Building JACL strength and a $1.7-million claims request, 1958

Vol. 46, No. 8, February 21, 1958. 8 pages. View this issue

The editorial on the front page argued that the JACL should use a peaceful era to build its internal strength for future generations, pointing to the endowment fund, staff and headquarters facilities. Congress was also asked to appropriate $1,743,604.79 to pay 369 Japanese American evacuation claimants whose awards were made in the second half of 1957, and the Washington Office began listing claimant names for verification, a list that continued on page 8. Other pages covered membership drives in San Francisco and Seattle, contest rules for the 15th Biennial Convention in Salt Lake City, and columns by Larry S. Tajiri, Harry K. Honda and Mike Masaoka.

This eight-page issue also carried a history of the St. Louis JACL chapter, bowling results including Nisei honored for 300 games, and Dr. Roy Nishikawa’s testimony on a proposed state Department of Human Relations. Smoky H. Sakurada’s column described Chicago’s Brotherhood Week events, and Henry Mori reported on a Methodist council’s vote against a new Japanese congregation in Gardena.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Development of Internal JACL Strength Necessary, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The editorial argues that the JACL must continuously strengthen its internal organization to fulfill its historical function across generations. It urges members to use the present peaceful era to build capacity for meeting future crises, citing the endowment fund, staff, and headquarters facilities.
• Nikkei Vagaries: Tani, Ando, Taka, Kobi, by Larry S. Tajiri, page 3. Tajiri examines the four Japanese-classified actresses achieving stardom in interracial love stories in 1958, including Yoko Tani, Eiko Ando, Miiko Taka, and Michi Kobi. He notes that all four were born outside Japan but were chosen for their fluent English.
• Half-Year to Go Til Convention Time, by Harry K. Honda, page 5. The editorial previews the 15th Biennial National JACL Convention in Salt Lake City, scheduled for August 22-25, with a national board meeting opening the event. It notes a tentative schedule including council sessions, a 1000 Club whing-ding, an oratorical contest, and a recognition banquet.
• Chicago Corner: Brotherhood Week, by Smoky H. Sakurada, page 6. Chicago JACL’s Brotherhood Week program features a Christian minister speaking at a Buddhist church, and Japanese American artists exhibiting at Marshall Field galleries. The column also covers an Issei testimonial dinner and a letter of protest regarding comments on Japanese apartment owners.

National

• $1.7-Million for Claims Asked, by JACL News Service, page 1. Congress has been asked to appropriate $1,743,604.79 to pay 369 Japanese American evacuation claimants whose awards were made between August and December 1957. The awards were authorized under a JACL-COJAEC sponsored amendment to the 1948 law, and the Washington Office is listing claimant names for verification.
• Opposition to Racial Discrimination Retold, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Oakland Tribune reaffirmed its editorial opposition to racial discrimination after a classified ad sought boys for ‘white only’ circulation work. The ad was placed by Periodical Publishers, a firm with an office in the Tribune Tower but no connection to the newspaper.
• Sociologist Defends Remaining Issei for Not Being Citizens, by P.C. Staff, page 1. University of Hawaii sociologist Dr. Andrew W. Lind defended the territory’s Issei against claims that too few were naturalizing. He noted that most non-naturalized Japanese aliens are elderly, with median age now near 68, and cited enthusiasm shown by five naturalized Japanese over 80.
• Trade-Tariff Controversy, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Masaoka outlines the Administration’s proposal to extend the Reciprocal Trade Agreements program for five years, which is facing House Ways and Means hearings. He explains the President’s argument that trade is a key part of the anti-communist total peace effort.
• Democracy at Work: Human Relations Department Proposed, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Dr. Roy Nishikawa’s testimony before the California Assembly Interim Committee endorsed a proposed Department of Human Relations to protect civil rights. The bill, authored by Assemblyman Augustus Hawkins, would enforce civil rights laws and promote good will among racial and ethnic groups.
• Claims Awards Listing Continued, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Washington Office continued its list of evacuation claimants who received awards in August 1957, naming individuals and organizations. The listing is published so claimants can verify whether their claims were submitted to Congress.

Military & Veterans

• ‘Boy from Nebraska’ Donated to Chicago Public Libraries, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Chicago Nisei Post 1183 of the American Legion donated sixty copies of Ralph Martin’s book about aerial gunner Ben Kuroki to local public libraries. The gift was made in memory of fallen Nisei comrades and in support of public relations for Japanese Americans.
• Rocky Mountain JACLers Honor Rep. Judd, by P.C. Staff, page 8. A Rocky Mountain JACL delegation presented a letter of appreciation to Minnesota Congressman Walter H. Judd at a Lincoln’s Day banquet in Denver. The letter recognized his postwar efforts to win equality in naturalization for the Issei.

Community

• Issei to Operate Golden Gate Tea Garden, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Shotaro Yasuda, a Japanese restaurateur on Fisherman’s Wharf, was named to manage the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. He plans to restore authentic Japanese style and serve Japanese green tea.
• San Francisco Priest to Celebrate 50th Year, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Rev. William Stoecke, SVD, marks his 50th year as a priest at St. Francis Xavier Japanese Catholic Church in San Francisco. He served in Japan for 12 years before coming to America and joined his parishioners during evacuation.
• Colorado Nisei Charges State Civil Service Biased, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Mile-Hi JACL first vice-president James Okazaki was assigned to investigate alleged discriminatory practices by the Colorado Civil Service against a Nisei state employee. The chapter may coordinate a protest with other community organizations if the facts warrant.
• Third Nisei Drown Digging for Clams, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Moe Namio Ohara and Alfred E. Enos of Watsonville were swept into Monterey Bay by huge waves while clam digging at Moss Landing on Feb. 13. Both were lost despite a human chain attempt and a Coast Guard search, repeating a tragedy from the previous November.
• Four Vie for Queen Title at Boise Valley, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Four young women were named as candidates for the Boise Valley JACL elimination for Miss National JACL 1958. The chapter finalist will be selected at a March 1 dance in Caldwell.
• San Francisco JACL Sets Membership Goal of 1,200, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The San Francisco JACL launched a month-long campaign to enroll 1,200 members, with 91 volunteers organized into seven-man teams. A final report meeting and membership mixer are planned for March.
• St. Louis Story: Community Service, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The St. Louis JACL chapter traces its history from early Issei settlers and the 1904 World’s Fair through wartime resettlement and its 1946 founding. It describes the chapter’s community programs, youth group, and interest clubs serving a Japanese American population of 553.
• Clinic and Membership Notes from Chapters, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The National Director’s Report notes youth essay and oratorical contests, the activation of the Imperial Valley Chapter, and membership achievements in San Benito and Tulare County. It also covers the PSWDC clinic at Long Beach and National Recognitions preparations.
• Chapters Install Officers and Hold Events Statewide, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Multiple chapters including Snake River Valley, Sacramento, Stockton, and Oakland announced installation dinners and 1958 officer slates. Events included a Brotherhood program with the Southwest Los Angeles JACL and an Issei appreciation night at Mt. Olympus.
• Solicitation Teams Push Membership, by Tom Iwata, page 5. The Seattle JACL has more than 30 solicitors seeking new and renewing members for 1958. Team captains and outlying area leaders were named to support the drive.
• Sac’to Bowlers Top Keg Affair, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The 10th annual Sacramento JACL and Nisei Bowling Association tournament was dominated by host bowlers, with Mayhew A.C. winning the team title. Jun Kawano of Palo Alto was the only outside winner, taking the singles title.
• New Japanese Congregation Denied, by Henry Mori, page 7. A Methodist Human Relations Council meeting in Glendale passed a resolution opposing a new Japanese congregation chapel in Gardena, urging integration into existing churches. The Centenary Methodist Church delegated members to the conference, and the article calls for tolerance in church life.
• Cal. Attorney General Appoints Nisei as Deputy A.G., by P.C. Staff, page 7. Joe J. Yasaki was appointed deputy attorney general in the Los Angeles office of the California Attorney General. An active Southwest Los Angeles JACL member, he handles criminal appeals and narcotics forfeiture trials.
• Nisei Leads Protest Against Proposed Freeway, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Jinko Yamaguchi led Swansea area residents in Denver in opposing a proposed elevated freeway interchange that residents argued would depress property values. Former judge Charles Rosenbaum supported the protest at a mass meeting of more than 150 residents.
• Youth Worker Named to National Group, by P.C. Staff, page 8. David Y. Nakagawa, physical education director of the Pasadena Boys’ Club, was named to the national Committee on Health and Physical Education of the Boys’ Club of America. He will advise on research and national youth programs.

JACL

• JACL Oratorical, Essay Contest Rules, Prize List Announced, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Both national contests will address ‘What JACL Means to the Japanese American Youth’ during the 15th Biennial Convention in Salt Lake City, Aug. 22-25. The article details eligibility, judging criteria, deadlines, and prizes for oratorical and essay participants aged 16 to 21.

Sports

• Judy Seki Sets Women’s Bowling Record, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Judy Seki set a new singles record of 658 in the Los Angeles Women’s Bowling Association tournament at South Bay Bowl. She ranks third in the all-events standings with 1,794.
• Nisei Bowlers Honored for 300 Games, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The National JACL will present recognition awards at the 12th annual bowling tournament banquet to Nisei who have bowled 300 games. The article lists each bowler with the date and location of their perfect game, and notes which were in sanctioned play.

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