The government admits its wartime error: citizenship restored to renunciants

Vol. 48, No. 22, May 30, 1959. 8 pages. View this issue

The Justice Department’s restoration of citizenship to Nisei who had renounced it during the wartime forced removal ran through this 8-page issue. A front-page column by H.H. reprinted a Stockton Record editorial on the government’s acknowledgment of its error, and Mike Masaoka’s Washington Newsletter reported that the administrative program was complete, though some renunciants still awaited court decisions. Pasquale Marranzino recalled how the Rocky Mountain News stood by Nisei, and JACLers in Denver thanked Assistant Attorney General George Cochran Doub.

The front page also reported that the San Mateo JACL helped Dr. Andrew Yoshiwara buy a home after race-based objections, and that the National JACL Board would meet in San Francisco on June 5-7 with over 20 agenda items. Elsewhere were the JACL’s civil rights statement, the Unruh civil rights bill passing the California Assembly, Sacramento’s plans for the 1960 national convention, and sports pages on Tokyo winning the 1964 Olympic Games.

What’s in this issue

National

  • Heavy agenda to face National Board, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National JACL Board and Staff will meet June 5-7 in San Francisco to consider over 20 agenda items. Key issues include the future of the Washington Office after 1960 and the implications of Hawaii statehood for JACL.
  • San Mateo JACL succeeds in fighting housing bias against dentist, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. Andrew Yoshiwara was able to purchase a San Mateo home after community objections based on race were overcome. The San Mateo JACL pressured the owner and realty board, and the sale was completed.
  • Unruh civil rights bill passes Assembly, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Unruh bill banning racial discrimination by businesses and schools passed the State Assembly. It raised damages for violations from $100 to $500 and outlaws racial exclusion from licensed professional organizations.
  • Full attendance of National JACL Board and staff, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The National JACL Board met to address key issues including Hawaii statehood and the Washington Office. Board members discussed the 1960 convention responsibilities.
  • JACL Statement on Civil Rights, by P.C. Staff, page 2. JACL submitted a seven-point civil rights package to a congressional subcommittee including school desegregation, voting rights, fair employment, and fair housing. The statement details discrimination Japanese Americans face in education, housing, and employment.
  • JACL protests use of vested funds for war claims, by P.C. Staff, page 8. JACL objected to using liquidated wartime vested property funds to pay American war claims against Germany and Japan. The organization urged that payments be made through congressional appropriations instead.
  • Cal. Assembly OKs pay ban on petitions, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The California Assembly passed a bill banning payment for circulating initiative petitions, which would affect the FEPC referendum. The emergency clause would make it effective upon signing.

Community

  • Full attendance of board, staff members due, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National JACL Board and Staff prepare to meet in San Francisco with a lengthy agenda. Chapter presidents were advised of the questions under consideration.
  • JACLers welcome Doub in Denver, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Mountain-Plains JACL District and Mile-Hi JACL presented a letter of appreciation to Assistant Attorney General George Cochran Doub. The JACL recognized his handling of the evacuation claims program and restoration of citizenship to renunciants.
  • Southland Nisei pass state bar examination, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Three Nisei were among 139 Southern Californians who passed the 1959 Spring California bar examination. They are Arthur Yukio Honda, Keihiro Imai, and Arthur S. Katayama.
  • Nisei pastor named San Mateo CCU head, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Rev. Abraham H. Dohi was nominated president of the Mid-Peninsula Council for Civic Unity. The group helped secure a fair employment practices ordinance in San Mateo.
  • Utah pioneer Kurumada dies, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Kinji Kurumada, 73, a pioneer Issei farmer in Crescent, Utah, died when his car plunged into a ravine caused by overflowing irrigation water. He is survived by his wife and three sons, including past JACL presidents Joe and Dr. Jun Kurumada.
  • Honorary doctor degree for Y. Baron Goto, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Y. Baron Goto, director of the University of Hawaii Agricultural Extension Service, will receive an honorary doctor of science degree from Oregon State College. He has promoted international agriculture and understanding in Asia and the Pacific.
  • FDC-MDC convention lures West L.A. JACLers, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The EDC-MDC convention in New York on September 5-7 is expected to draw over 200 JACLers to public events. A Saturday luncheon with National JACL President Shig Wakamatsu and a Sunday banquet are planned.
  • Santa Rosa JC women elect Sansei president, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Nancy Fujita was elected Associated Women Students president at Santa Rosa Junior College for the fall term. Several other Sansei students also won scholarships.
  • Central Cal Sansei to attend Fresno State youth conference, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Youth from Central California will attend a conference convening at Fresno State College in June. Student body officers from Delano and other high schools were selected.
  • Cal Sansei-led JACL youth meeting, by P.C. Staff, page 1. George Yasukochi was elected to the University YMCA board of directors in Berkeley. He is an active JACL member.
  • DELANO CELLIST WINS SUMMER STUDY COURSE, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Jane Kubota, a cellist from Delano, was selected to represent Kern County at the International Congress of Strings in Oklahoma. She also was a finalist at the Salt Lake JACL oratorical contest.
  • Sumitomo Bank names two Nisei assistant cashiers, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Jack Kusaba and Hatsuo Yamagami were appointed assistant cashiers at the Sumitomo Bank of California. Kusaba is an attorney and immediate past president of the San Francisco JACL.
  • Hawaii’s PTA leader gets special welcome, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Mrs. Teruo Yoshino of Honolulu represented Hawaii at the National Congress of Parents and Teachers in Denver. She was publicized as a Nisei PTA president.
  • San Mateo JACL secures housing for Dr. Andrew Yoshiwara, by P.C. Staff, page 3. After community objections, the San Mateo JACL and citizens committee secured the sale of a Baywood home to Dr. Yoshiwara. Real estate agent J. Montgomery Reynolds was later fired for supporting the sale.
  • Utah pioneer Kurumada dies, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Kinji Kurumada, 73, died in Crescent, Utah when his car fell into a flooded ravine. He is survived by three sons who include past JACL presidents.
  • Kansas Hinamatsuri, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Local JACL members held events celebrating Japanese customs and cuisine. Community members participated in cultural demonstrations.
  • National JACL credit union office in Salt Lake City moves, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The National JACL Credit Union will move to new ground-floor quarters on June 1 in Salt Lake City. Service improvements including semi-annual dividends and increased loan limits were also announced.
  • Long Beach Issei entertained, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Over 225 Issei were guests of the Long Beach Harbor JACL at a program featuring skits and songs. Dr. John Kashiwabara expressed appreciation for the loyal Issei support.
  • Long Beach chapter starts blood bank, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Long Beach-Harbor JACL appointed committee chairmen for a community blood bank and Miss Harbor JACL contest. The contest winner will compete for the Nisei Week queen title.
  • Southwest L.A. JACL plans own coronation, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Southwest Los Angeles JACL is planning a coronation ceremony and social dance. The event will introduce its Nisei Week candidates.
  • East L.A. JACL luau tonight at Santa Ana locale, by P.C. Staff, page 4. East Los Angeles JACL is co-sponsoring a luau with Shin Nichi Bei in Santa Ana. The event features Hawaiian entertainment and a send-off for Saburo Kido.
  • Hollywood JACL to fete graduates at outing, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Hollywood JACL will sponsor an outing to honor graduates of the area on June 26. The chapter is also seeking applicants for five National JACL scholarships.
  • Detroit JACL talent performs for Optimists, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Detroit JACLers presented Japanese entertainment at the installation dinner of the North Woodward Optimist Club. Performers included Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ebisuya and Helen Fujiwara.
  • Seabrook JACL president elected, by Charles T. Nagao, page 5. Keigo Inouye was installed as the first naturalized Issei president of the Seabrook JACL. He is a design engineer at Seabrook Farms and a former Boy Scout leader.
  • Sacramento in Sixty: Convention workers, by Shig Sakamoto, page 5. Sacramento JACL members are preparing for the 1960 National JACL Convention to be held June 28-July 2. Committees are being formed and a convention theme contest is underway.
  • Eagle Produce, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Eagle Produce announced its business services to the community. This is a short business notice.
  • Eight teams organize CCDC softball league, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Eight teams will compete in the Central California District Council softball league starting this weekend. The league is restricted to pitchers over age 30.
  • Ishimaru in magazine all-star honor roll, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Haruo Ishimaru was named to the Insurance Salesman magazine honor roll for the third time. He is San Mateo JACL president and a West Coast Life Insurance district manager.
  • Fireworks salute Japan, by Henry Mori, page 7. The American Legion fireworks show at the Coliseum on July 4 will honor US-Japan amity with Li’l Tokio community leaders participating in planning. Vice President Nixon is expected to attend.
  • Loan from Sumitomo Bank, by Henry Mori, page 7. The columnist describes obtaining a bank loan to purchase a car with help from Frank Omatsu of Sumitomo Bank. The column is lighthearted in tone.
  • Sacramento in Sixty: Convention workers continued, by Shig Sakamoto, page 7. Convention planning in Sacramento continues with booklet and queen contest arrangements. Convention dates are June 28-July 2 with holiday side trips suggested.
  • Ex-Gov. Dewey aids Japan trade agency, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Former New York Governor Thomas E. Dewey was named a consultant to the Japan Export Trade Promotion Agency. He is expected to help counter American industrial moves against Japanese goods.
  • Anti-smog relief for Bay Area farmers asked, by P.C. Staff, page 8. A committee was formed to seek permission to burn brush off crop lands in the Bay Area. Union City Mayor Tom Kitayama is among the committee members.
  • Colorado 1000er heads for pickle convention, by P.C. Staff, page 8. James Imatani of Denver traveled to a pickle convention in Seattle. He is a prominent Nisei leader in the Brighton community.
  • Farmers jam Sac’to Capitol in protest, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Over 1,000 farmers, including Nisei, crowded the Capitol to oppose a labor bill that would limit injunctions against picketing. The bill was tabled in the Senate Labor Committee.
  • Parlier JACL float depicts new states, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Parlier JACL entered a float depicting Alaska and Hawaii in the Veterans Round-Up parade and won second prize. The float featured an igloo and a Hawaiian girl playing ukulele.
  • IDC convention theme announced, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Intermountain District Council convention theme will be I Defy Complacency, according to convention chairman George Tamura. The convention will be hosted by Mt. Olympus JACL in Salt Lake City in November.

Commentary

  • Uncle Sam asks forgiveness, by H.H., page 1. The column reprints a Stockton Record editorial praising the federal government for acknowledging its wartime error in evacuating Japanese Americans. It notes restitution efforts and the restoration of citizenship to Nisei who had renounced it.
  • A competent actor, by Larry S. Toft, page 3. George Shibata gives a convincing performance as Lt. Sugi Ohashi in the film Pork Chop Hill. The role was based on a real Nisei officer who served with Lt. Joe Clemons in Korea.
  • Step forward with youth, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The NC-WNDC youth conference featured Pete Domoto of the Cal football team speaking on character and spiritual values. Delegates also discussed a JACL youth policy and housing discrimination legislation.

Military & Veterans

  • JACL to join in Memorial Day rites at Arlington, by George Furukawa, page 1. The Washington D.C. JACL chapter will participate in Memorial Day services at Arlington National Cemetery on May 30. Chapter president Hisako Sakata will place a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and members will decorate graves of Nisei soldiers.
  • Ventura County JACL slates May 30 rites, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Ventura County JACL will hold memorial services at the Japanese Cemetery in Oxnard. The rites will be conducted by Reverends Taiken Masunaga and Sadao Masuko.
  • Salt Lake to observe Memorial Day, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Salt Lake JACL will hold its annual Memorial Day observance at the Nisei Soldiers monument in Salt Lake Cemetery. John Kikuchi is the program chairman.
  • Calvin Aoyama named to Nevada Boys State, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Calvin Aoyama of Reno High was selected to represent his school at Nevada Boys State in June. He is active in student affairs and sports.

Incarceration & Redress

  • Law does its best to rectify a wrong, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Department of Justice marked the restoration of citizenship to over 5,000 Japanese Americans who had renounced it. Attorney General Rogers acknowledged the government’s mistake in the wartime evacuation.
  • Justice for the Nisei, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The New York Post editorial praises the Justice Department ceremony restoring citizenship to Americans of Japanese ancestry. It calls the wartime persecution a tawdry chapter in American history.
  • Colorado newsman recalls own paper’s support of evacuees after Pearl Harbor, by Pasquale Marranzino, page 2. Denver journalist Pasquale Marranzino recalls how the Rocky Mountain News opposed the evacuation and supported Nisei rights. He notes that Colorado and Wyoming opened their borders to evacuees.
  • Washington Newsletter: The renunciant program, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. The Justice Department completed its administrative program restoring citizenship to most Nisei who renounced it during evacuation. National press coverage was largely sympathetic, though some renunciants still await court decisions.

Arts & Entertainment

  • Oriental trend in American entertainment continues, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A Tokyo revue will open at the Last Frontier in Las Vegas in July. The Takarazuka dancers will also tour Canada and the United States later in the year.

Sports

  • Tokyo voted 1964 Olympic Games, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The International Olympic Committee awarded the 1964 Olympic Games to Tokyo. Los Angeles market operator George Wada attended the Munich meeting as an observer.
  • Art Kono in PCC tennis championships, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Art Kono competed in the final Pacific Coast Conference tennis championships at UCLA. He partnered with Warren Sisson in doubles competition.
  • One Nisei scores in So. Calif. CIF finals, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Sakamoto of Excelsior High placed fourth in two sprint events at the Southern California CIF track championships. Sansei athletes also achieved notable results in regional track events.
  • Berkeley JACL Bears nab pee-wee league title, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Berkeley JACL pee-wee softball team won the Optimist league championship after a 13-0 victory. Pitcher Ed Sano threw a no-hitter with 15 strikeouts.
  • Nisei Trading blanked 10-0 in semi-pro tournament, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Nisei Trading was shut out 10-0 by the Hollywood Stars in the California semi-pro tournament. Ron Kiino pitched well for five innings before the Stars scored in the sixth.
  • Football notes in May, by P.C. Staff, page 6. John Hayashi of Parlier High was named to the East roster for the fourth annual East-West all-star football game. Larry Iwasaki competed for the starting fullback spot at Fresno State.
  • Nisei Olympics results at Ark. track meet, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Hiroshi Fukuda of San Francisco Poly was named outstanding athlete at the San Francisco JACL Nisei Olympics. Dennis Ekimoto and Min Nakamura also won multiple events.

Obituaries

  • John Foster Dulles, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Former Secretary of State John Foster Dulles died of cancer. He was credited with promoting US-Japan cooperation, especially through the Japanese Peace Treaty.

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