Fall 1960: the Crown Prince’s U.S. tour and JACL’s membership push

Vol. 51, No. 13, September 23, 1960. 8 pages. View this issue

Crown Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko of Japan began a two-week tour of the United States as guests of President Eisenhower, and JACL President Frank Chuman extended a welcome. Closer to home, the National Board authorized four free introductory issues of the paper to help chapters sign up 1961 JACL members early. Mike Masaoka’s column, “The Big-ot Issue,” looked at religious prejudice in the 1960 presidential campaign, and an editorial on page 4 called for a fair campaign. Harry K. Honda wrote about education reform in Japan.

Other pages followed chapter life: Salt Lake’s 25th anniversary plans, a polio clinic that drew 600 people, and a Detroit plan for a board of advisers. President Eisenhower signed a bill giving retirement and sick leave benefits to Federal employees of Japanese ancestry. Sports pages covered the San Francisco Giants’ coming tour of Japan, and a short history of baseball there.

What’s in this issue

JACL

• Introductory Issues for Membership Push, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National Board authorized four free introductory issues of the Pacific Citizen for October through January to help chapters solicit 1961 JACL memberships. Chapters must request bulk copies from the PC Business Office, and early membership sign-ups are encouraged before the March 31, 1962 subscription cut-off.

National

• Crown Prince Akihito, Princess Michiko Start 2-Week U.S. Tour, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Crown Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko of Japan began a two-week U.S. tour as guests of President Eisenhower, with JACL President Frank Chuman extending a welcome. The itinerary includes stops in Los Angeles, Washington, New York, and other cities as part of the centennial of U.S.-Japan relations.
• Governor Brown Meets with Li’l Tokio Leaders, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Governor Edmund Brown met with about 50 Li’l Tokio community leaders and newspapermen at his office to discuss problems of interest to persons of Japanese ancestry. The meeting was arranged by the West Jefferson Democratic Club, led by Art Takei.
• Passport Service Established by State Department, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The State Department renamed the Passport Office as the Passport Service effective September 15, reflecting its expanded role in international travel. The change responds to Senate recommendations and will be formalized by legislation next January.
• President Signs Bill Aiding Evacuated Nisei, by P.C. Staff, page 2. President Eisenhower signed legislation providing retirement and sick leave benefits to Federal employees of Japanese ancestry whose status was frozen at the outbreak of World War II. The bill was introduced by Rep. James Roosevelt at the request of the JACL.
• California’s First Year with Fair Employment Practices Law Found Promising, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A first-year report on California’s Fair Employment Practices law found growing employer acceptance and labor support, with 370 cases filed by August. Governor Brown and FEPC Chairman John Anson Ford praised progress while cautioning that prejudice still persists.
• Col. John F. Aiso Appointed Division Law Officer, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Col. John F. Aiso, judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court, was among the persons appointed as division law officers in the Army Reserve. The appointment recognizes his service as a Nisei military leader.

Community

• Candidate Horiuchi Polls 1,977 Votes, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Seiji Horiuchi, a Republican candidate for state senator of Adams County, Colorado, received 1,977 votes in the September 13 primaries. Democratic candidates received substantially more votes in the race.
• Fresno Buddhist Church Target of Citywide Anti-Pigeon Campaign, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A citywide campaign against diseased pigeons in Fresno has captured more than 8,000 birds, with the largest results at the Fresno Buddhist Temple where an estimated 1,500 pigeons once roosted. Traps baited with feed have replaced poisoned feed as the primary capture method.
• Hunting for Mushrooms After Fall Rain in Colorado Rockies Proves to Be Chilly, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Two Denver Issei women, Mrs. Tatsuno Oka and Mrs. Mitsu Kanda, became lost while mushroom hunting in the Sand Creek area and spent a freezing night before being found by a search party. Both were treated at Larimer County Hospital, with Mrs. Oka in fair condition.
• Sampan Attacked by Swordfish, Nearly Sunk, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The 43-foot sampan Helen, owned by Gengo Nabeshima of Honolulu, was nearly sunk by a swordfish about 240 miles southeast of Oahu. The Coast Guard dropped a portable pump, allowing the boat to continue toward Hawaii.
• Detroit Chapter Seeking to Form Board of Advisers of Social and Business Leaders, by Frank Watanabe, page 4. The Detroit JACL chapter outlines its programs in social, educational, and extra-chapter activities aimed at gaining public acceptance for Japanese Americans. The chapter also plans to form a board of advisers drawn from top social and business leaders, and it won the bid to host the 1964 National Convention.
• Hawaii Colt League Champions Hosted by Pocatello, Idaho Falls Jr. JACL Groups, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Pocatello Jr. JACL welcomed the Hawaiian Colt League baseball champions during the regional championships in August, hosting a potluck picnic. The visiting team later thanked the local youth for their hospitality.
• West L.A. Auxiliary Dance Benefit for UCLA Student Center, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The West Los Angeles JACL Auxiliary will hold a dance benefit on October 1 to support the Westwood International Center at UCLA. The center fosters understanding between foreign and American students.
• Long Beach JACL Baseball Night Set, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Long Beach-Harbor District JACL concluded its pee-wee baseball season, with the Li’l Atoms finishing second in their division. A baseball night and a basketball tournament were announced as upcoming events.
• West L.A. JACL Plans Community Talent Night, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The West Los Angeles JACL will stage a community-wide amateur talent show at the Sawtelle Gakuen on October 22. Local social clubs and church groups are participating in this first community-wide effort.
• Venice-Culver Chapter Solicits 1961 JACL Memberships Early, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Venice-Culver JACL is conforming to National Convention mandates by conducting its 1961 membership drive early, with the campaign expected to conclude by the end of November. The chapter urges every household to renew on time.
• San Francisco JACL Women’s Auxiliary Luncheon-Fashion Show Draws Capacity Crowd, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Ticket sales indicate a capacity crowd for the San Francisco JACL Women’s Auxiliary luncheon and fashion show at the Fairmont Hotel. Special invitations went to community leaders, and Ruth Franklin Dixon was named commentator for the style parade.
• Salt Lake JACL Preparing 25th Anniversary, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Salt Lake JACL will hold a silver jubilee celebration on October 29 at the Prudential Auditorium, featuring a dinner-dance and special program. National JACL President Frank Chuman will be the principal speaker.
• Around the World Fund Gaining JACL Momentum, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Chicago JACL’s Around the World fundraising campaign has received enthusiastic participation from chapters nationwide. Donations and gifts have been pledged by local businesses to support the effort.
• New Hollywood Pastor, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Rev. George Aki, a former chaplain of the 442nd RCT, has assumed the ministry of the Hollywood Independent Church after serving the Christ Congregational Church in Chicago for a decade.
• Polio Clinic Attracts 600 Persons, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Over 600 persons were inoculated at a JACL-sponsored polio clinic held at the Sun Building, coordinated with the March of Dimes. Regional director Fred Takata announced that a second round of shots would be available within the month.
• Photo-Journalists to Meet at Asilomar, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The American Society of Magazine Photographers will hold a conference at Asilomar where professionals will explore photography and journalism. Sessions will cover technical and business topics for photographers and writers.
• JACL’s Helping Hand, by Henry Mori, page 7. A one-day conference sponsored by the Pacific Southwest JACL District Council will address the problems of aging Issei, especially single male residents. Frank Chuman will present the findings at a state conference on the aged in Sacramento.
• Togo Tanaka Announces Plans for $100,000 Research House ’61 in Ventura, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Togo Tanaka announced the site for Research House ’61, a $100,000 luxury model home under construction at Las Posas Estates in Ventura. Over 100 building product manufacturers are participating in the program.
• Berkeley Artist Wins State Fair Prizes, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Nisei painter George Miyasaki of Berkeley was the only double winner among major prizes in the California State Fair art competition. He received awards for an oil painting and a print.
• Nisei Week Queen Guest at Shonien Benefit Dance, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Penny Akemi Tani, the 1960 Nisei Week queen, and her court will be honored guests at the fifth annual TOT Ball on October 1 at Fox Hills Country Club. Proceeds from the dance benefit Shonien.
• Fund Drive for Hilo Tidal Wave Disaster Officially Closed, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The JACL Hilo Tidal Wave Disaster fund drive is officially closed with total contributions of $10,215.58, falling short of its $17,000 goal. Fund chairman Joe Kadowaki publicly thanked contributors, especially former Hawaii residents and clubs.
• San Diego County Farmers in 10th Year Hosting Young Japanese Agriculturists, by P.C. Staff, page 8. San Diego County farmers are hosting young Japanese farmers for the tenth consecutive year through a program to learn American agricultural methods. Host farmers Homer Sharpless and Oscar Luelf discuss the benefits of the exchange.
• Mills College Grants Sansei $1,500 Scholarship, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Susan Carol Oyama, a 17-year-old San Francisco student, is attending Mills College on a $1,500 annual scholarship. A graduate of the American School in Japan, she ranked among the top scorers in College Board examinations.
• Nisei Democrats Plan California Rally for Kennedy-Johnson Ticket, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Japanese American Democrats met in Fresno to plan a statewide fundraising campaign for the Kennedy-Johnson ticket. Plans include political advertising in Japanese American newspapers and rallies.

Military & Veterans

• Jim Matsuoka Named 1962 JACL Convention Chairman, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Jim Matsuoka was appointed chairman pro-tem for the 1962 National JACL Convention in Seattle at a board meeting, and colleagues welcomed him with generous hospitality. The photo caption depicts the group celebrating the appointment.
• Nisei Donning Football Uniforms, by Thomas Toyama, page 6. Larry Iwasaki returns for his final season as fullback at Fresno State, joining other Nisei and Sansei football players across Central California high schools and colleges. Coaches expect strong performances from several local backs and linemen.

Commentary

• Educational Re-Reform in Japan, by Harry K. Honda, page 2. Prime Minister Ikeda of Japan announced plans for sweeping education reforms after facing a Zengakuren student demonstration. Honda examines the role of the Japan Teachers Union and the postwar occupation’s changes to Japanese education, weighing the contrast between the present system and prewar ideals.
• Letter from Harold S. Fistere on Cleveland Layel Night, by Harold S. Fistere, page 2. Harold Fistere praises the Cleveland Chapter for its Layel Night tribute honoring Issei pioneers who reached age seventy-five. He describes the evening’s skits and food, noting that the nostalgic humor was understood across generations.
• For a Fair Campaign – 1960, by P.C. Staff, page 4. This editorial, issued jointly with the National Conference of Christians and Jews, calls on American leaders to prevent racial and religious prejudice from disrupting the 1960 elections. It cites rising smear campaigns in 1958 and urges voters and civic leaders to uphold democratic values.
• The Big-ot Issue, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Mike Masaoka argues that religious bigotry in the 1960 presidential campaign threatens to overshadow national survival issues. He warns that prejudice against any faith endangers the civil rights of all, drawing lessons from the wartime treatment of Japanese Americans.

Arts & Entertainment

• Belli and Jones, Belli Looks at Life and Law in Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 2. This review covers Melvin Belli and Danny Jones’s book on Japanese law, customs, and history, published by Bobbs-Merrill in 1960. The authors praise Japan’s legal system, and Supreme Court Justice Toshio Irie contributes a preface.

Sports

• Hopper Releases Baseball Tour Details, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The San Francisco Giants will tour Japan for 16 games in cities including Tokyo, Sapporo, Osaka, and Fukuoka as part of the Centennial goodwill celebrations. Congressman John Shelley praised baseball’s role in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations.
• Baseball in Japan 86 Years Old, by P.C. Staff, page 6. This feature traces the history of baseball in Japan from its introduction in 1872 through the efforts of Count Nobuaki Makino and Ki Hiraoka. It also covers Lefty O’Doul’s contributions, the founding of the Yomiuri Giants, and goodwill tours between the two countries.

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