Sacramento convention ahead and unrest in Japan

Vol. 50, No. 25, June 17, 1960. 8 pages. View this issue

The coming 16th Biennial JACL convention in Sacramento ran through this eight-page issue. Congressman John E. Moss drew his colleagues’ attention to it in the Congressional Record, Masao Satow reported delegates from 45 chapters and a $73,600 budget proposal, and Stirling Sakamoto laid out what to wear to each event. Bill Matsuoka reported 1000 Club membership near 2,000. News from Japan shared the front page: Harry Honda wrote on violent demonstrations and the postponed visit of President Eisenhower. Shig Wakamatsu sent the president a message of support, and Mike Masaoka and Tamotsu Murayama offered Japanese viewpoints.

Also inside: Richard Akagi’s satirical obituary for the JACL, scholarships and graduation honors from chapters across the country, and Joan Yasui’s national Elks youth leadership award. Lt. Col. Edward M. Yoshimasu, a decorated 442nd veteran, was named to command the honor guard for Eisenhower’s Honolulu arrival.

What’s in this issue

National

  • Congressman Calls Attention to Forthcoming National Convention, by JACL News Service, page 1. Congressman John E. Moss extended his remarks in the Congressional Record to highlight the 16th Biennial JACL Convention in Sacramento. He noted California’s longstanding association with Americans of Japanese ancestry.
  • Future of U.S.-Japan Ties Torn Apart; Kishi Calls Off Ike’s Visit, by Harry Honda, page 1. Violent leftist demonstrations in Japan led the Kishi government to postpone President Eisenhower’s visit. The editor noted concerns over the future of U.S.-Japan relations.
  • Japan Government Decorates Americans, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Japanese government announced decorations for 23 Americans, including naturalized Issei, in marking the centennial of U.S.-Japan relations. Recipients were listed by order and honor level.
  • Convention Delegates Preview and Budget Proposal, by Masao Satow, page 6. The National Director reported on delegate registrations from 45 chapters and a preliminary budget of $73,600 for the next biennium. A panel on discrimination was planned for the National Council session.

Community

  • Los Angeles Nisei Elected to Party Committeemen Posts, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Several Nisei were elected or re-elected to Republican and Democratic committee posts in Los Angeles in the June 7 primaries. Soichi Fukui, Ken Utsunomiya, Taro Kawa, and Art Takei were among those named.
  • Takemoto Elected to Draft County Charter, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Kay Takemoto, a longtime Placer County JACLer, was elected as one of 15 freeholders to draft a county charter. He finished eighth out of 27 candidates.
  • Southlanders Give $3,000 to Hilo Tidal Wave Fund, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Southern California Japanese Americans contributed over $3,000 to the Hilo Tidal Wave Fund drive. Donations were collected and publicity directors were named.
  • Name Changed for Tidal Wave Fund Drive, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL Hawaii Disaster Fund was renamed the Hilo Tidal Wave Fund on advice from Congressman Inouye. The change was announced by chairman Joe Kadowaki.
  • 21 Sansei Competing in Seafair Queen Race, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Twenty-one Sansei from Seattle community groups are competing for the title Miss Nisei Centennial. The winner will have a court of four princesses.
  • Sacramento Convention Dress Guide, by Stirling Sakamoto, page 2. Convention attire recommendations are given for each event, from plain slacks during the day to semi-formal dress for the banquet. Specific themes and suggestions are listed for the mixer, 1000 Club Whing Ding, outing, and fashion show.
  • Caltech Math Professor Stars in Film, by P.C. Staff, page 3. James T. Goto, a Caltech math researcher and former Japanese naval commander, appeared as Admiral Yamamoto in The Gallant Hours. The column recounts his wartime service and his unexpected acting role.
  • Southwest Los Angeles Chooses Miss Southwest Queen, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Carolyn Kikumura, an 18-year-old Dorsey High graduate, was crowned Miss Southwest Los Angeles at the annual Queenette Ball. She plans to attend Art Center in September.
  • Most Impressive Memorial Day Service in Salt Lake City, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Salt Lake City held a Memorial Day service at the War Memorial Monument with participation from all area churches. Speakers and a wreath presentation honored the war dead.
  • Hi-Co Dance Honors Graduates, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Long Beach Hi-Co held its third annual graduation dance honoring 12 graduates. The dance was scheduled for June 18 at the local Japanese community center.
  • Imperial Gardens Sukiyaki Restaurant, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Imperial Gardens in Hollywood welcomed JACLers to its sukiyaki restaurant. The restaurant is run by George Furuta, a 1000 Club member.
  • 1000 Club Chairman Reports on Membership Goal, by Bill Matsuoka, page 4. The 1000 Club chairman reported that membership is near 2,000 with a record 210 new members in May. He announced the Whing Ding event with Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five on June 30.
  • Seabrook JACL Installs Officers, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Seabrook JACL chapter installed new officers, with James Yamasaki taking over as president. Speakers urged the chapter to extend its community involvement.
  • New Jersey Sansei Wins Student Office, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Bryan Nogaki was elected president of the Bergenfield Senior High Student Congress. Evelyn Yamashita was elected secretary.
  • East L.A. Chapter Awards 2 Scholarships, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The East Los Angeles JACL presented scholarships to Julia Hirosawa and Roy Nakaiye, both June graduates. The awards were part of the chapter’s second annual scholarship program.
  • Hollywood JACL to Introduce Nisei Week Candidate June 26, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Hollywood JACL will hold a spaghetti dinner and square dance on June 26 to introduce its Nisei Week queen candidate. Summer graduates will also be honored.
  • Watsonville JACL to Honor Graduates at Barbecue, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Watsonville JACL will hold its annual graduation steak barbecue on June 18 at the Buddhist Church hall. Committees were appointed for the event.
  • Nisei Photographer Shows Own Japan Travel Films, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Katsumi Taniguchi presented a color travelogue of Japan to the Southwest Los Angeles JACL. The chapter also discussed the upcoming national convention.
  • Yolo Youth Named to Boys State, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Jerry Nakamura of Woodland High was selected as one of four Yolo County delegates to Boys State in Sacramento. He was recognized for his football play.
  • Parlier Sets Date for 25th Anniversary Fete, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Parlier JACL is planning its 25th anniversary dinner for October 20 at Bruce’s Lodge restaurant. Committees are working on the event.
  • Midwest District Council Meets in Milwaukee, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Delegates from eight Midwest chapters adopted a new functional organization plan and a per capita assessment at the MDC meeting. The council also reviewed the 1960-70 planning program.
  • George Fujita to Head L.A. JACL Coordinating Council, by P.C. Staff, page 6. George Fujita was elected chairman of the Los Angeles JACL Coordinating Council, which includes six chapters. Project chairmen were also named for coming events.
  • Commencement Week Newsletter, by Henry Mori, page 7. The column reports on Nisei and Sansei graduations in Los Angeles and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce’s $100,000 scholarship fund for the U.S.-Japan centennial. It also covers the new Mt. Olympus Junior JACL group.
  • Tosh Hiraide Named Gardena JACL Chairman, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Attorney Tosh Hiraide was elected chairman of the Gardena Valley JACL board of governors. Other officers and board members were also named.
  • Nisei Wins in Land Condemnation Suit, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Dr. Masami Ogata of Anaheim received a judgment of over $40,000 in a land condemnation suit brought by the Orange County flood control district. The court ruled on the fair market value of the taken property.
  • Sonoma County JACL Honors Graduates, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Sonoma County JACL honored graduates and presented the NC-WNDC oratorical contest winner William Hayashi as valedictorian with a scholarship plaque. The chapter’s scholarship award was also presented.
  • Troop 12 Reunion Program Ends With Sunday Picnic, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The three-day celebration of Boy Scout Troop 12’s 45th anniversary in San Francisco included a keynote address and a Sunday picnic. Troop founder Sim Togasaki served as general chairman.
  • History Repeating Itself: Anti-Foreign Sentiment, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 8. Tamotsu Murayama compares the current anti-American demonstrations in Japan with the anti-foreign reaction to the first US-Japan treaty a century ago. He argues most Japanese remain pro-American despite vocal minorities.
  • Dayton Youth Earns Eagle Scout Award, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Mas Yamasaki’s 13-year-old son became the first Japanese American to receive the Eagle Scout award in the Miami Valley Council. He is attending the 50th Anniversary Scout Jamboree as a patrol leader.
  • Joan Yasui Named National Elks Youth Leader, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Joan Yasui of Hood River, Oregon, was named national girl winner of the 1960 Elks National Youth Leadership Contest. She plans to major in foreign languages and become a diplomat.
  • Sho Sato, UC Berkeley Law Professor, Honored by Faculty, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Sho Sato, professor of law at UC Berkeley’s Boalt Hall, was among faculty honored for distinguished teaching at commencement. He is active with the Berkeley JACL.
  • Okura Feted by Jaycees, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Omaha Junior Chamber of Commerce presented an outstanding young man in government award to Pat Okura, chief juvenile probation officer. The Jaycees cited his marked contribution to local government.

JACL

  • Joe Kadowaki Named Candidate for JACLer Award, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Joe Kadowaki of Cleveland was named the third candidate for JACLer of the Biennium. His leadership in the Cleveland chapter and Midwest District Council was highlighted.
  • Democratic Platform Committee Invites JACL to Pre-Confab Hearing, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Democratic National Committee invited JACL to present views at platform hearings in Los Angeles. JACL named Frank Chuman to represent the organization on civil rights issues.

Military & Veterans

  • JACL Name Honor Guard Commander Vet Head of Ike’s Honor Guard, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Lt. Col. Edward M. Yoshimasu, a decorated 442nd veteran, was appointed commander of the honor guard for President Eisenhower’s Honolulu arrival. He is a battalion commander with the National Guard 298th Field Artillery.
  • San Francisco JACL Athletes Win Annual Olympics, by P.C. Staff, page 7. San Francisco won the team championship at the JACL Olympics at Kezar Stadium on June 5. Hiroshi Fukuda was named top individual performer with six event scores.

Commentary

  • Editor’s Desk: Planning Commission Questionnaires, by Harry K. Honda, page 2. The editor discusses the 1960-70 JACL Planning Commission questionnaire and urges chapters to respond by the June 15 deadline. The questionnaire covers chapter adherence to JACL purposes and the future role of the Washington office.
  • Message to President Eisenhower, by Shig Wakamatsu, page 4. JACL National President Shig Wakamatsu sent a message to President Eisenhower wishing him success on his Far East mission. The message expressed support for U.S. Japan relations despite the demonstrations.
  • Obituary Notice, 1967, by Richard Akagi, page 6. Richard Akagi writes a satirical obituary for the JACL, attributing its decline to a failure of nerve and West Coast parochialism. The piece critiques the organization’s loss of bold action since the early 1950s.
  • Washington Newsletter: A Japanese Viewpoint, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Mike Masaoka reprints a Japan Times editorial supporting President Eisenhower’s visit and the revised security treaty. The editorial argues opposition is driven by the Socialist Party and leftist elements.

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