Vol. 45, No. 26, December 27, 1957. 8 pages. View this issue
Chapter news filled this eight-page issue as JACL looked toward 1958. A column by Mas Yano reflected on the Intermountain District Council convention and the Thousand Club tenth anniversary in Idaho Falls, and urged the organization to deal with the apathy of younger Nisei and Sansei. Kenji Tashiro wrote about the same gathering in his Thousand Club Notes. Mike Masaoka previewed the 1958 session of Congress, and Homer A. Jack argued that JACL should take public stands on war, peace and nuclear weapons.
Also inside: new 1958 officers for chapters in San Jose, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Contra Costa, Sonoma County and Arkansas Valley, along with a Christmas party in Eden Township. On the front page, Vice President Richard Nixon invited JACL to a conference on employment practices, and veterans groups and JACL protested a television showing of the film Air Force. Sports pages carry a perfect 300 game and a Portland bowling tournament.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- The new year — time for deliberation, by Mas Yano, page 1. The editorial reflects on the recent Intermountain District Council convention and Thousand Club tenth anniversary in Idaho Falls. It urges JACL to address the apathy of younger Nisei and Sansei toward the organization.
- Tokyo Topics: Action Committee, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 2. A Nisei Action Committee has formed in Tokyo to create an over-all Nisei association following the International Nisei Convention. The group plans to address living conditions of Nisei in Japan and related immigration issues.
- Future JACL role, by Homer A. Jack, page 2. Unitarian minister Homer Jack urges JACL to take public stands on war, peace, and nuclear weapons rather than approve the status quo. He cautions that such positions should reflect universal human loyalty, not overcompensation for loyalty concerns.
- Washington Newsletter: Congressional Outlook, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Mike Masaoka previews the 1958 congressional session, highlighting military preparedness after Sputnik, presidential disability, civil rights, and labor reform. He notes that tax reductions are unlikely and that debt ceiling increases may be needed.
National
- Girard trial observer to be D.C. chapter speaker, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Charles H. Slayman, who observed the Girard trial in Japan for the Senate, will speak at the Washington D.C. JACL installation banquet on January 4. Chapter officers for 1958 will also be installed at the event.
- Nixon invites JACL to employment conference, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Vice President Richard Nixon invited JACL officials to a January 15 conference on employment practices of government contractors. The conference will address eliminating discrimination in employment based on race, religion, color, or national origin.
- Veteran groups and JACL protest showing of Air Force on TV, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Nisei veterans groups and JACL protested KTLA’s broadcast of the anti-Nisei film Air Force, which depicted Japanese Americans as disloyal. JACL president Dr. Roy Nishikawa warned the station of possible FCC action.
- Chinese Canadian legislator sees trade as start of winning China back to West, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Douglas Jung, Canada’s first Chinese Canadian MP, plans an unofficial trip to China to promote trade and open dialogue. He argues that trade is the best way to start rebuilding Western relations with China.
Community
- Contribution of Issei-Nisei to America main topic on TV, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Fresno State College’s extension course on race relations aired on KMJ-TV, featuring the history and contributions of Japanese Americans. Cultural demonstrations and a panel discussion with JACL leaders were part of the broadcast.
- Orange County Nisei named to PCA post, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Bill Okuda of Santa Ana was appointed director-at-large of the Poultrymens Cooperative Association of Southern California effective January 1. He is a longtime PCA member and runs a poultry business with his brother.
- Fowler JACL chapter news coverage, by Grace M. Hata, page 2. Grace Hata thanks the Pacific Citizen for its coverage of the Fowler JACL chapter over the past year. She notes members enjoy reading the paper.
- Eden Township: 250 youngsters and adults attend party, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A capacity crowd of 250 attended the Eden Township JACL’s ninth annual Christmas party at Ashland School in San Leandro. The evening featured performances by the Baby JACL Dance Revue and other children, followed by treats and carols.
- Bill Yamashiro wins insurance firm honors, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Bill Yamashiro of the Cal-Western States Life Insurance agency in Pasadena was named football king for 1957 for leading company-wide sales. He is the first Nisei to earn the title and is also a Millionaire’s Club member.
- Ishigaki heads San Jose chapter, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Harry Ishigaki was elected 1958 president of the San Jose JACL at a December 13 election. A full slate of cabinet officers was named and installation is set for January 17.
- Fresnans set semi-formal dance for Jan. 3, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Fresno JACL’s annual New Year’s Dance will be held January 3 at the Rainbow Ball Room with Eddie Kirk and his orchestra. Admission is $3.50 per couple.
- Arkansas Valley JACL installs new officers, by P.C. Staff, page 3. National director Masao Satow installed the 1958 officers of the Arkansas Valley JACL at its annual meeting in Rocky Ford. John Maruyama was named president and local dignitaries attended.
- Detro Harada elected Idaho Falls president, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Deto Harada was installed as Idaho Falls JACL president at a December 13 banquet, with a full cabinet named. The chapter closed its social year with a Christmas party at New Sweden School.
- Over 150 enjoy Issei appreciation affair, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Over 150 people attended the Contra Costa JACL Issei Appreciation Night on December 8 featuring a potluck dinner and program. Speeches and Japanese movies concluded the evening.
- Fowler and Pocatello chapter officers named, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Novo Kato was reelected president of the Pocatello JACL, and new officers were installed at a December 13 event. The chapter’s auxiliary also named its new leadership.
- Colored slides taken during year to be shown, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Chicago JACL will show several hundred color slides of community events photographed by Fred Ohi at its January 10 meeting. Highlights include the EDC-MDC convention and various social functions.
- Thousand Club Notes: real fine convention, by Kenji Tashiro, page 4. Kenji Tashiro recounts the Intermountain District Council convention and 1000 Club tenth anniversary in Idaho Falls. He praises the hospitality of local JACL members and describes the celebration, including the presentation of new pins.
- Frank Oda to lead Sonoma Co. JACL, inaugural on Jan. 1, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Frank Oda was elected 1958 president of the Sonoma County JACL at a December meeting in Petaluma. The chapter’s installation will take place on January 1.
- Architect Komatsu elected ’58 prexy of Contra Costa CL, by P.C. Staff, page 8. S. Richard Komatsu, an architect, was elected 1958 president of the Contra Costa JACL at its December 6 board meeting. A full slate of officers and board members was also named.
- Chicago JACL credit union declares 4 1/4% dividend, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Chicago JACL Credit Union declared a 4.25 percent dividend for 1957, its highest yet. Twenty-two candidates are on the ballot for the annual election on January 11.
In-Depth
- Progress of Nisei in Masonry, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Freemasonry among Nisei in the Tokyo area is growing, with Mathado Uyeda elected Worshipful Master of Kanto Lodge 143. The article traces the history of Japanese Freemasonry back to 1905 and notes continued public unpopularity.
Military & Veterans
- Nisei to share spotlight with Billy Graham, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Dr. Masumi Toyotome, a Nisei pastor at Tokyo’s International Christian University, was invited to speak at the Fifth International Missionary Convention in Urbana, Illinois. He will appear alongside Billy Graham and Dr. Harold Ockenga.
Sports
- 300 first in S.C. Nisei keg play, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Harley Higurashi rolled a perfect 300 game at Gardena Bowl, becoming the first Nisei to do so in Southern California Nisei Bowling Association history. The article describes his finish in detail.
- Seattle keglers sweep Oregon classic, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Seattle bowlers took top honors at the Oregon Nisei Invitational Bowling Tournament in Portland. Team and individual champions in men’s and women’s divisions are listed.
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.