After the 15th National JACL Convention: youth, housing bias and claims checks

Vol. 47, No. 11, September 12, 1958. 8 pages. View this issue

The 15th Biennial National JACL Convention was still fresh when this eight-page issue went to press. Shig Wakamatsu’s President’s Corner named youth programs as JACL’s first priority, Mike Masaoka wrote about JACL and international relations, and the National Council’s resolutions and committee reports were summarized on page 4. The front page also followed the Oshima family in Minneapolis, who canceled a home purchase after neighborhood pressure. Harry K. Honda placed that case beside similar ones on the West Coast.

Other pages report that evacuation claims checks totaling $2,935,098.61 began going out to 485 claimants. Larry S. Tajiri profiled Nisei filmmakers Toge Fujihira and the Serisawa brothers. Bill Hosokawa wrote about his eldest son leaving for college, and the paper honored Tom Shimasaki as Nisei of the Biennium. Hawaii politics, the 100th Battalion’s Farrant L. Turner, and Canadian Nisei also appear.

What’s in this issue

JACL

• Vitality of JACL’s Program for Youth, by Shig Wakamatsu, page 1. The author reflects on the 15th Biennial National JACL Convention and identifies three priorities, led by the JACL youth program. He urges chapters to build lasting youth programs and to follow the National Committee on Youth’s manual.
• National Council Summary from the 15th Biennial Convention, by Lily Okura and Fred Takata, page 4. The National Council adopted resolutions and legislative positions on evacuation claims, civil rights, Hawaiian statehood, membership, youth programs, and budget. Committee reports and financial figures from the convention are also summarized.
• Resolutions of Parley Outlined, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The 15th Biennial convention passed resolutions honoring civic leaders, the Civil Rights Commission, National JACL staff, and the Arlington Cemetery committee. Youth participation was also recognized in the final resolution.
• Nisei of the Biennium Citation: Tom Shimasaki, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Tom Shimasaki of Lindsay, California is honored for distinguished leadership in civic, church, and JACL service. His long record includes a national Sapphire Pin Award and a Lindsay Community Citizen Award.

Incarceration & Redress

• Housing Bias Hits Minnesota Nisei, but Public Reaction Comes to Rescue, by Henry Making, page 1. Neighborhood pressure and anonymous calls led Isao Oshima to cancel a home purchase in Minneapolis. Public attention and support from city officials and the Twin Cities JACL helped the Oshima family move forward with another home.
• Evacuation Claims Checks Begin Mailing to 485 Claimants, by JACL News Service, page 8. The General Accounting Office has begun mailing checks totaling $2,935,098.61 to 485 evacuation claimants. The checks cover awards approved during the recent Congressional session.

Commentary

• Mourn Death of JACL Wartime Defender, by JACL News Service, page 1. Rep. Herman Eberharter, who died after 22 years in Congress, is remembered as the only Dies Committee member to dissent against charges of Nisei disloyalty. JACL leaders praised his courage and friendship to Japanese Americans.
• Milestones, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Hosokawa reflects on his eldest son Mike leaving for college and his own upcoming overseas assignment. He contrasts the Korean War era with today’s tense but less violent Far East.
• Housing Discrimination, by Harry K. Honda, page 3. Honda examines the Oshima housing case in Minneapolis and similar instances on the West Coast. He argues discrimination persists despite progress and that Nisei must sometimes fight for fair housing.
• JACL in International Relations, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Masaoka argues that the National Council’s decision to address Japan-related issues affecting Americans of Japanese ancestry was an important reversal of policy. He says JACL should act selectively and legally on such matters.

Community

• No School Integration Problem in Northwest; Seattleites Welcome Hiroko from Kobe, Japan, by Elmer Ogawa, page 1. Seattle’s diverse population and tolerant character contrast with race troubles reported elsewhere in the country. Cleveland High School students welcomed Hiroko Kikuchi, an exchange student from Seattle’s sister city Kobe.
• Santa Barbara Sansei Favors U.S.-Russia Exchange in Cultural, Athletic Goodwill, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Local Sansei youths say cultural and athletic exchanges could help the United States and Russia understand each other beyond propaganda. They express interest in joining such exchanges.
• Canadian Nisei Reflect on Their Role and the JCCA, by George Tanaka, page 3. Tanaka recounts his experiences as a Nisei in British Columbia and later as a JCCA officer. He urges renewed support for the JCCA and its projects on immigration, history, culture, and the proposed Toronto centre.
• Canadian Architect Features Proposed Japanese Comm. Centre, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Architect Raymond Moriyama’s model of the proposed $400,000 Japanese Canadian Centre in Toronto was featured in four pages of the magazine Canadian Architect. The inclusion reflects strong professional interest in the project.
• Jobs for Junior Project Supported by W.L.A. JACLers, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The West Los Angeles JACL is preparing a benefit dance to support the Jobs for Juniors program. Community leaders discussed apprenticeship and youth employment as ways to combat delinquency.
• Father of 15 Dies in Fire; Re-entered Blazing Home to Rescue Son, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Morio Yamagata and his youngest son Tsuruo died in a fire in Alturas, California, caused by a defective television tube. Another son was hospitalized after surviving the blaze.
• Ex-Editor Heading Milwaukee Social Service Department, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Dr. Calvin Takagi, former editor of the Japanese American Journal, became director of social service at Milwaukee County Hospital. He earned his doctorate in psychiatric social work.
• Sen. Tsukiyama Decides to Run for Same Post, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Sen. Wilfred C. Tsukiyama announced he will seek re-election to the Hawaii Senate from the Fifth District. His decision ends speculation about retirement.

Arts & Entertainment

• Nisei Cinematographer Fujihira, by Larry S. Tajiri, page 3. Cinematographer Toge Fujihira, who has filmed across Africa, Brazil, and Ceylon, leaves his studio affiliation to freelance and stay closer to home. His career includes head cameraman work on Mark of the Hawk and many award-winning short films.
• The Serisawa Brothers, by Larry S. Tajiri, page 3. Sueo and Ikuo Serisawa made the early Nisei film Nisei Parade in 1933-34 and remain respected artists and photographers. Their award-winning color short Bunka and a new dance-puppet film are highlighted.

Military & Veterans

• Japanese Naval Visit to Seattle Greeted by Crowds, by Elmer Ogawa, page 5. Six Japanese navy ships visited Seattle over Labor Day, exchanging salutes with US forces and drawing large crowds. Japanese Community Service and local hospitality committees helped welcome the visitors.
• Tommy Kono Honored; Ron Kiino Sensational in Los Angeles All-City Game, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Olympic weightlifting champion Tommy Kono was honored in Honolulu before leaving for the world championships. Ron Kiino pitched a strong relief performance in a sandlot classic.
• 100th Infantry Bn. Commander Turner Eyes Congress Post, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Farrant L. Turner resigned as Secretary of Hawaii to run for Delegate to Congress as a Republican. The Honolulu Star-Bulletin praised his service, including command of the 100th Battalion.

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