Vol. 54, No. 12, March 23, 1962. 4 pages. View this issue
The Midwest District Council chose “Our Heritage and New Horizons” as its theme for the biennium, and the Pacific Southwest District Council set a $35,000 goal for the Issei Story project, with Southland chapters starting a fundraising drive. Mike Masaoka’s Washington Newsletter looked at President Kennedy’s consumer message to Congress, and Elmer Ogawa reported on news from the Northwest District.
Other pages looked at the Nisei and the foreign service, where officials worried about how few applied, and at Dr. Kitano’s report on rising juvenile crime among Japanese Americans. The Bakersfield chapter honored 18 Issei pioneers, and a Hood River couple marked their golden wedding. The 442nd veterans association in Los Angeles elected Ken Yaraki president. Mari Mori’s column covered Nisei Week preparations.
What’s in this issue
Community
- Midwest District Council Picks Theme for the Biennium, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Midwest District Council selected ‘Our Heritage and New Horizons’ as its biennium theme at its first cabinet meeting. Cabinet members reported on plans for cultural programs, a public relations handbook, and the upcoming convention in Cincinnati.
- Things Popping in All Directions, by Elmer Ogawa, page 1. Northwest District news includes a petition to reactivate the Spokane JACL chapter and a Chinese New Year celebration in Seattle. The column also covers various local meetings and activities.
- $35,000 Goal for ‘Issei Story’ Fund Tabbed by PSWDC, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Pacific Southwest District Council set a $35,000 goal for the Issei Story project, to be completed by June 1. Nineteen Southland chapters launched an all-out fundraising drive.
- Mt. Olympus Orator to Represent IDC, by Carol Tamura, page 1. A Pocatello Jr. JACL member was selected as Junior Miss representative from Idaho for the national contest. Her oratorical performance drew strong applause.
- State Fair Housing Law Gains Support, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Support is growing for a state fair housing law. The article reports on related community developments.
- Nisei Woman Licensed for General Building Contracts, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Nisei woman received a license to conduct general building contracts. The article covers her achievement.
- Juvenile Crime Rate Among Japanese Americans Still Low, But Trend Increasing, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. Kitano reported at a Berkeley JACL meeting that juvenile crime among Japanese Americans remains low but is trending upward. He discussed the stereotype of little delinquency among Japanese American youth and related research.
- Boys Town in Brazil Seen for Japan ‘Mixed’ Children, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A proposed ‘Boys Town’ in the Amazon area of Brazil would serve mixed-blood children born to Japanese and other parents. The article describes the plan and its backers.
- Value of Athletics for Youth Cited, by Dave Nakagawa, page 2. A Los Angeles church youth director praised the Community Youth Council and the Southern California Nisei Athletic Union for their work with young people. He argued that positive youth programs deserve more recognition than reports of delinquency.
- Gardena Valley JACL Prepares for PSW Pre-Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Gardena Valley chapter prepared for the Pacific Southwest District pre-convention events. The article covers chapter planning activities.
- Hood River Issei Pioneers Feted on Golden Wedding, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Mr. and Mrs. Asai of Hood River celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with family and friends. The article describes the family gathering and their pioneer history in the valley.
- Bakersfield Chapter Honors 18 Issei Pioneers, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Bakersfield JACL chapter honored 18 Issei pioneers at a community event. The article describes the honorees and the ceremony.
Commentary
- To Protect the Consumer, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. President Kennedy sent a consumer message to Congress outlining rights to safety, information, and fair treatment. The column urges support for these consumer protections as part of government responsibility.
- What Is a ‘Minority Group’?, by Berry Sueyoshi, page 2. A letter responds to a sociology discussion of minority groups and argues that Japanese Americans form a minority that should work with other groups against discrimination. The writer notes JACL’s efforts toward interracial cooperation.
National
- Top Government Officials Concerned Over Lack of Nisei Recruits for Foreign Service, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Government officials expressed concern over the small number of Nisei applying for foreign service positions. The article examines reasons for the shortfall.
- Complacency of Nisei Seen, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Speakers pointed to complacency among Nisei as a concern for the community. The article reports on the discussion.
In-Depth
- Introducing a Nisei ‘Dunker’, by Wilbur Eller, page 2. A profile of Sim Toganaki, a Japanese American member of the Church of the Brethren, describes his background and his family’s missionary ties. The article traces how his family’s history connects to Brethren missions in Japan.
Obituaries
- Nisei Week Queen Pageant Preview and Mari Mori’s Column, by Mari Mori, page 4. Mari Mori’s column covers Nisei Week festival preparations and the photo work involved. The column reflects on the difficulties of meeting deadlines and organizing community events.
Military & Veterans
- 442nd Assn. Elects Officers, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Ken Yaraki was elected president of the Los Angeles 442nd Veterans Association. The article reports the slate of new officers.
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