Vol. 54, No. 14, April 6, 1962. 4 pages. View this issue
A Japanese American visit to the nation’s capital opened this four-page issue, which Mike Masaoka covered in his Washington Newsletter. The same front page reported that a Chinese Hawaiian was refused service at a Maryland tavern, and that three Detroit women were honored for their youth and community work. Civil rights ran through the commentary. Clifford I. Uyeda’s East of the River column took up the Freedom Riders and federal court rulings on segregated interstate transportation, while another article asked whether Japanese Americans could again face a mass evacuation in a future crisis.
Elsewhere, Kenjo Kawase objected to the foreword of a history of Hawaii’s Japanese, and Tamotsu Murayama reported from Tokyo on the sale of the Hawaii Hochi. Two pieces looked at Issei and Nisei ties to Alaska and its salmon canneries. The JACL pages carried the National Council agenda, Junior JACL reports and chapter news, including a comedic program by San Fernando Valley women.
What’s in this issue
Community
- Three Active Detroit Matrons Honored, page 1. Three Detroit women were cited for their youth and community work. The honor recognizes their long service to local causes.
- Closer Links, page 3. The piece describes the Issei and Nisei connections to Alaska, especially seasonal cannery work. It explains how that labor helped fund Nisei education and shaped union activity.
- Tokyo Topics, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 3. Murayama reports news from Tokyo, including the sale of the Hawaii Hochi to a Shizuoka owner. The column covers developments affecting Japanese newspapers and community ties.
- Junior JACLers Report, page 4. Junior JACL chapters describe their activities and upcoming convention participation. The report highlights youth programs and events across the district.
- San Fernando Women in Hysterics, page 4. San Fernando Valley JACL women’s group staged a comedic program and fundraising event. Members and families attended the lively evening.
- Chapter Events and Community Memorial Work, page 4. Several chapter members are recognized for their work on a memorial pilgrimage and community service projects. The report notes the contributions of local leaders to civic and cultural activities.
National
- Chinese Hawaiian Denied Service in Maryland Tavern, page 1. A Chinese Hawaiian was refused service at a Maryland tavern. The incident drew attention to discrimination in public accommodations.
- Washington Newsletter, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. Masaoka reports on the Japanese American visit to the nation’s capital and related Washington developments. The newsletter covers meetings and policy matters of interest to the community.
- Will ‘Evacuation’ Again?, page 2. The article raises concern that Japanese Americans could again face mass evacuation in a future crisis. It examines wartime precedents and the possibility of repetition.
Commentary
- Foreword to History of Hawaiian Japanese Ridiculed, by Kenjo Kawase, page 2. The writer critiques a foreword to a history of Hawaii’s Japanese, objecting to its portrayal. The piece argues the work misrepresents the community.
- East of the River, by Clifford I. Uyeda, page 2. Uyeda discusses the Freedom Riders, federal court rulings on segregated interstate transportation, and the civil rights implications. The column considers how these decisions affect racial equality.
- From the Frozen North, page 3. The column recounts cameraman Toge Fujihira’s travels and notes Japanese pioneers in Alaska worth including in the Issei history project. It highlights figures such as Ju Wada and the Issei role in Alaskan salmon canneries.
Arts & Entertainment
- The Lower Depths, page 2. A review of Akira Kurosawa’s film The Lower Depths and its portrayal of characters in a Japanese slum. The writer also reflects on how Japanese actors and films are perceived by Nisei audiences.
JACL
- National Council Agenda, page 4. The article outlines the agenda for the JACL National Council meeting and pre-convention district council gatherings. It lists scheduled dates and the matters chapter representatives will address.
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