Equal rights for women, and a JACL convention taking shape

Vol. 46, No. 18, May 2, 1958. 8 pages. View this issue

The Equal Rights Amendment led this eight-page issue. A front-page editorial urged readers to write their senators and representatives in support of SJ 80, and Lily A. Okura’s column in the Board’s space took up the same debate. Rupert Hachiya, the convention chairman, reported on preparations for the 15th Biennial National JACL Convention in Salt Lake City, set for August 21-25. Bill Hosokawa’s column looked back at how Nisei young people have changed since the 1930s, and Tamotsu Murayama wrote about Nisei losing jobs in Japan.

Election-year politics also ran through the paper, with Glenn M. Anderson calling for state leadership on civil rights and banquets planned for Governor Goodwin J. Knight and Attorney General Edmund G. Pat Brown. Larry S. Tojiri surveyed Japanese and Japanese American actresses in films and television, Scott Young questioned the portrayal of the Japanese in The Bridge on the River Kwai, and Henry Mori’s Los Angeles newsletter reported on the wedding of Harry K. Honda.

What’s in this issue

National

  • Equal Rights Amendment for Women Urged by Board, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Pacific Citizen urges readers to write their senators and representatives in support of the Equal Rights Amendment (SJ 80), which would guarantee constitutional equality for women. The editorial notes that the amendment faces attempted riders that would undermine it and that other nations have already granted women constitutional equality.
  • Li. Gov. Candidate Calls for Leadership in Civil Rights Fight, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Glenn M. Anderson called for state leadership on civil rights, including housing, public accommodations, and minority representation on government bodies. He urged a Democratic victory to implement a program of human dignity and human rights.
  • Chicago Girl Threatened by Kidnappers; Police Set Trap, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The daughter of Dr. Hiroshi Inouye of Chicago received threatening phone calls demanding $1,000 in ransom, prompting police and FBI involvement. Police set an elaborate trap at the Dearborn Street bridge, but no one came to claim the money, and the girl was given round-the-clock protection.
  • Maxwell M. Rabb Resigns as Cabinet Secretary, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Maxwell M. Rabb, who served as White House Cabinet Secretary, resigned to return to private law practice in New York. Masaoka describes Rabb as a longtime friend of Japanese Americans and the JACL, who had addressed the 14th National Convention.

Community

  • Helen Momita Story Appears in National Weekly Publication, by Eric Mick Nathanson, page 1. An article in The American Weekly told the story of Helen Momita, a Japanese American druggist in Calipatria killed in an auto accident, and the community’s effort to build a flagpole memorial. The pole project has received donations, and a local company volunteered design work.
  • Japanese American GOP Dinner to Have Gov. Knight, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Japanese American Republican Assembly will host Governor Goodwin J. Knight, candidate for U.S. Senate, and Mrs. Knight at a dinner on May 5 at Kawafuku. Reservations may be made through Taro Kawa.
  • N.C. Nisei to Honor Atty. General Pat Brown, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Northern California Nisei Democrats will hold a fund-raising banquet on May 5 in Mountain View honoring Attorney General Edmund G. Pat Brown, candidate for governor. Organizer Wayne M. Kanemoto said Brown has protected minority rights and appointed minorities to his staff.
  • Civic Groups Join to Plan San Francisco Picnic, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Japanese community picnic in San Francisco on June 15 at Speedway Meadows will be sponsored by the Nisei Optimist Club, Chamber of Commerce, JACL and Nichibei Kai. The event is planned as a community gathering.
  • Judge Takes Dim View of Nisei Gardener’s Act, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Los Angeles gardener, Tsumori Honda, cut down 16 trees on the orders of market owner A.P. Fetty, damaging property belonging to Dr. Chong A. Chock. Fetty was found guilty of malicious mischief and ordered to pay $100 or serve 20 days in jail.
  • Snake River Selects Jubilee Queen, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Shirley Sugahiro, a 20-year-old beautician, was nominated by the Snake River Valley JACL as a candidate for Queen of the Ontario Jubilee. She is active in community and church activities and recently won a hair styling contest in Salt Lake City.
  • Hawaii Blue Baby Foregoes Heart Operation; Goes Home, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Rodney Taketa, 9, of Hilo, was tested at Stanford University Hospital for a heart condition and returned to Hawaii without surgery. Doctors wanted the child to become physically stronger before considering an operation.
  • FBI Affords Protection, by P.C. Staff, page 1. This item continues the Chicago kidnapping threat story, noting that FBI agents joined the case as observers after police set a trap that failed to catch the caller. Detectives guarded the family and watched their home.
  • Idaho Chapters Hold Tri-Chapter Graduation Dance Planning, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Officers of the Idaho Falls, Yellowstone, and Pocatello JACL chapters met to plan a combined graduation dance honoring area graduates. The June 6 event will be held at the White Elephant Supper Club.
  • St. Louis Chapter Has Busy Spring Schedule Planned, by Dick Henmi, page 3. The St. Louis JACL held an Easter egg hunt and a Spring Frolic dance, and Uta Eto became the first Nisei to win a local bowling tournament. The chapter also plans a Japanese movie showing and a barbecue.
  • Five Live Oak High Nisei Elected to School Posts, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Two Nisei juniors at Live Oak Union High School in Morgan Hill were elected to student body offices for 1958-59. Iyoko Nakao became secretary and Rose Yamaga vice president, with both listing numerous school activities.
  • First Nisei PTA President in Hermosa Beach Elected, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Mrs. Eizo Etow was elected president of the Valley Vista School PTA in Hermosa Beach, becoming the first Nisei PTA president in the area. She is the mother of four children.
  • Hyohei Kasai Estate Attracts Claim from Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A woman in Tokyo claims to be the widow of Hyohei Kasai, a 76-year-old dishwasher whose estate of $67,837 has no will or known heir. If her claim is verified, the estate could be forwarded to her.
  • Asia Scene Offer to JACL Chapters, by Saburo Kido, page 3. A letter offers JACL chapters a fundraising opportunity by selling subscriptions to Asia Scene, a monthly publication on Japanese culture and industry. Chapters receive credit for orders postmarked by May 31, 1958.
  • Pacific Northwest and Southern California District Visits, by Harry K. Honda, page 4. JACL leaders report on a series of chapter visits across the Pacific Northwest and Southern California, including Hood River, Indio, Venice-Culver, Gardena, San Diego, and Pasadena. The column highlights chapter activities and the Calipatria flagpole project.
  • Salt Lake City JACL Replaces Cherry Trees on State Capitol Grounds, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Salt Lake City JACL led a project to replace 36 Kwanzan cherry trees damaged by freezing on the Utah State Capitol grounds, raising funds through the Utah Nippo. A dedication ceremony with a presentation to Governor George D. Clyde is planned for May 4.
  • Honolulu Psychiatrist Says Cultural Traits Shape Island Women, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Dr. Dorothy Natsui, a Honolulu psychiatrist, discusses how cultural values affect emotional expression among Hawaii’s ethnic groups. She suggests Japanese traditions of restraint can lead to delayed emotional crises.
  • George Matsui Stars in King and I Role, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Fourteen-year-old George Matsui is receiving favorable reviews for his role as Prince Chulalongkorn in the Los Angeles production of The King and I. Michiko staged the dances for the performance.
  • Sansei Assistant Attorney General During Boys’ Week, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Harry Toshiaki Muranaka, a 17-year-old senior at San Fernando High School, served as assistant attorney general for a day during Los Angeles Boys’ Week. He is his school’s student body president.
  • Los Angeles Newsletter, by Henry Mori, page 7. Henry Mori reports on the wedding of Harry K. Honda and Misako Mayumi at Maryknoll Church and the JACL leaders who attended. He also discusses the estate of Hyohei Kasai and the value of writing a will.
  • Holiday Bowl Opening in Crenshaw Area, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Holiday Bowl, a 36-lane all-Nisei promoted bowling center in the Crenshaw area, is set to open on May 2 after construction delays. The $900,000 facility features automatic pinspotters and a modern kitchen.
  • Sonoma County Hosts NC-WN District Council Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Sonoma County JACL will host the Northern California-Western Nevada District Council meeting on May 18 in Sebastopol. Mike Masaoka will lead discussion of JACL’s policy on U.S.-Japan affairs, and the event includes a banquet honoring Issei pioneers.

JACL

  • Gearing for Action: Convention Head Says Board Shifting Into High Gear, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Rupert Hachiya, National Convention Chairman, announced that preparations for the 15th Biennial National JACL Convention in Salt Lake City are underway. The schedule of events for August 21-25 includes board meetings, an oratorical contest, a golf tournament, and a recognitions banquet.
  • By the Board: Equal Rights and Auxiliary Meeting, by Lily A. Okura, page 2. The secretary to the National Board urges Auxiliary members to attend a planned meeting at the Salt Lake City convention to discuss mutual problems. She also comments on the Equal Rights Amendment debate.
  • Watsonville Chapter Completes Member Drive at Dinner Meeting, by Richard Yamamoto, page 6. The Watsonville JACL completed its membership drive at an April dinner meeting in Aptos, with District Attorney Nick Drobac as speaker. The chapter also accepted sponsorship of a Pony League team.
  • Venice-Culver JACL Accepts Girls Club Sponsorship, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Venice-Culver JACL accepted sponsorship of the Jolinees, a newly formed girls club. The board also nominated a candidate for an achievement award and planned its May meeting.

Commentary

  • From the Frying Pan: The Good Old Days?, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Columnist Bill Hosokawa reflects on a Denver dance and how Nisei young people have changed since the 1930s, when they were shy about dancing. He reports that Nisei professionals now find success despite their ancestry, and advises young people to focus on their own qualifications.
  • Fun at Hi-Co Conference, by Edward Mittwer, page 2. A letter to the editor praises the Hi-Co Conference Committee for an educational and enjoyable conference. The writer says first-time attendees found it better than expected and looks forward to next year.
  • By-Passed Again? The Reason Behind the New Look, by George Yoshinaga, page 2. The editor’s temporary absence on honeymoon explains the different-looking Pacific Citizen for the next few weeks. Sue Kunitomi Emery and the writer are putting the paper to press in his absence.
  • Hollywood Film The Bridge on the River Kwai Suggests Race Bias, by Scott Young, page 6. Toronto writer Scott Young argues that the Academy Award-winning film The Bridge on the River Kwai portrays the Japanese as uniformly stupid while the British are skilled. He contends the movie could have shown Japanese competence without undermining its story.

In-Depth

  • Nisei in Japan Find Tough Job Situation, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 2. Economic depression in Japan has cost many Nisei their jobs, especially in rural areas, after the American occupation forces departed. The article also discusses reduced U.S. aid and trade tensions affecting Japan’s industries.

Arts & Entertainment

  • Along the Entertainment Front, by Larry S. Tojiri, page 3. This column surveys Japanese and Japanese American actresses in films and television, including Miyoshi Umeki, Eiko Ando, Michi Kobi, Miiko Taka, Yoko Tani, and France Nuyen. It notes the scarcity of substantial roles available to Oriental actresses.
  • Emiko Suzuki Stars in Chicago Opera Lead, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Hawaiian-born singer Emiko Suzuki stars as Leonora in the American Opera Company production of Verdi’s Il Trovatore in Chicago. Conductor Edward Early praised her performance and her future as a singer.
  • Yashima Book Umbrella Wins Guild Selection, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Taro Yashima’s children’s book Umbrella, based on the life of a Japanese American infant in New York, was selected as a Junior Literary Guild selection for September. The author’s previous books were Caldecott nominees.

Military & Veterans

  • An Assignment to Get Away From It All, by Elmer Ogawa, page 6. Seattle photographer Elmer Ogawa recounts a picture assignment at a new tavern and the colorful characters he met there. He profiles Pat Hagiwara, former commander of the Nisei Vets, and a Marine Corps flyer who served in two wars.

Sports

  • San Francisco Chapter Names Coach for May 25 Nisei Olympics Track Team, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Takeo Mutt Matsumoto was named coach of the San Francisco JACL track and field team for the Nisei Olympics at Kezar Stadium on May 25. Athletes must sign up by the May 12 deadline through their nearest JACL chapter.
  • N.C. JCC Sets June 1 Date for Golf Tournament, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Northern California Japanese Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual golf tournament on June 1 at Sonoma Country Club. Entries are divided into three flights with a May 20 deadline.
  • Nisei Coxswain for Columbia Honored, by P.C. Staff, page 8. George Omura, coxswain for the Columbia University rowing crew, received two academic awards at the varsity C Club dinner. He was honored for the best academic record among rowers and received the President Eisenhower Gold Watch.
  • L.A. Fencer May Go to Olympic Games, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Madeline Miyaoto, a Los Angeles Nisei high school student, has fenced competitively since age nine and hopes to compete in the 1960 Olympics in Rome. She placed first in the senior women’s division at a Southern California tournament.
  • Dr. Yaguchi Appointed Oregon Judo Chairman, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Dr. Kenji Yaguchi accepted the position of judo chairman for the Oregon AAU, overseeing judo activities and policies statewide. He is the first state chairman for the sport and a former Snake River JACL president.

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