A farewell to Tats Kushida and the road to the Chicago convention

Vol. 44, No. 24, June 14, 1957. 8 pages. View this issue

Tats Kushida’s departure as JACL regional director and Pacific Citizen business manager shaped this eight-page issue. Harry Honda reported on a banquet where 200 well-wishers gave him a humorous send-off, Kushida wrote his own postscript, and Mike Masaoka paid tribute to more than a decade of service. Fred Takata was named to succeed him. Abe Hagiwara wrote about the joint Eastern and Midwest District convention planned in Chicago for Labor Day weekend, built around the theme Changing Perspectives.

Other news followed evacuation claims, with the Senate approving $2,424,119.77 for awards and Congress funding the Justice Department’s claims section. Harry K. Honda and the paper reported on Judge John F. Aiso’s offer to defend Cpl. William S. Girard. Masao Satow’s column recalled the Nisei war dead, and Elmer Ogawa wrote a Father’s Day reflection.

What’s in this issue

JACL

• Team Work Pushes EDC-MDC Confab, by Abe Hagiwara, page 1. The joint Eastern and Midwest District JACL Convention in Chicago over Labor Day weekend is drawing significant attention, with most National Board members attending. The forum theme of Changing Perspectives aims to encourage Nisei to broaden their outlook on community, nation, and world.

Community

• 200 Well-Wishers to Long Remember Tats’ Testimonial, by Harry Honda, page 1. Two hundred community members gathered for a humorous testimonial banquet honoring Tats Kushida, who was resigning as JACL regional director and Pacific Citizen business manager. Fred Takata, former East Los Angeles JACL president, is succeeding him.
• Dr. Hiura Wins State Individual Bridge Title, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. George Hiura of Palo Alto won the California state individual bridge championship at the 23rd annual Western and National Bridge Tournament. He edged out Mrs. F. M. Harris of El Paso in the final standings.
• Nisei Co-ed Chosen for Ghana-Nigeria Summer Tour, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Kikuko Kawasaki, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Z. Kawasaki of Visalia, was selected as alternate for the World University Service seminar in Ghana and tour of Nigeria. She is graduating from Mills College this summer.
• Sou’Wester Postscript, by Tats Kushida, page 4. Kushida describes the humorous conspiracy staged at his testimonial dinner, including a surprise violin performance and gag gifts. He thanks the attendees, chapters, and organizers for the memorable evening.
• Tats Kushida Cheer Project, by Mas Satow, page 4. National director Satow reports on the successful Kushida farewell dinner and introduces incoming regional director Fred Takata. He also highlights membership growth and chapter activities across the country.
• On Father’s Day, by Elmer Ogawa, page 6. Ogawa reflects on memories of his father, who passed away during World War I, including trips to ball games and business travels. He invites reflection from other Nisei and Sansei on how they view their fathers.
• Los Angeles Newsletter, by Henry Mori, page 7. Mori reports on the Kushida testimonial banquet and its food-themed program, noting Kushida’s continued JACL interest after leaving. He also previews George Yoshinaga’s new Nisei sports radio roundup.
• Dr. Nishikawa Addresses Nurses on Problems of Japanese Americans, by P.C. Staff, page 8. JACL national president Dr. Roy Nishikawa spoke to nurses at St. Luke’s Hospital in Pasadena about the Issei-Nisei story and the history of JACL. He appeared on a panel discussing minority group problems.
• Over 3,000 Japanese Immigrants Admitted to U.S. in Six Months, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Immigration statistics show 3,587 Japanese aliens were admitted for permanent residence from July to December 1956, most under non-quota provisions. The majority were wives of U.S. citizens.
• Advertising on TV Hikes Shoyu Imports, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Jozo Sugihara of Pacific Trading Co. reports that TV and newspaper advertising has increased Kikkoman shoyu sales in California. Sales have surpassed $1,000,000 and the campaign will expand to the East Coast.

National

• Senate Approves Amended Appropriations Bill for Payment of Evacuation Claims, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Senate passed a supplemental appropriations bill including $2,424,119.77 for evacuation claims awards, now heading to conference with the House version. The Washington JACL office expects the conference to approve the evacuation claims funding without change.
• Administrative Funds for Claims Approved, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Congress approved $220,000 for administrative expenses of the Japanese Claims Section of the Justice Department for fiscal 1958. The increase of $10,000 supports a speed-up program to finish evacuation claim determinations by the end of 1958.
• Judge Aiso Offers to Serve as Defense Counsel for Cpl. Girard, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Municipal Judge John F. Aiso offered in a letter to President Eisenhower to return to active duty to defend Army Specialist William S. Girard, charged in Japan with manslaughter. Aiso cited his bilingual background and legal training as qualifications.
• Half American Orphans in Far East, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Oscar Hammerstein II wrote in the Bucks County Traveler urging Congress to allow illegitimate American-Japanese children in Asia to enter the United States for adoption. He argued the children are being left as low-caste citizens and that legislation delays are harming them.

Military & Veterans

• Masaoka Scholarship Candidates Feted at Salt Lake City Graduates Dance, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Five Salt Lake City girls nominated for the Pvt. Ben Frank Masaoka Memorial Scholarship were honored at a graduates dance themed Stairways to the Stars. The evening featured refreshments and recognition of the candidates.

Commentary

• Lest We Forget, by Masao Satow, page 4. Satow recalls the 72 Nisei war dead interred at Golden Gate National Cemetery and the Army’s assurances about Japanese American loyalty during WWII. He ties National JACL’s postwar mission to honoring the sacrifices of Nisei soldiers.
• The American Nisei and the Girard Case, by Harry K. Honda, page 5. Honda argues that Nisei have a legitimate duty to help maintain cordial U.S.-Japan relations amid the Girard case. He praises Judge Aiso’s offer to serve as defense counsel as a model for other Nisei to contribute to understanding.
• Chicago Corner: Rip-Snortin’ Time, by Smoky H. Sakurada, page 7. Sakurada previews the 1000 Club whing ding planned for the EDC-MDC Convention in Chicago on August 31. He notes the dinner price and reservation procedures.
• Washington Newsletter: Tribute to Tats, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Masaoka pays tribute to Tats Kushida for over a decade of dedicated service as a JACL regional representative. He describes Kushida’s work in the Midwest and Pacific Southwest districts during the postwar period.

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