Chapter news, a wrecked tuna clipper and JACL convention plans, 1956

Vol. 42, No. 20, May 18, 1956. 8 pages. View this issue

Chapter and convention news filled this eight-page issue. The front page reported that the Nisei-manned tuna clipper Western Explorer, captained by Frank Manaka, was smashed on the rocks of Socorro Island, with seven survivors rescued. It also carried the JACL’s statement against anti-Semitic letters signed ‘Niseis for Kawakita Society.’ Soichi Fukui’s run for the L.A. Republican Central Committee and plans for the Midwest District Council meeting in Cincinnati were covered as well. Columns came from Bill Hosokawa, Larry S. Tajiri, Harry K. Honda and Mike Masaoka.

Elsewhere, San Francisco JACLers were urged to pre-register for the 14th biennial convention, and Miss San Francisco JACL candidates were named. Harry Kitano’s planned survey of housing bias was reported, along with chapter picnics, a Pasadena voting meeting for Issei, and Dr. Ernest I. Murai’s election as Hawaii’s Democratic national committeeman. The sports page covers high school pitchers’ shutouts.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Call of Oregon country beckons, page 1. A JACL member recounts his efforts to interest his young son in the organization, only to see the family’s planned Oregon trip conflict with a national convention. He resolves to find a new strategy to win the boy over.
• Whither Nisei problem?, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Hosokawa reflects that the Nisei problem of the prewar era seems to have dissipated after the war and evacuation, as Nisei now focus on normal American life. He notes occasional discrimination still occurs and that JACL advocacy remains necessary.
• Crossword puzzle fans, by Harry K. Honda, page 2. Honda describes the staff’s enjoyment of crossword puzzles and the challenge of constructing them, including the many obscure three-letter words that appear. He also notes Japanese words that commonly appear in puzzles.
• Jidai vs. gendai films, by Larry S. Tajiri, page 3. Tajiri traces the history of Japanese films in America and the international success of period dramas like Rashomon, while noting that modern-themed Japanese films remain largely unseen abroad. He surveys recent UCLA screenings and directors worth watching.
• Congress adjournment, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Masaoka reviews the status of the 84th Congress’s second session, noting Republican and Democratic disagreements over its legislative record. He summarizes bill statistics and lists major pending legislation.
• Quantity and quality, by NK, page 8. A San Diego writer argues that JACL should function as a loose union of citizens who remain largely inactive until unfair treatment demands action. The writer contrasts chapter membership size with the value of members being ready to respond when needed.

Community

• Nisei-manned tuna clipper smashed at sea; 7 survive, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Western Explorer, a tuna clipper captained by Frank Manaka, was destroyed on the rocks of Socorro Island during a storm, killing three fishermen and leaving two missing. Seven survivors were rescued and expected to return aboard a Navy icebreaker.
• Nisei name on L.A. GOP ballot, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Li’l Tokio Nisei leader Soichi Fukui is running in the June 5 Republican primary for a seat on the 40th District Republican Central Committee. If elected, he would be the first Japanese American GOP member of such a body in Southern California.
• Nisei geologist to go on goodwill tour of Brazil for rare earth element study, by Helen Mineta, page 1. Jack Murata of the U.S. Geological Survey has been invited by Brazil’s National Research Council for a two-month project studying rare earth elements. He will lecture at geological laboratories and conduct a one-month field study.
• First fashion show success!, by Jeanne Konishi, page 2. The Salt Lake JACL Auxiliary held a successful Mother’s Day fashion show featuring store and handmade outfits. Narrator Mrs. Jun Kurumada and a group of local models were praised for the event.
• San Francisco community picnic reset for June 24, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The annual San Francisco community picnic has been rescheduled to June 24 at Speedway Meadows in Golden Gate Park to accommodate visiting cadets from the Nippon Maru. The JACL and partner organizations are sponsoring the event.
• Ventura County JACL to clean up local Japanese cemetery, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Ventura County JACL launched ‘Operation Cemetery’ to restore the Japanese cemetery in Oxnard before Memorial Day services. The chapter plans a new wire fence funded by community donations.
• CL float wins in Payette festival, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Snake River Valley JACL float, featuring an Oriental garden and kimono-clad girls, won first prize in the club division of the Payette Valley Cherry Blossom festival parade.
• Hayseed Hop next SWLA social at Trojan YWCA, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Southwest L.A. JACL will host a square dance called the Hayseed Hop at the Trojan campus YWCA on May 27. Admission is 50 cents and refreshments will be served.
• Nisei minister heads for Presbyterian assembly, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Rev. Howard Toriumi of the Church of Christ in San Francisco became the first Nisei since the war to represent the area at the Presbyterian general assembly in Philadelphia. He is one of eight minister commissioners from the San Francisco Presbytery.
• Ferry Bldg. trade center to contain Japan display, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A Japan display will be the largest single exhibit at the International Trade and Travel show held in the north wing of the Ferry Building in San Francisco. The show runs May 29 through June 1.
• Downtown L.A. JACL luncheon topic of Japanese ceramics, by P.C. Staff, page 3. George Aratani, a prominent Nisei importer-exporter, will speak on Japan’s ceramics industry at the Downtown Los Angeles JACL luncheon on May 24. He is president of American Commercial, Inc.
• Clevelanders prepare for July 1 gala picnic, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Seven Japanese American organizations in Cleveland are sponsoring a community picnic on July 1 at Wiegand’s Lake Park. The local JACL will handle publicity.
• Six girls to vie for Miss S.F. JACL title; pick winner at June 16 affair, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Six San Francisco candidates will compete for the title of Miss San Francisco JACL, with the winner chosen June 16 at the Surf Club. The winner will advance to the selection of Miss National JACL at the convention.
• Auxiliary learn tips on Chinese style cooking, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Sixty-five members of the San Francisco JACL Women’s Auxiliary attended a Chinese cuisine class taught by Amy Maniwa. Participants received mimeographed recipes and cooking tips.
• Harry Kitano to survey Nisei housing bias, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Harry Kitano will conduct a survey of housing discrimination against Issei and Nisei in San Francisco, sponsored by the Fund for the Republic. A similar survey is planned for Los Angeles beginning September 1.
• Special Japan tour to feature rural life, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A tour led by agriculturist Frank Spurrier will depart San Francisco July 31 aboard the President Cleveland to visit Japanese farms and rural assemblies. Tour information is available from American President Lines.
• Seattle Fair trade closes, by Elmer Ogawa, page 5. Elmer Ogawa reports on the closing of the Seattle International Trade Fair, noting the Japanese garden built by Togo Gardening Co. and the state’s funding of the fair. He also describes the goeduck clam as a prized Northwest seafood.
• Mt. Olympus JACL girls host men to steakfest, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Mt. Olympus JACL chapter held a successful steak dinner meeting in Salt Lake City with 90 members attending. Ida Tateoka became president, and games, dancing, and a talent show followed.
• Twin Cities UCL pushes ’56 membership drive, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Twin Cities United Citizens League appointed new officers and drive chairmen for its 1956 membership campaign. Films of fishing were shown at the April meeting.
• San Diego chapter set for Pine Valley outing, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The San Diego JACL will hold its annual outing at Pine Valley on May 27, offering horseback riding, volleyball, softball, and swimming. Picnickers are asked to bring their own lunches.
• Hollywood joins rank of chapters passing ’55 mark, by Terry Kuwata, page 6. The Hollywood JACL membership drive team was honored at a dinner after reaching a record 200 members, a 50 percent increase over 1955. Saburo Kido gave the featured address on the JACL’s role in the community.
• Pasadena movies, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Pasadena JACL reported that its recent Japanese movie benefit was a financial success, with proceeds going toward the chapter’s 1956 fund drive. Another movie benefit is planned for July.
• Gardena prepares for June carnival, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Gardena Valley Japanese Community Center’s benefit carnival on June 23-24 will feature Japanese films, ballet, games, and food booths. Committee chairmen were named for each function.
• Nisei elected head of Stockton Women’s Club, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Amy Yoshikawa was installed as president of the Stockton Women’s Club, with other Nisei officers including Tamako Yagi and Mrs. Lou Tsunekawa. Yoshikawa is also associated with the asparagus advisory board.
• Tri-Villes girls slate TV Takarazuka revue, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Tri-Villes junior JACL group will honor parents with a TV Takarazuka revue at the Palo Alto Buddhist Hall on May 19. Officers Mary Kawakami and Jane Kuwano announced the event.
• Hawaii Demos pick Nisei to high post, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Dr. Ernest I. Murai was elected Democratic national committeeman for Hawaii, becoming the first Nisei to hold the post. He was also named an alternate delegate to the Democratic national convention.
• Pasadena explains voting to Issei, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Pasadena JACL hosted a meeting at the Buddhist church where a Los Angeles City Elections official presented a film on voting procedures for Issei voters. Interpreter Mike Moriwaki translated the presentation.

National

• APL plans superliner for transpacific service, by P.C. Staff, page 1. American President Lines announced plans for an 825-foot superliner to serve the transpacific route alongside the President Cleveland and Wilson. The $50-million vessel would carry up to 1,400 passengers.
• Anti-Semitic letters signed ‘Niseis for Kawakita Society’ rapped by JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL issued a statement condemning anonymous anti-Semitic letters signed ‘Niseis for Kawakita Society’ that were mailed to Jewish organizations nationwide. The organization denounced the letters as repugnant and pledged to help authorities identify the perpetrators.
• Saskatchewan Assembly passes FEP, FAP acts, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Saskatchewan legislature passed acts prohibiting racial and religious discrimination in employment and accommodation. The Fair Accommodation Practices Act extends protection to hotels, restaurants, and theaters.
• District lawyers question use of ‘Attorney General subversive’ list, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Civil Rights Committee of the District Bar Association will study the attorney general’s subversive organizations list due to its misuse. The JACL has long sought removal of prewar Japanese organizations from the list.

JACL

• Midwest District Council to meet at Cincinnati; Satow tour revealed, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Midwest District Council will hold its May 25-27 session at the Netherland-Plaza Hotel in Cincinnati, with a dinner featuring Mayor Charles Taft. National Director Masao Satow also outlined his itinerary of Midwest and Eastern chapter visits.
• Pre-registrations urged for convention goers, by P.C. Staff, page 2. San Francisco JACLers planning to attend the 14th biennial convention were urged to pre-register at $2 to ease the budget committee’s advance expenses. Convention package deals were also being promoted.

Military & Veterans

• JACL to honor nation’s war dead May 30, lay wreath at Tomb of Unknown Soldier, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Washington JACL chapter will again participate in Memorial Day services at Arlington National Cemetery, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Members will also decorate the graves of 20 Nisei war heroes interred there.
• Arlington—Unknown Soldier tradition continues, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The article describes the board of directors of five veterans organizations that carries on the Memorial Day wreath-laying and graves decoration tradition at Arlington. It traces the history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Sports

• Prep hurlers turn in shutout victories, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Several Nisei high school pitchers recorded shutout wins in May, including Bob Hashimoto of Alameda High and Harvey Shiraga of Roosevelt High. Ken Iwakiri also pitched five scoreless innings for South Sacramento.

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