Civil rights, final evacuation claims and the Nisei Week season

Vol. 48, No. 20, May 15, 1959. 8 pages. View this issue

Civil rights ran through this eight-page issue. JACL’s letter to the House Judiciary Subcommittee urged federal civil rights legislation, drawing on the wartime evacuation and the discrimination Japanese Americans faced, and it continued on page 3. California groups pushed a civil rights package against a threatened referendum on the state’s fair employment law. On page 8, Mike Masaoka wrote his Washington newsletter and Vice President Nixon spoke to religious leaders about job discrimination. Congress also passed a bill paying 144 claimants $1,210,170.37 in the last evacuation claims, and a front-page commentary by H.H. looked at South Africa’s election.

The rest is community news and sports. Mas Satow reported on a housing discrimination case in San Mateo. Chapters named Nisei Week queen candidates and announced scholarships, dances and Thousand Club drives. The sports pages followed Nisei track, swimming, baseball and bowling, including a perfect 300 game in Detroit. Dave Tatsuno recalled his wartime time at Topaz in a talk at the Oakland YMCA.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

  • Storm Clouds Over Union of South Africa, by H.H., page 1. The May 1959 election strengthened Prime Minister Strijdom’s Nationalist Party, extending racial segregation in South Africa for another five years. New apartheid measures in labor, education, and Bantu self-government threaten to deepen white supremacy despite growing independence across black Africa.
  • Step Forward With Youth Theme of NC-WNDC Quarterly at Oakland, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Delegates from Northern California-Western Nevada chapters will gather in Oakland for a youth-focused quarterly meeting featuring Sue Kanemoto and Pete Domoto. The program includes youth assemblies, panel discussions, and a banquet with a dance.
  • Thousand Club Notes: Pounding the Typewriter Again, by Bill Matsumoto, page 2. Columnist Bill Matsumoto returns from a month’s absence to praise Frank Hattori’s Thousand Club membership drive in Seattle and Ron Shiozaki’s Gardena Valley recruiting. He highlights new members and upcoming convention plans.
  • JACL Policy on Civil Rights, by P.C. Staff, page 3. JACL’s letter to the House Judiciary Subcommittee continues, urging Congress to enact meaningful civil rights legislation. The statement reflects the views of members of Japanese ancestry.
  • Out on Membership Drive in Li’l Tokyo, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A columnist describes his lack of participation in the Downtown L.A. JACL Thousand Club membership campaign and his ambitions for a sapphire pin and Nisei Week parade ride. He also comments on the Challenge film.

National

  • House-Senate Pass Bill to Pay 144 Claimants, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Both chambers of Congress approved a supplemental appropriation including $1,210,170.37 for final Japanese American evacuation claims. The payments will go to 144 awardees, closing the claims process supervised by the Justice Department.
  • Question on JACL Involved in Supreme Court School Decision, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned a contempt citation against Virginia printer Scull, who had refused to answer questions about organizations including JACL. The Court ruled the questioning was too vague to support a conviction.
  • Civil Rights Statement to House Judiciary Subcommittee, by JACL, page 2. JACL submitted a letter urging federal civil rights legislation, drawing on the wartime evacuation and discrimination experienced by Japanese Americans. The statement argues that silence in the face of injustice enables persecution of minorities.
  • Dr. Azuma Wins Tokyo Governor Post, Pro-West Forces Retain, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 2. Dr. Ryutaro Azuma won the Tokyo governorship in the April election over Socialist-backed Hachiro Arita. The result was seen as a victory for pro-Western conservative forces in Japan.
  • Hawaiian Veteran Honored for Fair Housing Advocacy, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Colorado ACLU presented its Carle Whitehead Memorial Award to State Sen. George Brown and Rep. Robert Allen for passing the Fair Housing Act. Norman Thomas spoke at the ceremony.
  • California Groups Urge Civil Rights Package Against Referendum, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The California Committee for Fair Employment Practices urged support for a civil rights legislative package to counter a threatened referendum repealing the FEPC law. Several bills in the package were reported to be stalled in committee.
  • Congress of Freedom Profile, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Congress of Freedom, a right-wing organization, opposed civil rights measures and social security while advocating counter-revolution. Its leaders included Merwin K. Hart, whose views drew criticism in California.
  • Director’s Report: Acceptance as Neighbors, by Mas Satow, page 4. National Director Mas Satow discusses housing discrimination against a JACL member in San Mateo and urges support for the fair housing bill AB 890. He also reports on the PSWDC convention and new JACL projects.
  • Pan Am Japanese Speaking Stewardesses Announced, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Pan American Airways announced flights to Tokyo with Japanese-speaking stewardesses and daily service from Los Angeles and San Francisco. The advertisement highlights Super Clipper service and fares.
  • Supreme Court Decision Involves JACL Questions, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Supreme Court overturned a contempt conviction against a Virginia printer who refused to answer questions about organizations including JACL. The Court found the questions too vague to justify conviction.
  • Washington Newsletter: Portentous Week, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Mike Masaoka reviews the Geneva foreign ministers meeting on Berlin and cold war tensions and the steel negotiations’ impact on inflation. He also analyzes congressional dynamics over the housing bill and House Rules Committee.
  • Nixon Urges Religious Leaders to Oppose Job Discrimination, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Vice President Nixon addressed a conference of religious leaders representing 22 denominations on racial discrimination in employment. He said his committee on government contracts aims to educate and conciliate to eliminate prejudice.
  • Yoshino Speaks at Job Conference in Virginia, by P.C. Staff, page 8. John Yoshino, liaison officer of the President’s Committee on Government Contracts, spoke at a Charlottesville job opportunities conference sponsored by the Virginia Council on Human Relations.

Community

  • Six-Year Search for Japanese Church Edifice in New York Ends, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The United Church of Christ, Japanese American, in New York accepted a recommendation to buy a former supermarket site on West 100th Street for $280,000. Plans call for reconstructing the building with added mezzanine and upper stories.
  • U.S. Directory of Nisei Masons Nears Completion, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Henry K. Minami is compiling a directory that identifies at least 67 Nisei Masons across the United States. Japanese Masons who have not reported are invited to submit their information.
  • Fresno to Moot Implications of Hawaiian Statehood for JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Fresno JACL chapter will discuss how Hawaiian statehood and a possible Hawaii JACL chapter could affect the mainland organization. The topic includes concerns about statements by Hawaiian representatives of Japanese descent.
  • Hospitalized Nisei Farmer Rescued by Community Action, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Brighton Japanese American Association organized a work day to plow and fertilize about 102 acres on the farm of James Kato, who was hospitalized after an accident. The effort reflected community support for a fellow member unable to work for about three months.
  • Watsonville JACL Offers $200 Scholarship Award, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Watsonville JACL will offer a $200 scholarship to a local high school graduate, with funds partly raised through a benefit movie at the Buddhist church on May 29. The chapter announced the award this year.
  • Phoenix Sansei Accepts GM Award Over Nat’l Merit, by P.C. Staff, page 1. James M. Sagawa of West Phoenix High School, who won an honorary National Merit Scholarship, was among 14 western students granted General Motors four-year scholarships. He was one of 100 awardees chosen from 20,000 applicants.
  • Pasadena JACL Meeting Features Satellite Speaker, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Tetsuo F. Iwasaki, an atomic physics instrumentation specialist and former Philadelphia JACL president, spoke at the Pasadena JACL meeting on artificial satellites and space ships. He has worked on digital computers and was formerly chairman of the Eastern District Council.
  • Southwest L.A. to Reveal Nisei Week Candidate at Queentime Ball, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Southwest L.A. JACL announced its second annual Queentime Ball on June 13 at the Old Dixie Ballroom. The event will feature Aaron Gonzalez’s band and a surprise entertainment package.
  • Marilyn Matsumoto Queen of Oakland City College, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Marilyn Matsumoto was elected queen of Oakland City College and represented the school in the Intercollegiate Soph-Doll contest. She was a student government officer and public relations officer.
  • San Francisco JACL Women’s Auxiliary Holiday Mood Dance, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The San Francisco JACL Women’s Auxiliary will hold a summer dance themed Holiday Mood on June 6 at the Booker T. Washington Center. Charlotte Doi chairs the event.
  • D.C. News Notes: Youngest Contributor, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Ann Fukuda, a 13-year-old eighth grader, contributes Teen Club news to the Washington D.C. JACL newsletter. She is active in school sports, music, and clubs.
  • Nisei Teacher Recognition and Local Events, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A Nisei public school teacher effort was noted in California, contrasting with prewar discrimination. Local chapter events and community news were also reported.
  • Central California District Council Names Chairman, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Fred Hirasuna of Fresno was named general chairman of the 1959 Central California JACL District Council convention on December 6. Other committee chairs were appointed at the Delano meeting.
  • Nisei Week Festival Queen Candidate Rose Matsui Presented, by P.C. Staff, page 5. East Los Angeles JACL introduced Rose Matsui, a UCLA senior, as its Nisei Week Festival queen candidate at the Emerald Ball. The chapter queen committee included former attendants and members.
  • Dentist Aids Rifle Team in National Record, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Dr. Maurice Kojima, a National City dentist, helped a San Diego rifle team set a national record of 984 out of 1,000 at the Marine Corps range. The team competed in the California rifle tournament.
  • Crenshaw Athletic Center Under Construction, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Nisei building contractor Kay Teramura began construction of the Crenshaw Athletic Center two weeks ago. General manager Roy Nakai expects the swimming pool to be ready by July 1.
  • Tani-Ikeya Nuptials, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Ruth Yayeko Tani of Denver married Frederic H. Ikeya on May 3 at the Warren Methodist Church. The groom works as a draftsman at Martin Plant.
  • Heirs Located in Japan for $50,000 Estate, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Attorney Victor Abe reported that Kenzaburo Ishihara, who died without a will, has two heirs in Japan for his estate valued at about $50,000. The case is expected to be settled within a year.
  • Monterey Sukiyaki House Locale for Dennis the Menace, by P.C. Staff, page 8. A Dennis the Menace comic book features the Ginza, a Japanese restaurant in Monterey. Its owner Kay Nobusada knows cartoonist Hank Ketcham from building a park together.
  • Nisei Teacher Speaks at School Dedication in Denver, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Joe Ariki, a Gilpin School teacher, spoke at the dedication of Mary Crofton School in Denver. The school was originally built in 1879 and attended by many Denver Nisei.
  • Cancer Research Man Invited to France, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Dr. Ryojun Kinoshita of City of Hope departed for Paris at the invitation of the French government to speak at a medical conference in Montpellier. He will give 11 lectures during a five-week European trip.
  • Mother Oyama Sisters Visit Washington, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Oyama sisters visited Washington D.C. as prize winners of a Jr. JACL dance and toured the capital’s memorials and Arlington Cemetery. They attended a sukiyaki dinner and visited the White House and National Gallery.
  • Hawaii Medical Association Seats Sansei President, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Dr. Toru Nishigaya became the first person of Japanese descent to serve as president of the Hawaii Medical Association. He is a general practitioner and Tulane graduate.
  • Tatsuno Relates YMCA Days of Relocation Camp, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Dave Tatsuno, president of the Pacific Southwest Area YMCA Council, spoke at the Oakland YMCA annual meeting about his wartime experience at Topaz. He described his rise to area president as evidence of America’s goodness.

JACL

  • Who Will Be Miss JACL-1960, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The 1960 National JACL convention committee announced rules for selecting a Miss JACL and her court from Northern California-Western Nevada chapters. Candidates must meet age, membership, and height requirements, with the winner receiving $100, a trophy, and convention expenses.

Military & Veterans

  • Cadet Wing Commander Given President Award, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Cadet Lt. Col. Donald T. Furuta received a medal at the Colorado State College President’s Review as wing commander. His mother flew from Los Angeles to attend the ceremony.
  • Mason Honored by Appointment, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Jack Hirose, a past master of a Maryland lodge, was appointed grand representative of the Grand Lodge of Japan near the Maryland Grand Lodge. The appointment followed Maryland’s recognition of Japan’s Grand Lodge.

Arts & Entertainment

  • Vagaries: The Crimson Kimono, by Lorry S. Tojiri, page 3. Director Sam Fuller discusses casting Jimmy Shigeta and Victoria Shaw in The Crimson Kimono, a film set in Little Tokyo with an interracial love story. Fuller also recounts his earlier films that addressed Japanese American wartime experiences.
  • Denver Nisei Dancers Featured in Library Japan Program, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Mrs. Yuri Nishimura and Lily Ariki performed as featured dancers at the Denver Public Library’s Japan program. Other demonstrations included tea ceremony and judo.

Sports

  • Detroit JACLer Wong Bowls 300 Game, by P.C. Staff, page 6. George Wong, a Detroit JACL member, bowled a perfect 300 game in the Hall’s Recreation 900 League on April 30. Eiji Shibuta’s bowling in another league is also noted.
  • Nisei Varsity Trackmen Star in League Finals, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Denver East High Nisei athletes Uyemura and Ed Mayeda won events and helped their school win the city title. Other Nisei track athletes in California competitions were also reported.
  • Monterey JACLer Leads in California Men’s Singles Kegfest, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Mike Sanda of the Monterey JACL posted a 654 scratch series in the California Men’s State bowling tournament. Frank Yoshioka of San Jose also regained the Northern California Nisei golf title.
  • Prepster Hurls 1-0 No-Hitter, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Mike Tonai of Sanger High pitched a no-hit 1-0 victory over Fowler High in a Central Sequoia League game. Nisei pitchers and other baseball and racing results were also reported.
  • Jockey Taniguchi Ends Season at Top, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Jockey George Taniguchi won the Tanforan riding title with 53 wins and $131,803 in earnings. He recorded 28 seconds, 22 thirds, and 17 fourths during the season.
  • Sansei Swimmer Sets Meet Marks, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Lowell Yamashita of Berkeley High set two league records in butterfly and freestyle. Several Los Angeles city school Nisei swimmers also posted notable times.
  • Midget Athletics Division Added to Nisei Relays, by Dr. Tak Ushiyama, page 6. A midget division for boys aged 12 to 14 has been added to the JACL Nisei Relays at Rancho Cienega. Entrants must submit forms by May 22 and compete in several events.

Obituaries

  • Mrs. Sano, Founder’s Widow, Dies in Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Mrs. Sano, widow of the founder of Nihon Gakuen, the first Japanese language school in the United States, died in Japan at age 92. Her husband also started the local Boy Scout Troop 12.

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