Anti-Japanese films on TV and a Nobel Prize for Father Pire

Vol. 47, No. 21, November 21, 1958. 8 pages. View this issue

A Los Angeles Examiner columnist took up the JACL campaign against anti-Japanese wartime films on local television. Vincent X. Flaherty called for those movies to be dropped and asked for an apology to Japanese Americans, and the issue carries his follow-up column along with a thank-you from former JACL national president Dr. Roy Nishikawa. Editor Harry K. Honda wrote about the column in his Editor’s Desk. The front page also reported that Father Pire of Belgium won the 1958 Nobel Peace Prize for his care of refugees.

Elsewhere, renunciants were reminded of the December 31, 1958 deadline to restore their citizenship. Mike Masaoka looked at the 1958 election results, Bill Hosokawa wrote on Red China and U.S. policy, and Shig Wakamatsu paid tribute to the Chicago Issei leader Tahei Matsunaga. Chapter news came from Seattle, Chicago, Placer County and Long Beach.

What’s in this issue

National

• Nobel Peace Prize Goes to a Humanitarian, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Father Pire of Belgium, founder of Europe of the Heart, received the 1958 Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian care of refugees left homeless after World War II. The honor places him alongside figures such as Albert Schweitzer and Woodrow Wilson.
• TV Shamed for Anti-Japanese Movies by Hearst Columnist, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Los Angeles Examiner columnist Vincent X. Flaherty called for the removal of anti-Japanese wartime films from local television, asking for an apology to Japanese Americans. His column supported the ongoing JACL campaign against movies that impugn Nisei loyalty.
• More About Anti-Japan Films on Television, by Vincent X. Flaherty, page 1. Flaherty argues that television should stop showing films that vilify the Japanese, citing the law-abiding record of Japanese Americans and the warm reception the St. Louis Cardinals received in Japan. He calls on TV to follow the founding fathers’ ideals and urges an apology to Japanese Americans.
• A Chapter Closed, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A Washington Post and Times-Herald editorial marks the completion of restitution to Nisei confined during World War II, paid out as $36.9 million in compensation. Mike Masaoka said the program showed that democracy can correct its mistakes.
• Hawaii’s Chances Look Bright, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A Denver Post editorial reports that Congressman Wayne Aspinall predicts a Hawaii statehood bill will clear his committee by February 1. The editorial argues statehood would strengthen U.S. Far East understanding and democratic credibility.

Community

• Dr. Nishikawa Commends Column Against Hate Films, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Former JACL national president Dr. Roy Nishikawa thanked Vincent Flaherty for his protest against anti-Japanese wartime films on television. He explained JACL’s efforts with TV stations and its campaign against derogatory ethnic terms such as ‘Jap.’
• Renunciants Reminded of Dec. 31, 1958 Deadline, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Renunciants were reminded at the PSWDC meeting that the December 31, 1958 deadline applies to restoration of U.S. citizenship. Of about 6,000 renunciants, roughly 5,000 have regained citizenship, and the remaining 600 were urged to file Form N-576 promptly.
• Japanese Movie Benefit Set by Seattle Chapter, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Seattle JACL is sponsoring a movie benefit on November 29-30 at the Buddhist Church to raise funds for an anti-alien law campaign. Proceeds will support the effort.
• PSWDC 1959 Convention at Long Beach May 1-3, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The 1959 Pacific Southwest District Convention will be held May 1-3 in Long Beach, hosted by the Long Beach-Harbor JACL and headquartered at the Wilton Hotel. A joint conference with Southland Hi-Co groups is also planned.
• Seattle Chapter Slates Japanese Movie Benefit, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Seattle JACL announced that proceeds from a movie benefit on November 29-30 will fund an anti-alien law campaign. The event takes place at the Buddhist Church.
• Newstrien Panel to Appear at CL Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The New York JACL will hold a meeting on November 25 at the Japan Society Auditorium featuring a panel of Japanese press members discussing Japan’s UN role and trade. The panel is moderated by Genzo Uchida.
• Louis Cheskin Speaks on Color at Chicago JACL, by Berry Suzukida, page 4. Color expert Louis Cheskin addressed the Chicago JACL on the psychological impact of color in everyday life. He explained how color choices reflect emotion and status in consumer behavior.
• Tribute to Tahei Matsunaga, by Shig Wakamatsu, page 5. Shig Wakamatsu pays tribute to Tahei Matsunaga, the revered Chicago Issei leader who died in San Francisco. Matsunaga chaired the Chicago JACL-ADC and led naturalization classes, leaving a lasting legacy.
• Chicago JACL Inaugural Party Preview, by Wendy Watanabe, page 6. The Chicago JACL previews its 14th Annual Inaugural Party on November 29, featuring entertainment, a salute to community organizations, and honors for members. Reservations can be made by phone.
• Los Angeles Newsletter, by Henry Mori, page 7. Henry Mori reports on a dinner honoring retiring Supervisor John Anson Ford and comments on Los Angeles smog measures. He also covers the Long Beach-Harbor JACL’s annual Issei banquet honoring new citizens.
• Placer County JACL Goodwill Fete Draws 350, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Placer County JACL held its 18th annual goodwill dinner attended by 350 persons, honoring outstanding members and installing new officers. Rev. Boardman Reed spoke about his experiences in the Orient.
• Wirin Files Damage Suit to Stop Border Patrol Blockades, by P.C. Staff, page 8. ACLU counsel A.L. Wirin filed a $10,500 damage suit in San Diego to halt warrantless border patrol searches on U.S. Highway 101. Wirin says he was illegally detained and searched in April 1958.

Commentary

• Editor’s Desk, by Harry K. Honda, page 2. Editor Harry Honda praises Vincent Flaherty’s column on anti-Japanese movies and hopes it will support the JACL campaign. He notes that JACL’s protests now draw broader community concern and announces holiday deadline changes.
• From the Frying Pan: The Serious Side, by Bill Hosokawa, page 6. Bill Hosokawa analyzes the difficult Far East problem posed by Red China and the U.S. policy of nonrecognition. He outlines possible paths forward, including time, internal revolt, or war.
• Washington Newsletter: Election Notes, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Mike Masaoka analyzes the 1958 election results, noting that Senator Knowland’s defeat may reduce the influence of Asia-first policy. He also examines the Democrats’ expanded congressional majorities and their implications.

Obituaries

• Frank Matsumoto Dies, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Frank Matsumoto, a Fresno-born Nisei active in Japanese-American affairs, died after complications from a liver ailment. He had served as an adviser to Japanese prime ministers and was a noted community leader.

Military & Veterans

• Livingston Sansei Wins De Molay District Award, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Sheldon Wayne Kishi of Livingston received the representative De Molay award from the International Supreme Council after chapter installation. He was one of three boys in the Central California District to receive the honor.

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