Vol. 52, No. 13, March 31, 1961. 4 pages. View this issue
The Kawakita case ran through this four-page issue. Mike Masaoka set out the National JACL Board’s policy statement, that it would not intervene for Tomoya Kawakita, a Nisei convicted of treason, and that the Japanese government should stay out of the matter. Saburo Kido followed with a commentary on how Nisei legal minds viewed the policy and an open letter to chapter presidents asking how it was reached. On page one, Larry Tajiri wrote in Vagaries about television showing war films that portray Japanese Americans in a bad light, and Elmer Ogawa reported on Sacramento Nisei lobbying the legislature to repeal the alien land law.
Elsewhere, William Marutani of the Eastern District Council wrote on the fair share financial formula, and a page of National Board highlights covered the Issei Story project and the 1962 convention. The San Francisco JACL’s push toward 1,000 members is here too. Page three has chapter news from Fowler, Gilroy, Sanger and Chicago, along with sports, and Carol Ogata’s prize-winning Voice of Democracy script.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Objectionable Films on TV, by Larry Tajiri, page 1. Larry Tajiri’s column criticizes television films that portray Japanese Americans negatively, such as ‘Air Force’ and ‘Across the Pacific.’ He argues these depictions revive wartime prejudice and harm Japanese Americans.
- Nisei Legal Minds Agree with JACL Policy on Kawakita Matter, by Saburo Kido, page 2. Commentators discuss the JACL position against Japanese government intervention in the Kawakita case. They weigh the legal and diplomatic implications for Japanese Americans.
- Los Angeles Newsletter: Going on the Road Again, by Henry Mori, page 2. Henry Mori recounts a light-hearted trip to London where a tour group struggled with directions. The humorous anecdote highlights the travel experience.
- Open Letter to JACL Presidents on the Kawakita Matter, by Saburo Kido, page 2. An open letter raises questions about how JACL reached its Kawakita policy and whether it verified the UPI report. It suggests a quieter channel of correspondence would have been preferable.
- Living with JACL: Part IV, by Saburo Kido, page 4. Saburo Kido recalls early JACL history in Northern California, including the 1931 district meeting and a 1931 New World editorial on Nisei citizenship and voting power.
Community
- San Francisco JACL Hopes to Hit 1,000 Mark in Enrollment, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The San Francisco JACL chapter aimed for 1,000 members by the end of its membership drive. The chapter also held its third annual scholarship meeting and made several financial decisions.
- Sacramento Nisei Visit Legislature Over Alien Land Law Repeal, by Elmer Ogawa, page 1. A Sacramento delegation of Nisei met with legislators to lobby for repeal of the alien land law. Their efforts were met with a mix of support and opposition in the state capitol.
- Golden Gate Nisei VFW Post Installs Cabinet, by P.C. Staff, page 2. James Matsuoka was elected commander of the Golden Gate Nisei Memorial Post 9879 VFW in San Francisco. Other officers were named and installation is set for April.
- Carol Ogata Plans Career in Teaching, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Carol Ogata, a Pahoa High School senior from Hawaii, won the national Voice of Democracy contest. She plans to study mathematics and become a teacher.
- Chicago JACL Report: Lulu of a Luau, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Chicago JACL held a Hawaiian-themed luau that was described as a lively success. Attendees enjoyed music, dancing, and food.
- Long Beach State Co-ed to Represent U.S. at International Student Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A Long Beach State College freshman was selected to represent the United States at an international student meeting in Sweden. The student will travel by ship and train through Europe.
- Fowler’s 10th Anniversary Plans Underway, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Fowler JACL chapter is planning its 10th anniversary banquet and honoring Issei who have lived in the U.S. for 50 years. A community picnic is also scheduled.
- Idaho Falls JACL Holds Farewell Party, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Idaho Falls JACL hosted a farewell supper for departing members Ken Dote and Jack Hirai. Gifts were presented at the potluck gathering.
- Gilroy Chapter Slates Community Picnic, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Gilroy JACL will hold its 15th annual community picnic at Uvas Picnic Grounds. Games and an egg hunt are planned for families.
- Richard Kaku Elected Optimist Club President, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Richard Kaku was elected president of the Japanese American Optimist Club of Los Angeles. The new cabinet will be installed at a dinner in April.
- Nisei Relays Scheduled May 28 at UniHi, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The 10th annual Nisei Relays will feature track and field events in four divisions. Entry forms are available from the JACL regional office.
- San Jose Community Youth Service Organizes Junior Baseball, by Phil Matsumura, page 3. Several San Jose Japanese American groups formed Community Youth Service to coordinate youth activities. A junior baseball program for boys aged 8-16 is the first project.
- Monterey Peninsula Golf: Frank Yoshioka Wins Championship, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Frank Yoshioka won the Northern California Nisei Golf Association championship for the fifth time at Pebble Beach. Frank Shimada took the top prize in the championship flight.
- Sanger Community Picnic Set for April 16, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Sanger JACL announced its community picnic at Burris Park on April 16. Committee members were named and a scholarship committee was formed.
- San Francisco JACL Women’s Auxiliary Dance Set, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The San Francisco JACL Women’s Auxiliary will hold its third annual benefit dance themed April Fool’s Fling. Proceeds will support the purchase of Japanese food and gifts for the aged.
National
- Chuman Greets Washington Legislators, by P.C. Staff, page 1. National JACL President Frank Chuman addressed Washington state legislators and praised their work. He called for continued vigilance and public engagement on civil rights issues.
- Kawakita Matter: JACL Policy Statement, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. The National JACL Board declared it would not intervene on behalf of Tomoya Kawakita, a Nisei convicted of treason. The statement argues the matter is a domestic concern that the Japanese government should not involve itself in.
- Nisei Dismissed from Planning Post Over Residency Rule, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Ken Nakaoka’s nomination to the Gardena Planning Commission was withdrawn because he lived outside city limits. He now resides in the city proper.
- Eastern District Council Views on National Board Finances, by William Marutani, page 4. EDC chairman William Marutani reports on the National Board meeting and the fair share financial formula. He argues all chapters should contribute proportionately to national needs.
- National Board Meeting Highlights, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The National Board covered the Issei Story project, membership goals, the Pacific Citizen, and the 1962 convention. Finance and personnel policies were also discussed.
In-Depth
- Youth Speaks: Prize-Winning Speech on Democracy, by Carol Ogata, page 2. Carol Ogata’s prize-winning broadcast script reflects on American identity and democracy. She stresses that immigrant heritage and shared sacrifice built the nation.
Sports
- Nisei Win State Basketball Title, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The San Francisco Associates defeated the San Jose Low Lords 74-72 to win the Nisei state basketball title. The South remained ahead in total championships.
JACL
- Pacific Southwest District Council Convention Plans, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The PSWDC convention will be held May 6-7 at a Los Angeles hotel with members of the host chapter. Planning details were reviewed at the national level.
Thank you for exploring the Pacific Citizen archive. The title, introduction and contents on this page were written by an AI model from scans of the printed issue, so they may contain mistakes. If you spot one, we would be grateful if you let us know.