Alien land laws, Toronto housing bias and a Nisei architect

Vol. 47, No. 16, October 17, 1958. 8 pages. View this issue

Alien land laws led this eight-page issue. George Sugai’s front-page column told how Idaho repealed its law through the work of state senator Vernon Daniel, and Elmer Ogawa traced the history of Washington’s law and gave five reasons the local JACL urged its repeal. Housing discrimination near Toronto drew attention too, as Japanese and Chinese community leaders reacted to a builder’s refusal to sell a home to a Negro buyer. Larry S. Tajiri wrote about the Supreme Court and the wartime evacuation, and William W. Lutz interviewed Detroit architect Minoru Yamasaki, honored as Nisei of the Biennium.

Elsewhere, Mike Masaoka looked ahead to the 1958 elections and Harry K. Honda explained the right to work ballot measures. Bill Hosokawa shared meals from his Far East trip. The JACL wrote to President Eisenhower about bombings of Jewish temples, and chapter news and sports fill the rest, including Tommy Kono’s seventh world record in weightlifting.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

  • How Idaho repealed its alien land law, by George Sugal, page 1. Idaho’s alien land law was repealed years ago through the efforts of state senator Vernon Daniel, without financial help from JACL chapters. The author argues that where men of goodwill support justice, much can be accomplished.
  • From the Hongkong table tour, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Bill Hosokawa recounts memorable meals on his trip through Japan, Taiwan, and Hongkong, including humorous English menu translations. He also describes the Far East practice of using nearly every part of meat animals.
  • Evacuation and Supreme Court, by Larry S. Tajiri, page 3. Tajiri discusses Bradford Smith’s account of the Supreme Court’s role in validating the wartime evacuation and notes changing government attitudes. He cites FBI records showing the evacuation was driven by public hysteria rather than military necessity.
  • So-Called Right to Work Laws, by Harry K. Honda, page 5. Honda explains the union shop controversy and the so-called right to work laws on the 1958 ballot in several states including California and Ohio. He presents the arguments on both sides and notes the political stakes.
  • Northwest Picture: Background of Alien Land Law, by Elmer Ogawa, page 6. Ogawa traces the history of Washington’s Alien Land Law and the Court decisions that struck down similar laws in California. He presents five reasons local JACL urges repeal of the inoperative Washington law.
  • Northwest Picture: Social Security new benefit rates, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Social Security Administration explains the 1958 benefit increases of about 7 percent effective with January 1959 payments. It also describes higher family maximum benefits for survivors.
  • National Political Picture: November Elections, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Masaoka analyzes the 1958 congressional elections, predicting Democratic gains in the House and Senate. He highlights the California governor and senate races as important for the 1960 presidential nominations.

Incarceration & Redress

  • JACL hails quick FBI move against Jewish temple vandals, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL commended President Eisenhower’s prompt call for FBI investigation of bombings at a Clinton, Tennessee high school and Jewish temples in Atlanta and Peoria. The JACL letter recalled wartime violence against Japanese Americans in California and urged federal action against mob violence.

Community

  • Fresno mayor proclaims Oct. 19 as American Loyalty League Day, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The American Loyalty League of Fresno prepares its 35th anniversary celebration with a banquet, keynote by Saburo Kido, and a benefit film. Mayor Arthur Selland proclaimed October 19 as American Loyalty League Day.
  • Genetic study of children born of mixed marriages started in Hawaii, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Two University of Wisconsin scientists are conducting a genetic study in Hawaii comparing children of mixed-race and same-race parents using 130,000 birth certificates. The study is believed to be the first of its kind on human beings.
  • Monterey Buddhists plan $75,000 temple at Seaside spot, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Al Hideo Ito presented plans to the Seaside Planning Commission for a $75,000 Buddhist church on a one-acre site, with a public hearing set for November 12. Local Buddhists have planned the temple for about ten years.
  • Racial discrimination in home-buying hits Toronto area Japanese for first time, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A Toronto builder refused to sell a home to a Negro buyer, saying he would not sell to Javanese, Chinese, or Negroes. Local Japanese and Chinese community leaders expressed shock, noting the Japanese Canadian family living nearby had experienced no discrimination.
  • Genetic study, by P.C. Staff, page 2. JACL endowment fund received over $16,000 in contributions from individuals and organizations after congressional claims awards. The total held in trust reached $175,000.
  • Housing bias in Toronto, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Continuing the Toronto housing discrimination story, Japanese Canadian leaders recalled difficulties finding housing after World War II. Community leaders said such discrimination has largely disappeared in Toronto.
  • Hollywood Chapter steak bake, by Fred Takata, page 4. The Hollywood JACL chapter held its annual steak bake at Griffith Park, with Mike Suzuki managing children from the Shonien Home. The column also covers the East Los Angeles chapter’s teriyaki booth at International Day.
  • Japanese American Youth, Inc. selects first officers, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Japanese American Youth Inc. elected officers to combat juvenile delinquency in Southern California, with Kenji Ito as president. Seven community organizations pledged support for the new group.
  • Chicago JACL holds annual board elections, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Four board members were re-elected and five new members elected to the Chicago JACL board of directors. Dr. Frank Sakamoto was honored for his three consecutive terms as chapter president.
  • Cortez JACLers hear state ballot explanations, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Cortez JACL joined the Ballico Farm Bureau to hear a League of Women Voters representative review the November 4 California ballot propositions.
  • Northern California-Western Nevada JACL District Council agenda set, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The NC-WNDC executive board set the agenda for its fourth quarterly meeting on November 2 in San Mateo. The session will include quota reallocation and a golf tournament, bowling, and bridge events.
  • 1000 Club column, by William M. Matsumoto, page 5. The new National 1000 Club Chairman introduces himself and describes Sacramento’s success raising membership through a community talent show. He sets a goal of 2,000 paid-up memberships by 1960.
  • Southwest L.A. JACL joins new athletic league council, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Southwest L.A. JACL joined three other groups to form the Community Youth Council, which will sponsor basketball leagues for youngsters aged 9 to 14. Dr. Hide Uba was named basketball high commissioner.
  • Venice JACLers plan Hallowe’en costume party, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Venice-Culver JACL scheduled a Hallowe’en costume party on October 25 with prizes for the most unusual costumes. The chapter also plans a Christmas party for children.
  • Contra Costa JACLers ready for fish derby, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Contra Costa JACL is sponsoring a fishing derby on October 26 open to all anglers. Prizes include cash and eight other valuable awards.
  • Newsletter: JAY, Incorporated, by Henry Mori, page 7. Henry Mori reports on the formation of the Japanese American Youth Inc. and debates whether its work should be publicized. He argues public information is needed to build support for the juvenile delinquency campaign.
  • Chicago candidates’ night, by Berry Suzukida, page 8. The Chicago JACL held a Candidates’ Night at McCormick Place where congressional candidates addressed the Nisei community. Sponsors and committee members organized the program.
  • Fashion show committee hosted at garden party, by P.C. Staff, page 8. San Francisco JACL Women’s Auxiliary president Thelma Takeda hosted committee chairs at her parents’ San Jose garden. Guests enjoyed a meal in the Japanese garden landscaped by Nagao Sakurai.
  • Placer County JACL goodwill dinner, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Placer County JACL will hold its 18th annual goodwill dinner on November 8 at the Placer County Fairgrounds. The event will recognize past presidents, 25-year members, and outstanding chapter members.
  • Sukiyaki dinner served to Chicago Kiwanians, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Midwest Buddhist Church hosted 150 Chicago Kiwanians for an authentic sukiyaki dinner prepared by church women. Noby Yamakoshi is believed to be the only Chicago Nisei Kiwanian.

Military & Veterans

  • Veterans Day holiday, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The United Veterans Council of Boise urged Americans to understand that Veterans Day honors all American veterans, not just those of World War I. Commander Jamie T. Shintani asked that offices and stores close on November 11.
  • Detroit architect Minoru Yamasaki interview, by William W. Lutz, page 3. Architect Minoru Yamasaki, honored as Nisei of the Biennium, discusses his views on architecture and the need for beauty and serenity in modern buildings. He reflects on his background, career, and America’s emotional growth.

Sports

  • Shoichi Torigoe sets territorial bowling record, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Shoichi Torigoe set a Hawaii territorial record with a 772 series in the Kapiolani Bowl Jr. Major League. He earned the Star-Bulletin bowler of the week award.
  • Angel Kagiyama wins Sacramento Nisei golf tournament, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Angel Kagiyama of Sacramento shot a 75 to win the fourth annual Sacramento Valley Nisei golf tournament. He is the current Northern California Nisei champion.
  • All-time Nisei high-179 bowling records, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Pacific Citizen compiled records of Nisei bowlers who have scored 700 or more in a series. Kay Takahashi of Detroit holds the all-time Nisei high of 779.
  • Judy Sakata fails to qualify for match games, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Judy Sakata unexpectedly failed to qualify for the national women’s bowling match games after finishing ninth. Esther Woods won the Southern California eliminations.
  • Gene Kaita scores on 85-yard fumble return, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Sacramento quarterback Gene Kaita recovered his own fumble and ran 85 yards for a touchdown. The play helped Sacramento defeat Elk Grove.
  • Hawaii proudly hails Tommy Kono’s latest success, by Honolulu Star-Bulletin, page 8. Honolulu Star-Bulletin praises weightlifter Tommy Kono for his seventh world record at Stockholm. The editorial calls him a modest and pleasant champion.

In-Depth

  • Minoru Yamasaki architecture feature, by William W. Lutz, page 7. Yamasaki explains his design philosophy blending Japanese-inspired grillwork and serene spaces with modern architecture. He describes his projects and his belief that Americans must cultivate spiritual well-being.

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