Nisei and Sansei, JACL’s role in U.S.-Japan affairs, and Little Rock

Vol. 45, No. 14, October 4, 1957. 8 pages. View this issue

Relations between generations and the limits of JACL’s role were the main subjects of this eight-page issue. Harry K. Honda wrote from the EDC-MDC convention in Chicago and urged chapters to send Sansei leaders to national conventions. Another front-page story covered JACL president Dr. Roy Nishikawa’s reply to a member’s fear that JACL would become a lobbyist for Japanese business interests. The Washington office also explained where yen deposit claims stood. Bill Hosokawa and Mike Masaoka each wrote on the Little Rock crisis, and Masaoka predicted that civil rights would dominate the next Congress.

Elsewhere, Larry S. Tojiri’s column covered the film No Down Payment, which deals with housing discrimination against Nisei. JACL filed a friend-of-the-court brief in an escheat case. Chapter news ranged from a teriyaki booth to a new Berkeley building, and the sports pages followed Nisei football players and bowlers.

What’s in this issue

JACL

• For Better Understanding Between Nisei and Sansei, by Harry K. Honda, page 1. The writer reflects on the EDC-MDC convention in Chicago and the impressive leadership of JACL’s young and older leaders. He urges chapters to send Sansei leaders to national conventions to strengthen ties between generations.
• JACL Stand on U.S.-Japan Relations Argued, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL national president Dr. Roy Nishikawa responded to chapter member Kango Kunitsugu’s fears that JACL would become a lobbyist for Japanese business interests. Nishikawa stated such a role is unreal and clarified the board’s position that commercial U.S.-Japan issues fall outside JACL jurisdiction while immigration and related welfare matters remain within it.

Incarceration & Redress

• Current Status of Yen Deposits Explained by Washington Office, by JACL News Service, page 1. The Washington JACL office clarified that the repayment rate for yen deposit claims remains undetermined pending a ruling by the Office of Alien Property director. It also warned claimants to respond to Office of Alien Property letters by their deadlines to avoid dismissal of their claims.
• JACL Files ‘Amicus’ Brief; Issei in Escheat Case Now Inapplicable, page 3. JACL filed a friend-of-the-court brief supporting Sue Ishida’s claim to recover funds paid in an escheat settlement. The brief argues the trial court misinterpreted the 1953 legislation intended to benefit Issei injured by the Alien Land Law.

Community

• Negro, Japanese in U.S., page 1. A Chicago Daily News letters debate was sparked by John M. Taylor’s comparison of Japanese American and Negro progress. Several respondents, including JACL’s Abe Hagiwara, challenged the comparison and pointed to the discrimination and loyalty histories of both groups.
• Edward Ide Elected Nat’l JCCA President, page 1. Edward Ide was elected national president of the Japanese Canadian Citizens Association by acclamation at an executive meeting in Toronto. The national office was also moved from Winnipeg to Toronto.
• NY JACL Office Moves to Fifth Ave. Building, page 1. The New York JACL representative office under Sam Ishikawa relocated to Suite 1103 at 565 Fifth Avenue as of October 1. The new telephone number is also provided.
• Whereabouts Sought of Missing Claimants, by JACL News Service, page 2. The Justice Department is seeking the current addresses of eleven evacuation claimants whose claims remain unsettled. The list of names and last known addresses is provided, with a warning that claims may be dismissed otherwise.
• Shonien Applies for State Child Agency License, page 3. Shonien Child Welfare Center applied to the state Department of Social Welfare for a license to provide full-time group care for children. Licensing is expected once requirements such as a heat-activated fire alarm system are completed.
• Teriyaki Booth Planned for International Day, page 3. East Los Angeles JACL will operate a teriyaki booth at the International Institute’s International Day celebration on October 12-13. Proceeds last year raised $96 for the Institute.
• Japanese Cooking Class Draws Over 50 Ladies, page 4. Mrs. Hisako Komine, a Tokyo cooking instructor, led a Japanese cooking demonstration sponsored by the San Francisco JACL Women’s Auxiliary. The class featured a full menu and recipes were distributed to attendees.
• Something Doing Every Weekend in October for Sonoco, page 4. Sonoma County JACL planned a month of events including benefit movies, a bowling tournament, and a Nisei Memorial Day service. The chapter also solicited greetings for the PC Holiday Issue.
• 11-Week Dance Class Organized by Chapter, page 4. The San Mateo JACL is sponsoring an eleven-week dance class series at College Park School on Friday evenings. Instructors Mr. and Mrs. Joe Yamaguma lead the classes, with a slight fee to cover expenses.
• New JACL Bldg. Haste St. Approved, page 4. The Berkeley JACL board approved construction of a new building at 2?? Haste St. to replace its condemned building. The existing structure is expected to be razed in 1958.
• Tour of Japan Mayors in November to Be Aired, page 5. The Richmond-El Cerrito JACL general meeting will feature a talk on the upcoming day-long reception and tour for Japanese mayors. Other agenda items include a chapter constitution ratification and investment problems.
• Mile-Hi Red Cross Drive Hits 103 Percent, page 5. The Mile-Hi JACL chapter completed its 1957 Red Cross drive at 103 percent, collecting $967.25. Sue Akiyama served as drive chairman.
• Summer Program for Harbor Area Youth Successfully Concluded, by Sue Joe, page 5. The Long Beach-Harbor JACL fielded youth baseball teams that performed strongly in league play this summer. The chapter also announced plans for a basketball program and a Thanksgiving invitational tournament.
• Harbor Hi-Co Organized, page 5. Seventy-six high school and college youths joined the newly organized Harbor Hi-Co sponsored by the Long Beach-Harbor JACL. The group held its first installation banquet with National JACL president Dr. Roy Nishikawa as guest speaker.
• Los Angeles Newsletter, by Henry Mori, page 7. Mori reports on the Nishi Hongwanji Old Folks Home opening for Issei in East Los Angeles and the banning of backyard incinerators by the Air Pollution Control district. He reflects on the loss of home burning as a small everyday ritual.
• Chicago Corner, by Smoky H. Sakurada, page 7. Sakurada reports on golf tournaments in Chicago, including the all-city Randolph Sakada trophy event and Chicago JACL’s first golf tournament. Winners and scores for multiple flights are listed.
• Inagaki Honored by Nat’l Investment Co., page 7. George J. Inagaki, former national JACL president, earned the Financial Industrial Funds President’s Club membership for 1957. He was also recognized as the outstanding single salesman in California.
• Southland Buddhist Teachers to Convene, page 7. San Diego’s Buddhist church hosts the 10th annual Southern District Sunday School Teachers conference this weekend. Rev. Taitetsu Unno of Berkeley is the main speaker.
• Her Hannah Arai, First Nisei Born in Continental U.S., Dies, by Donald Canter, page 7. Hannah Arai, born in San Francisco in 1884 as the first Nisei in the continental United States, died in Los Angeles in September. Her parents were among the first Japanese immigrants to the country.
• Mile-Hi Editor Notes Lack of Japanese Community Media, by Kayko Matsuura, page 8. The Mile-Hi JACL Bulletin resumed under new editor Kayko Matsuura, who reflects on the decline of a distinct Japanese community in Denver. She argues this shift offers Nisei and Sansei a wider perspective.
• Nisei Week Attendant Wins Walteria Awards, page 8. Mary H. Yoshioka of Torrance, who represented Gardena Valley in the Nisei Week queen race, won the first Walteria Festival queen title and a cash prize. The article reports her two-foot trophy and $200 award.

Military & Veterans

• Tenth Nisei VFW Post Organized by VFW at Huntington Beach, page 1. The Kazuo Masuda Memorial Post 3670 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars was organized in Huntington Beach with Seiji Yamauchi as charter commander. It is the tenth Nisei VFW post in California and the first new Nisei unit organized in several years.
• Nisei Picked for Top Legion Offices, page 1. George M. Miyano became the first Nisei to head Cotati American Legion Post 103 in Sonoma County. Johnny Hirooka was installed as post adjutant and also serves as adjutant for the county American Legion Council.

Commentary

• Frying Pan: Arkansas Interlude, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Hosokawa recalls his wartime visit to Arkansas and condemns the Jim Crow violence against a Negro reporter in Little Rock. He argues decent Americans must rise against such injustice and politicians who exploit it.
• Tokyo Again, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Hosokawa returns to Tokyo after an eight-week world trip and prepares for the International Nisei Convention. He recounts his complaints about American press coverage of international events and his stop in Hawaii.
• Vagaries, by Larry S. Tojiri, page 3. Tojiri covers the film No Down Payment, which addresses Nisei housing discrimination, and the rise of Miiko Taka after her role in Sayonara. He also reports on her publicity tour and Hollywood’s enthusiasm for the film.
• Hawaiian Luau Attraction of 1000 Club Fete, page 4. The NC-WN District Council convention in Sacramento will feature a Hawaiian Luau celebrating the 10th anniversary of the National JACL 1000 Club. The schedule also includes a fashion luncheon, banquet, and golf tournament.
• Very Truly Yours: Question: To Mold Nisei Opinion or Not, by Harry K. Honda; Dr. Thomas T. Yatabe, page 5. The editor addresses a reader complaint that the Pacific Citizen has avoided controversy and failed to lead opinion on national issues. He explains the constraints of a house-organ publication and limited space, while a reader response urges Nisei to learn from their heritage and guide youth.
• Traditional CL ‘Hands-Off’ Policy Questioned, by Harry Honda, page 5. Kango Kunitsugu’s Benchwarmer column argued that JACL should stay out of U.S.-Japan affairs and warned of a shift toward direct involvement. The article reviews his arguments and questions about JACL becoming a lobbyist for Japanese industries.
• Washington Newsletter: Little Rock, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Masaoka analyzes the Little Rock crisis as a test of federal authority to protect minority citizens from majority defiance of court orders. He predicts civil rights will dominate the next Congress and considers the political fallout for both parties.

In-Depth

• About Books, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Kakuzaemon Nunokawa, former head of Iwanami Press, visited the U.S. to explore spreading information about Japan through books. Hosokawa notes a market for quality English-language books on Japan among the general American public.

Sports

• Idaho High School Hires Nisei as Head Football Coach, by Elmer Ogawa, page 6. A Nisei coach was hired as head football coach at Middleton High School in Idaho. The article provides his background and career details.
• Cal Football Notes and Nisei Gridders, page 6. Cal football coach Pete Elliott made lineup changes, including elevating sophomore Pete Domoto, before facing Michigan State. The article also surveys Nisei players across Los Angeles, Central California, and Nevada college and high school football.
• Yamasaki’s 684 Top Keg Series for Seattleites, page 6. Bill Yamasaki and other Nisei bowlers posted strong series in Seattle, including a 684 series by Kaz Yamasaki. Several other Nisei athletes were highlighted in local sports news.

Thank you for exploring the Pacific Citizen archive. The title, introduction and contents on this page were written by an AI model from scans of the printed issue, so they may contain mistakes. If you spot one, we would be grateful if you let us know.