotel proposal that drew protest, JACL health and life insurance programs, and a Fresno letter on the national budget.
What’s in this issue
Community
- Nisei Week Flair Adding More International Tones, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The 1966 Nisei Week Festival in Li’l Tokio drew strong attendance and turnaway crowds, with an estimated 30,000 spectators lining the Ondo Parade route. Organizers highlighted international elements including a Sister City tie to Mexico and expanded cultural programming.
- Twin Cities Holds First Meeting on Civil Rights, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Twin Cities JACL members heard Bob Samples discuss the goals of the civil rights movement at their first chapter meeting on the subject. Samples urged members to examine personal convictions before JACL adopts a civil rights program.
- Chicago Human Relations Discussion With Hyde Park Parents, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Twelve Nisei parents of Sansei at predominantly Negro Hyde Park High School discussed school safety and academic quality with vice-principal Tom Teraji. The group learned of worsening racial imbalance and the influence of youth gangs.
- 600-Room Hotel Proposal Scrambles Civic Serenity, by Elmer Ogawa, page 3. A proposal led by JACL member George Kawaguchi and others to build a $12 million hotel in Seattle’s Civic Center provoked a strong protest from architects and city planners. Critics argued the hotel would intrude on the public planning of the center.
Military & Veterans
- MIS Vets to Stage Reunion, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Military Intelligence Service veterans will hold their 25th anniversary reunion in San Francisco in November, commemorating the founding of the Military Intelligence Language School. MIS alumni were recently elected to key JACL national posts at the San Diego convention.
- Object Is Matrimony, But Matchmaker Doesn’t Want to Anger Local Gals, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Honolulu insurance underwriter James T. Nishi disputes a UPI report that he solicited Hiroshima brides for Honolulu Nisei men. He says a cousin exaggerated a casual suggestion made during a Hiroshima tour visit.
National
- Nye Documentary on Issei-Nisei Set for WNBC-4, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The half-hour color documentary ‘Issei, Nisei, Sansei’ by Dorothy and Bill Nye will air on NBC-owned stations in New York, Washington, Chicago and Cleveland. The film, which drew favorable comment at the JACL national convention, traces the history and accomplishments of Japanese Americans.
JACL
- JACL-CPS Reopens Enrollment Period, by P.C. Staff, page 1. An open enrollment period for the JACL-CPS group health program will run October 1 through 15, waiving the health statement and six-month membership requirements. Since its March 1965 start, the program has paid over $300,000 in medical and hospital claims.
- Life Insurance Offered to JACL Credit Union Members, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National JACL Credit Union has made a group life insurance program available to its members at a low premium. A follow-up mailing is encouraging members to apply before the program takes effect.
Incarceration & Redress
- Chicago Sets Guidelines for Human Relations Committee, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Chicago JACL Human Relations Committee outlined local actions to implement the national civil rights statement, including neighborhood participation, youth intergroup activities, and summer jobs. Recommendations emphasize moving beyond rhetoric to concrete community involvement.
In-Depth
- Walked with Meredith in Mississippi, by William Hohri, page 1. Chicago Nisei William Hohri recounts joining the final segment of James Meredith’s march from Tougaloo to Jackson, Mississippi. He describes the marchers’ discipline and hope and the white community’s confused reaction.
Commentary
- Ambassadorial Shifts, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Washington representative Mike Masaoka reviews the departure of Ambassador Edwin Reischauer from Tokyo and praises his effective dialogue with Japan. He also welcomes the nomination of U. Alexis Johnson as successor, noting his deep Japan experience.
- Summer’s End, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Bill Hosokawa reflects on the arrival of autumn in Denver and the favorable Indian summer season that follows the summer heat. He also notes a dry year threatening the mushroom harvest in Colorado’s mountains.
- Ye Editor’s Desk, by Harry K. Honda, page 4. The editor previews the November state ballot, including Proposition 1-A on legislative professionalism and Proposition 15 on voting eligibility for certain naturalized Issei. He notes the confusion created by two propositions numbered 14.
- Convention Aftermath, by Masao Satow, page 4. National JACL Director Masao Satow reflects on the San Diego national convention, praising the committee work, delegates, and staff. He also comments on the smooth conduct of the National Council and the heavy follow-up paperwork.
- Letters: National Budget, by Fred Hirasuna, page 4. Fresno JACL’s Fred Hirasuna corrects per capita figures in a prior column on the National JACL budget and argues that Central California faces an inequitable quota system. He notes that district quotas remain a concern for future budgets.
- Do You Open Doors?, by George Yasukochi, page 4. A Berkeley reader writes to praise Rev. Roy Sano’s July 15 article on opening doors for others and requests reprints to distribute. He calls the piece one of the most perceptive he has read on the subject.
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