Vol. 54, No. 26, June 29, 1962. 4 pages. View this issue
The Walter-McCarran Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 was the subject of this four-page issue. Mike M. Masaoka’s front-page article marked its tenth anniversary, recalling how the law removed racial bars to naturalization, a major legislative aim of Japanese American citizens, and what followed from it. Bill Hosokawa returned to the same subject in two columns, remembering his late father, an Issei who tried and failed to become a citizen, and the Issei who did naturalize under the Act.
Also inside: Dr. Harry Takagi of Contra Costa was named JACLer of the Biennium and will receive a gold medallion at the Convention banquet in Seattle. General John L. DeWitt, who commanded the Western Defense Command during the wartime forced removal of Japanese Americans, died, and the paper reviewed his career. Other pieces cover a film scene removed after a Japanese Canadian protest, the Pasadena chapter’s history project fund drive, and columns by Dick Akagi and Jim Higashi.
What’s in this issue
National
- Tenth Anniversary of Walter-McCarran Act Feted, by Mike M. Masaoka, page 1. The Walter-McCarran Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 removed racial bars to naturalization, a major legislative objective of Japanese American citizens. The article marks the Act’s tenth anniversary and reviews its legislative history and effects.
JACL
- Harry Takagi Named JACLer of Biennium by EDC, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. Harry Takagi of Contra Costa was chosen as the JACL Nisei of the Biennium by the National Board. He will receive a JACL gold medallion at the Convention banquet in Seattle.
Military & Veterans
- General DeWitt, Commander for Evacuation of Japanese, Dies, by P.C. Staff, page 1. General John L. DeWitt, who commanded the Western Defense Command and was responsible for the wartime evacuation of persons of Japanese ancestry, died of a heart attack in an ambulance. The article reviews his military career and his remarks about Japanese Americans.
Incarceration & Redress
- Anti-Nisei Scene From Canada Film Removed by JCCA, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Japanese Canadian Citizens Association objected to a scene in the film The Sweet and the Bitter that was seen as anti-Nisei. The producers initially balked but ultimately agreed to remove the material.
Community
- History Project Fund Drive in High Gear, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Pasadena chapter reports that its Japanese History Project fund drive has passed two-thirds of its goal. Contributions are being acknowledged through National JACL financial reports.
- East of the River, by Dick Akagi, page 3. Akagi writes a column reflecting on Washington, D.C. JACL matters and on a national convention. The column includes personal anecdotes about convention life.
- Freewheeling on the Freeways, by Jim Higashi, page 4. Higashi, PSW Regional Director, writes a column on Pacific Southwest District JACL chapter news and activities. He covers chapter membership and community events.
Commentary
- Tenth Anniversary: Walter-McCarran Act, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa recalls his late father, an Issei denied citizenship despite decades in America, and notes the number of Asians naturalized since 1950. He argues the Act’s provisions opening citizenship regardless of race deserve commemoration.
- From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Hosokawa’s column recalls his father’s failed attempts to naturalize and the Issei who became citizens under the Walter-McCarran Act. He concludes that many Issei were citizens at heart long before the law allowed it.
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.