Vol. 44, No. 1, January 4, 1957. 8 pages. View this issue
Mike Masaoka’s appearance on Ralph Edwards’ television show This Is Your Life led this eight-page issue. The President’s Corner explained how the surprise was kept secret with help from JACL and its staff, and Larry Tajiri described the program, which brought on 442nd comrades and family members and honored Nisei wartime loyalty. Masaoka also turned up in Tokyo, where he met Prime Minister Tanzan Ishibashi, and in his own Washington Newsletter on the 85th Congress.
Other pages looked at the year just ended and the one ahead. Bill Hosokawa wrote about closing the books and starting fresh, and Henry Mori recalled the repeal of the Alien Land Law. Tats Kushida added New Year greetings. Chapter news covered new presidents in Washington, D.C. and Seattle, and the Pacific Southwest JACL office offered help with alien address reports. Wally Yonamine’s baseball plans and a Nisei boy in a magazine advertisement round out the issue.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Millions See and Hear Nisei Drama Unfold, page 1. The President’s Corner reflects on Mike Masaoka’s appearance on Ralph Edwards’ This Is Your Life, which was secretly arranged with JACL and staff help. The column frames Masaoka’s story as a broader JACL and Nisei story of hardship, wartime loyalty, and winning acceptance.
- From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Hosokawa recalls the family custom of closing the books and cleaning house before the new year. He reflects on the tradition as a symbol of starting fresh.
- Teahouse of the August Moon, page 2. The columnist praises the film Teahouse of the August Moon and actress Machiko Kyo’s performance as Lotus Blossom. The review notes the movie’s appeal to American audiences interested in Japan.
- America’s Immigrant Groups and the Melting Pot, page 3. The editorial argues that Japanese Americans’ experiences of rejection and evacuation mirror those of other immigrant groups. It criticizes the melting pot ideal and urges respect for the contributions of diverse peoples.
- Season’s Greetings, by Tats Kushida, page 4. Kushida offers a lighthearted column on Japanese New Year greetings and the etymology of Japanese words. He also thanks readers for contributions to the Holiday Issue.
- Newsletter: Gone, Not Forgotten, by Henry Mori, page 7. Mori reflects on the year’s events, including a crank letter in Newsweek and the successful campaign to repeal the Alien Land Law. He also notes the first presidential vote cast by newly naturalized Issei.
- Washington Newsletter: 85th Congress, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Masaoka analyzes the 85th Congress, including the balance of power between Democrats and Republicans. He discusses the role of Southern and Northern Democrats and the likely influence of President Eisenhower.
Community
- Alien Address Report Service Offered by JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Pacific Southwest JACL Regional Office will help aliens file their annual address report form during January. Aliens are told what to bring to the free filing service.
- Nisei Organizations Play Key Role in Developing Leadership, page 1. National JACL Director Masao Satow told a California intercollegiate Nisei convention that Nisei groups help build leadership and integrated personalities. He argued that congregated groups are a beginning for integration rather than segregation.
- Harvey Iwata Elected President of Washington JACL, page 4. Harvey Iwata was elected 1957 president of the Washington, D.C. JACL, with other officers named. The installation dinner-dance was set for the following day.
- Atty. Toru Sakahara Wins Seattle JACL Presidency for 1957, page 4. Attorney Toru Sakahara was elected Seattle JACL president by mail ballot, succeeding James Matsuoka. Other cabinet officers were also chosen.
Military & Veterans
- Personal Saga of Mike Masaoka Unfolds on TV, by By Larry Tajiri, page 1. Masaoka’s life was told to a national NBC audience on This Is Your Life, which also honored Nisei wartime loyalty. The program featured 442nd comrades, family members, and an account of his education and wartime service.
- Denver Attorney George Koshi Awarded Meritorious Civilian Service Medal, page 8. George Koshi, a Denver-born WWII MIS veteran and attorney adviser at Far East Air Forces Headquarters in Japan, received the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal. He was recognized for outstanding performance in the Staff Judge Advocate office.
National
- Brazilian Japanese Present Missionary Challenge, page 2. Dr. B. H. Pearson of the World Gospel Crusade describes the Japanese population of Brazil as a missionary challenge for Japanese American Christians. He portrays Brazilian Japanese as industrious but increasingly assimilating.
- Mike Masaoka Meets Japanese Leaders in Tokyo, page 2. Masaoka met with Prime Minister Tanzan Ishibashi and other Japanese politicians during his visit, discussing U.S.-Japan relations. The article reports he was impressed by Japanese leaders and their views on improving ties.
- Youth Model in Donmoor Ad Draws Praise, page 3. A New York Times and New Yorker advertisement featured Tommy Okada, a Japanese American boy, drawing enthusiastic public response. Advertising manager Joseph Isaacson said the reaction showed a shift in public attitudes toward racial representation.
Obituaries
- Dell Kimura Drowns Attempting Rescue of Raft, page 6. Dell Kimura, a landscape gardener and father of three, drowned in the Carbon River while fishing with two companions. He had gone back into the icy water to recover the raft after reaching shore.
Sports
- Wally Yonamine Expects Five More Years in Japanese Baseball, page 6. Wally Yonamine, who opened Japanese professional baseball to Nisei in 1951, says he expects to play five more years with the Yomiuri Giants. He discusses his arm troubles and his batting record.
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