The 1956 holiday issue: honoring JACL’s old-timers

Vol. 43, No. 25, December 21, 1956. 64 pages. View this issue

JACL’s longtime members were the focus of this 64-page holiday issue. A new feature, Old-Timers in JACL, honored people who earned the title “Mr. JACL” in their communities, with profiles by Mary Oyama, Henry Mori, Tats Kushida and Elmer Ogawa. Bill Hosokawa wrote about Boise Valley’s George Ishihara and, in a column, on the changing perspectives of Nisei. National President Roy Nishikawa offered Christmas thoughts, and Jerry Enomoto reported on the 14th Biennial Convention in San Francisco, which drew 1,079 registrants.

Larry Tajiri traced the history of the California Alien Land Law through its repeal by Proposition 13, and Joe Grant Masaoka recalled the 1946 fight over Proposition 15. Tom Toyama wrote a series on the Central California town of Fowler. Chapter reports came from Detroit, Salt Lake, Philadelphia and Seabrook, and the closing pages held fiction and poetry. About 51 of the pages carry holiday greetings.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Christmas Thoughts, by By ROY NISHIKAWA, page 2. JACL National President Roy Nishikawa reflects on the Christmas season as a time of hope, goodwill, and renewed optimism despite the world’s ongoing wars and prejudice. He wishes readers a serene and hopeful Christmas and New Year.
• Very Truly, by By HARRY HONDA, page 2. Editor Harry Honda’s column previews Holiday Issue content, including the Changing Perspectives convention theme, the repeal of the alien land law, the Fowler community story, and the new Old-Timers feature. He also thanks contributors and chapters for their work.
• Changing Perspectives, by BILL HOSOKAWA, page 3. Bill Hosokawa observes how Nisei have shifted from looking backward to the evacuation toward focusing on the present and future, as they now hold prominent roles across American society. He notes that Nisei are simultaneously more integrated into American life and less knowledgeable about their Japanese heritage.
• Washington Newsletter: U.S. Can’t Afford Muddling on Bonin Islands, by Sam Ishikawa, page 17. Sam Ishikawa argues that the United States should return the Bonin Islands to Japan, noting their evacuated residents have been denied return since 1946. He warns that the Soviets are advancing their influence in the Far East and that the US should act to win Japanese goodwill.
• Seattle Old-Timer Notes, by P.C. Staff, page 43. Brief notes from Seattle record the holiday greetings of local businesses and community members. The entries reflect the active Japanese American business community in Seattle.
• Oakland War Brides Organize New Group, by P.C. Staff, page 46. Brief report on the formation of Mutsumi Kai, a friendship club for war brides and recent immigrants in Oakland, organized through the local International Institute. The club meets regularly to support its members.
• Sato-san Telephones at 2:30 in the Morning, by Ferris Takahashi, page 58. In this short story, a widower in postwar Los Angeles struggles with grief and loneliness, longing for his late wife Emi and feeling estranged from his grown children. The story ends with a late-night call to his children that reveals his family’s strained relationships.

JACL

• Old-Timers in JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 2. This new Holiday Issue feature honors longtime JACL members who earned the title ‘Mr. JACL’ in their communities through decades of thankless service. The series will continue in future Holiday Issues as more pioneers are profiled.
• 14th Biennial Convention Reflections, by By JERRY ENOMOTO, page 2. Convention Board chairman Jerry Enomoto reports on the 14th Biennial JACL National Convention in San Francisco, which drew a record 1,079 registrants. He highlights the Changing Perspectives mandate, the housing discussion with Nathaniel Colley, a financially healthy convention, and thanks to the volunteers.
• Junior JACL Program Prepares Youth for Chapter Leadership, by Jean Mitori, page 52. Jean Mitori describes the St. Louis Jr. JACL ‘Jays,’ a club of teens who take part in chapter projects, dances, and fundraising. The program is presented as preparation for future JACL membership and leadership.
• Palo Alto Senior and Junior Tri-Villes Push Social and Welfare Projects, by P.C. Staff, page 52. The Sequoia chapter’s Senior and Junior Tri-Villes reports on their year of social activities, service projects, and the first Junior JACL convention in San Francisco. Both groups describe fundraising, community service, and new officers.
• 1000 Club Honor Roll 1956, by P.C. Staff, page 53. The 1956 National 1000 Club Honor Roll lists over a thousand members in good standing, organized by district and chapter. The list recognizes the loyal supporters who help fund National Headquarters.
• All-Important 1000 Club Annex, by George Inagaki, page 53. Former National President George Inagaki traces the origin of the 1000 Club, founded in 1947 as a means to fund National Headquarters. He recounts its early whing-dings, national chairmen, and its development into a major source of JACL income.
• The Whing-Ding: Next Convention Ought to Recapture Intimacy, by Tokuzo Gordon, page 54. Tokuzo Gordon reflects on the history of the 1000 Club Whing-Ding and suggests that the large crowds at the 1956 San Francisco event lost the intimacy of earlier gatherings. He proposes ways to restore the fun and participation of past years.
• Milestone in ’57: 1000 Club Approaches 10 Years, by Kenji Tashiro, page 55. National 1000 Club Chairman Kenji Tashiro notes that the club will mark its 10th anniversary in 1957 and recounts its founding and early leaders. He calls on members to work toward the goal of 2,000 members.

In-Depth

• Community Profile: George Ishihara, Boise Valley Old-Timer, by BILL HOSOKAWA, page 3. This profile traces the life of George Ishihara, who organized Seattle’s Nisei basketball league, helped found the Seattle Progressive Citizens League in 1921, and later revived the Boise Valley JACL chapter. Ishihara’s decades of service earned him recognition as a modest and dedicated Nisei leader.
• The Widower, by Ferris Takahashi, page 57. A widower visits his wife’s grave and reflects on the wartime incarceration, lost years, and changed family life that have left him isolated. The story explores grief, memory, and the generational gap between Issei parents and Nisei children.

Incarceration & Redress

• Immigrants and an Incredible Law, by LARRY TAJIRI, page 4. Larry Tajiri traces the history of the California Alien Land Law from its discriminatory origins in the 1913 and 1920 enactments through its repeal by Proposition 13 in November 1956. He describes how early Issei farmers transformed California agriculture despite persistent racial prejudice and legal restrictions.
• Nisei Become Aware of Prejudice on Dec. 7, by P.C. Staff, page 5. This article examines how the Pearl Harbor attack exposed Nisei to widespread prejudice they had not fully recognized, reshaping Japanese American lives. It describes the escalating anti-Japanese campaigns that led to evacuation and the loss of farms and homes.
• Alien Land Law: Prop. 15 and Nisei Veterans, by JOE GRANT MASAOKA, page 10. Joe Grant Masaoka recounts the 1946 campaign against Proposition 15, which sought to strengthen the Alien Land Law, and the case of Nisei veterans Akira and Cecil Iwamura facing escheat suits. He describes how JACL and Nisei veterans helped defeat the measure.

Community

• Ken Utsunomiya: A Profile of Courage and Faith, by Mary Oyama, page 6. Mary Oyama profiles Ken Utsunomiya, who helped establish the Santa Maria Valley JACL chapter in 1932 and later revived the Los Angeles chapter after the war. The article describes his family’s immigrant roots and his decades of service through wartime incarceration and beyond.
• Parlier Introduces Charter Old-Timers, by Kazuo Komoto, page 7. Parlier JACL introduces the twelve surviving charter members of its chapter, first organized in 1935, who remained active through the war years and reactivation. Brief biographies detail their families, occupations, and JACL service.
• Six San Franciscans Honored for 20-Year JACL Service, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The San Francisco JACL honors six members with 20 years of JACL service: Yasuo Abiko, Michi Onuma, Fred Hoshiyama, Katherine Nunotani, and others. Brief profiles describe their newspaper, YMCA, and community contributions.
• L.A.’s Old-Timer Still Sees Future for JACL, by Henry Mori, page 12. Henry Mori profiles Molly Oyama Mittwer, a longtime East Los Angeles JACL member and Pacific Citizen contributor, tracing her family’s immigrant history and her career in journalism. Molly affirms her belief that JACL should keep a dignified voice for Japanese Americans.
• Profile of a String: Tom T. Ito of Pasadena, by Tats Kushida, page 14. Tats Kushida profiles Tom T. Ito, a founder and longtime leader of the San Gabriel Valley and Pasadena JACL chapters who served as chapter president and treasurer of district bodies. Ito’s steady commitment to JACL and his insurance business are highlighted as examples of quiet, enduring leadership.
• Yukus Inouye: Family Man Active in CL, by P.C. Staff, page 15. This profile covers Yukus Inouye of American Fork, Utah, a charter member of the Salt Lake JACL who organized the Mt. Olympus chapter and remains a dedicated civic leader and farmer. Inouye urges Nisei to participate actively in their local communities as well as in JACL.
• Seattle Six Old-Timers Keep Fire of CL Spirit Aglow, by Elmer Ogawa, page 18. Elmer Ogawa profiles six longtime Seattle JACL members, including George Kashiwagi, Juro Yoshioka, Yukio Kuniyuki, and Masaru Uno, who have kept the Seattle chapter active for two decades. Their varied careers and civic activities are described.
• Sacramento Old-Timer Dr. George Takahashi Honored, by P.C. Staff, page 19. This article profiles Dr. George Takahashi, a Sacramento optometrist and early JACL member who received the Sapphire Pin at the 1956 national convention. It details his Bay Area upbringing, prewar JACL work, and postwar service to the Sacramento chapter.
• Milwaukee JACL and Other Chapter Notes, by P.C. Staff, page 19. A collection of chapter reports from around the country includes notes on activities, membership, and community programs in Milwaukee, Omaha, Puyallup Valley, and other chapters. The reports show the variety of local JACL programs.
• Sacramento and Seattle Community Notes, by P.C. Staff, page 19. Brief community notes report on local JACL events, including Cleveland, St. Louis, and other chapter activities during the holiday season. The reports summarize how chapters kept their members engaged.
• Sacramento Ardent JACLer One of Twelve Takahashis, by P.C. Staff, page 19. This article profiles Dr. George Takahashi, a Sacramento optometrist and prewar JACL member honored with the Sapphire Pin at the 1956 national convention. It recounts his early Bay Area life and his continued service to the Nisei community.
• Fowler Story: How a Community Grows, by Tom Toyama, page 25. Tom Toyama traces the history of Fowler, a Central California farming town where Issei budo pickers in the 1900s later established businesses and homes. The article covers the community’s growth, the postwar return of Japanese Americans, and the local JACL chapter’s civic contributions.
• Yakichi Honda: Fowler’s First Issei Grand Marshal, by Tom Toyama, page 26. This profile recounts Yakichi Honda’s journey from vineyard worker to battery maker and proprietor of Honda’s Garage in Fowler, and his selection as the first Issei grand marshal of the Fowler Fall Festival in 1952. His life illustrates the integration of Japanese Americans into the community.
• From Stoop Laborers to Shopkeepers, by P.C. Staff, page 27. This article describes the early Japanese business district in Fowler, where Issei laborers opened boarding houses, groceries, tofu shops, and garages. It also documents how Nisei have returned since 1946 and built farms and professional practices in the community.
• Fowler JACL Chapter: Community Focus, by Tom Toyama, page 27. This short piece describes the Fowler JACL chapter as the central civic organization for the local Japanese American community and notes the churches and social groups that serve Fowler’s Japanese Americans. It also mentions Nisei who have served on city government.
• Fowler Nisei Share in Civic Affairs, by Tom Toyama, page 28. This article profiles prominent Nisei in Fowler who have served the community through city government, schools, the Lions and Scouts, churches, and professional life. It presents them as well-educated and civically engaged citizens.
• Fowler JACL Well Integrated in Community Life, by Tom Toyama, page 29. This piece traces the founding and development of the Fowler JACL chapter from its 1952 organization through its civic projects, scholarships, and public exhibits at the Fresno District Fair. It highlights how the chapter became well integrated into the local farming community.
• Bill Yamauchi: Ruby Pin Holder, Outstanding Pocatello JACLer, by P.C. Staff, page 32. This profile honors Bill Yamauchi of Pocatello, a Ruby Pin winner and charter member of the Salt Lake JACL who served as Intermountain District Council chairman during the wartime emergency. His decades of civic and JACL leadership are recounted.
• Sonoma County JACL Proud of 3 Accomplishments, by P.C. Staff, page 33. The Sonoma County JACL reports on its successful 1956 year, including record membership of 286, a special building fund, and active participation in flood relief and Proposition 13 campaigns. The chapter also highlights its Women’s Auxiliary and social programs.
• Seattle Pioneers: Takimoto and Yokoyama, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 35. Tamotsu Murayama honors two Issei pioneers, Tamezo Takimoto and Hidesaburo Yokoyama, who organized the American Loyalty League in 1923 and promoted Nisei loyalty and public relations in the face of anti-Japanese prejudice. Their contributions to the formation of JACL are described.
• Two Names Nisei Shouldn’t Forget, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 35. Murayama recounts the early efforts of Takimoto and Yokoyama to build Nisei identity and loyalty through the American Loyalty League, the Kibei movement, and the Palmer study. Their work is presented as foundational to the later JACL.
• Cortez JACL: Well Esteemed Members and Fund Drives, by Helen Yuge, page 37. The Cortez JACL describes its 1956 year, including flood relief, a fishing derby, a swimming pool project, and Proposition 13 advocacy. The article credits members’ hard work for strengthening community ties.
• Sanger JACL Chapter Honors Old-Timers, by P.C. Staff, page 38. The Sanger JACL reports on its community activities and membership, noting its members’ work in agriculture and civic affairs. Several of its longtime members are introduced.
• Salt Lake Old-Time JACLers Show Variety in Backgrounds, by P.C. Staff, page 39. This article profiles four Salt Lake JACL charter members, Henry Kasai, Dr. Jun Kurumada, Ichiro Doi, and Kay Terashima, whose diverse backgrounds and years of service represent the chapter’s history. Their professional and civic work is highlighted.
• Chicago JACL and Other Chapter Notes, by P.C. Staff, page 40. Chicago JACL and other chapter reports describe local JACL officers, membership, and programs across the Midwest. These entries record the organizational life of many chapters during 1956.
• Cincinnati JACL Slowly Mixing in Community, by P.C. Staff, page 41. The Cincinnati JACL, with about 50 family members, describes its 1956 activities including its installation dinner, MDC meeting co-hosting, picnics, and sports dances. The chapter reports gradually integrating into the wider community.
• San Luis Valley’s Roy Inouye: 1000 Club Derby Winner, by P.C. Staff, page 46. Roy Inouye, a La Jara, Colorado farmer and founder of the San Luis Valley JACL, is profiled for his civic and JACL leadership. The article highlights his farming, uranium ventures, and community service.
• Venice-Culver Recalls Role of Inagaki, by P.C. Staff, page 47. The Venice-Culver JACL honors former National JACL President George Inagaki, who joined JACL in 1932 and later helped organize the Venice-Culver chapter. The article highlights his national leadership and his continued commitment to chapter programs.
• Shigeki and Jim Ushio: Brothers in JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 47. The Ushio brothers of Murray, Utah, are profiled as longtime JACL leaders who both served as chapter presidents and Intermountain District chairmen. The article describes their community and church involvement.
• Parlier JACL Establishes Scholarship Award, by Kazuo Komoto, page 48. Parlier JACL reports on its establishment of a scholarship for the most outstanding Parlier High School student, its membership campaign, and its Veterans Round-Up parade float. The chapter also describes its Prop. 13 campaign work.
• Detroit Chapter Celebrates 10th Anniversary, by P.C. Staff, page 49. The Detroit JACL reports on its 1956 activities, including its 10th anniversary dinner, ballroom and flower arrangement classes, Americanization classes, and the Old World Market booth. The chapter also remembers its founding leaders.
• Detroit Area Notes, by P.C. Staff, page 49. Brief notes from the Detroit chapter cover its activities, membership, and community events in 1956. The chapter’s classes and events are summarized.
• Mt. Olympus JACL Recalls Issei Appreciation Night, by P.C. Staff, page 50. The Mt. Olympus JACL recounts its 1956 activities, including an Issei Appreciation Night honoring naturalized citizens, a membership drive, and social and fishing events. The chapter’s year is presented as one of steady community engagement.
• Salt Lake JACL Holds Over 20 Separate Activities in 1956, by P.C. Staff, page 50. The Salt Lake City JACL reports on its year of activities, including Issei naturalization banquets, flood relief, a fashion show, war memorial services, and a voter education meeting. The chapter’s programs served a broad range of community interests.
• Philadelphia JACL Preparing for 10th Anniversary, by S. Sim Endo, page 59. The Philadelphia JACL reviews its 1956 year, including its installation dinner, EDC convention participation, a bazaar, and a community directory project. Membership grew to 138 as the chapter prepared for its 10th anniversary.
• Seabrook JACL Hosts EDC Convention in April, by P.C. Staff, page 60. The Seabrook JACL reports on its 1956 program, highlighted by hosting the Eastern District Council convention in April, a community chow mein dinner, and installation of new officers. The chapter describes its growing role in its New Jersey community.

Military & Veterans

• Nisei Veterans Plan 1958 Reunion, by P.C. Staff, page 55. The Seattle Nisei Veterans Committee met to plan a 1958 reunion of Nisei veterans, with coordination from veterans in San Francisco and Los Angeles. The reunion is intended to bring together veterans from across the country.

Arts & Entertainment

• The Spider’s Thread, by Ryunosuke Akutagawa (trans. Take and Allan Beekman), page 56. A translation of Akutagawa’s short story in which Buddha offers a condemned sinner, Kandata, a chance at salvation through a spider’s thread for a single act of mercy. The sinner’s selfishness causes the thread to break, illustrating the importance of compassion.
• Not Two But Four, by Naoshi Koriyama, page 57. A poem reflecting on the elements of poetry, arguing that it contains not only sound and color but also motion and the free workings of the mind. The piece offers an excerpt illustrating these ideas through images of a black bull and green country air.

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.