Vol. 48, No. 24, June 12, 1959. 8 pages. View this issue
A syndicated newspaper column that brushed aside the wartime Japanese American incarceration (often called internment) drew a sharp reply on the front page, and the paper urged readers to write to editors who ran it. Elsewhere, George Ichlen wrote about the restoration of citizenship to renunciants of Japanese ancestry, and a short report told how Yoshio Tanaka, born in Los Angeles, was restored his citizenship through a Certificate of Identity. Nine Issei in Honokaa, Hawaii, aged 77 to 92, were also waiting to take the oath of citizenship.
The issue also followed JACL planning. The National Board and Staff met in San Francisco and formed a commission to draft objectives for 1960 to 1970, and a board-staff summary recorded their decisions. Tak Terasaki argued for regional offices, Bill Matsumoto looked ahead to the 1960 Sacramento convention, and Mike Masaoka remembered his grandmother. Its 8 pages also cover Nisei business leaders in Japan.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- $6, the man calls it ‘bootlicking’, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The editorial criticizes Robert C. Ruark’s syndicated column downplaying the wartime Japanese American incarceration and calls on JACL members to write to newspapers that published it. It argues Nisei sacrifice must be defended against such dismissals.
- Regional offices needed for national JACL, by Tak Terasaki, page 5. Mountain-Plains chairman Tak Terasaki argues that JACL must maintain regional offices in less populous regions to keep a truly national perspective. He warns that without them the organization may become a California-dominated body.
- Decisions for Tomorrow, by Bill Matsumoto, page 6. The 1000 Club chairman reflects on attending the first off-year National Board meeting and praises the hospitality of San Francisco JACL. He previews the 1960 Sacramento convention and urges 1000 Club renewals.
- In Memoriam: Washington Newsletter, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Mike Masaoka remembers his maternal grandmother Tsuro Goto, who died at 99 after a life spanning Japan’s Meiji era and the Issei experience in America. He recounts her pioneering family history and sacrifices for her children.
JACL
- JACL objectives for 1960-70 to be drafted by commission, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National JACL Board and Staff met in San Francisco and formed a 1960-1970 planning commission chaired by the national president. Decisions were also made on the Washington office, youth policy, and chapter autonomy on partisan issues.
- 1959 JACL Board-Staff Summary, by Editor, page 4. The summary recapitulates the decisions of the National JACL Board and Staff meeting in San Francisco, covering convention plans, scholarships, policies, and finances. It serves as a guide for board members reporting to their chapters.
Community
- Issei citizenship class of nine ranging in ages 77-92 await taking of oath, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Nine elderly Issei in Honokaa, Hawaii, graduated from a special citizenship class and will take the oath after the July election. Oldest graduate Syukutaro Kato will be 92 when naturalized.
- JAY compiling youth club directory for L.A., by P.C. Staff, page 2. Japanese American Youth, Inc. is compiling a directory of Nisei and Sansei clubs in the Southland. The directory will serve as a central information source for youth groups.
- Salt Lake JACL nominates active Jr. CLer for Pvt. Ben Frank Masaoka scholarship, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Sachiko Tokunaga, a South High graduate of Salt Lake City, was nominated by the local chapter for the Pvt. Ben Frank Masaoka Memorial Scholarship. The article details her academic and extracurricular achievements.
- L.A.-born strandee restored citizenship on basis of certificate of identity, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Yoshio Tanaka, a Los Angeles-born citizen denied a passport after alleged Japanese Navy volunteer service, received a Certificate of Identity under the Walter-McCarran Act. The I&NS later informed his attorneys the decision would not be appealed.
- Japan influence of U.S. home furnishings will stay, Midwest designers explain, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Chicago designers at a Fashion Group luncheon argued that Japanese influence on American home furnishings is lasting rather than a passing fad. They cited shoji screens, window walls, and handicrafts as enduring contributions.
National
- A Grave Wrong Righted, by George Ichlen, page 2. The restoration of citizenship to renunciants of Japanese ancestry marks an official acknowledgment of wartime injustice. The author praises the government’s reversal of the presumption of disloyalty.
Military & Veterans
- Sacramento in Sixty: Convention Board Committeemen, by Sig Sokemote, page 3. The Sacramento chapter column announces the committee appointments for the 1960 National JACL convention. Bill Matsumoto is named general chairman with associate chairmen and other committee heads.
- Mountain-Plains sentiment expressed at meeting, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Mountain-Plains chairman Tak Terasaki consulted local chapter leaders before departing for the National Board meeting. Their sentiments were gathered to represent the region’s views.
In-Depth
- Nisei business leaders making their mark in Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Several Nisei are gaining positions in Japanese business, including Susumu Yamashita at Mitsubishi and Masaru Ogawa at the Japan Times. The article presents their rise as a sign of changing corporate attitudes toward Nisei talent.
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