Vol. 49, No. 5, July 31, 1959. 8 pages. View this issue
Hawaii’s first state elections were the news of this eight-page issue. A front-page editorial by H.H. said the vote showed democracy in action, and a page 8 report told how Daniel Inouye and Hiram Fong were elected to the U.S. Senate while Japanese Americans won many seats in the new legislature. Fred Wada was the other subject. One column recounted his lobbying that helped bring the 1964 Olympics to Japan, a second piece argued he deserved recognition for it, and a third told the story of the Keetley, Utah, colony of 130 Japanese Americans he led in 1942.
Elsewhere, Mike Masaoka previewed the final stretch of Congress, and Shig Wakamatsu wrote on chapter recognitions. Wilson Makabe, a 442nd RCT veteran, was named Cal-Vet of the month. Fred Takata reviewed film and stage previews, Elmer Ogawa asked why Seattle had no Nisei Seafair queen, and chapter news and golf results close out the pages.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Eyes of Asia Turn Toward the U.S.A., by H.H., page 1. Asian attention focused on the United States after Miss Japan was crowned Miss Universe and Hawaii held its first state elections. The editorial argues these events can strengthen U.S. ties with Asia if backed by deeds.
- Democracy’s Painter / Ticklish Question, by Watsonville Register-Pajaronian, page 2. This reprinted editorial examines the Forest Hills tennis club’s exclusion of Ralph Bunche and concludes private clubs may choose members. It argues discrimination becomes unacceptable when it involves public money or international events.
- Chapter Recognitions, by Shig Wakamatsu, page 4. Wakamatsu argues chapters should recognize local youth for heroism and achievements as good public relations. He contends such recognition belongs at the chapter level rather than as a national award.
- Congressional Stretch Drive, by Mike Masaoka, page 7. Masaoka previews a busy final stretch of Congress, including labor and civil rights bills. He explains how adjournment timing may depend on these controversial measures.
Community
- Grant Ujifusa of Wyoming Only Nisei at ‘Nation’, page 1. Grant Ujifusa of Worland, Wyoming, was the only American of Japanese ancestry at this year’s Boys Nation in Washington. He visited the JACL Washington office and described the program as eye-opening.
- Chicago Midwest Office Serves Members Through Busy Season, page 4. The Midwest JACL office in Chicago, run by secretary Esther Hagiwara, handles the 1000 Club, district council work, and public inquiries. Its May-June report shows steady service to members and the community.
- Chicago Folk Fair and Chapter Events Announced, page 5. Several chapter events are listed, including the Uptown Folk Fair and Florin JACL outing. Program details and committee assignments are provided.
- Long Beach Nisei Golf Tournament Results, page 6. Tats Nakase took low gross honors at the second annual Long Beach Nisei Invitational at Meadowlarks Country Club. Other flight winners and youth baseball updates are also reported.
- Seattle Seafair Queen Search Lacks Nisei Candidate, by Elmer Ogawa, page 7. Ogawa notes a Nisei, Linda Yamauchi, was chosen Water Follies Queen in Pasco, Washington. He questions why Seattle has not had a Nisei Seafair queen in recent years and discusses community reasons.
- Hawaii Elections Make History, page 8. Daniel Inouye and Hiram Fong were elected to the U.S. Senate in Hawaii’s first state elections. Japanese Americans gained many legislative seats in the new state government.
Military & Veterans
- Makabe Honored as ‘Cal Vet’ of Month, page 1. Wilson Makabe’s San Mateo home was selected as April Cal-Vet Home of the Month. A 442nd RCT veteran wounded in Italy, he later earned a business degree and married his German interpreter.
National
- Wada’s Bid Stirs Interest in Olympic Efforts, page 2. The column recounts Fred Wada’s Olympic lobbying that helped win Japan the 1964 Games. It also recalls Japan’s prewar Olympic efforts and Hironoshin Furuhashi’s postwar swimming success.
In-Depth
- The Story of Keetley, page 2. Fred Wada led a colony of 130 Japanese Americans to lease George Fisher’s ranch in Keetley, Utah, in 1942 to farm voluntarily ahead of evacuation. The colonists transformed the land, won neighbors’ trust, and shared a profit in their first year.
Sports
- Fred Wada Honored for Olympic Role, page 2. The piece argues Fred Wada deserves recognition from Japan for securing the 1964 Olympics and for reviving Japanese international athletics after the war. It recalls earlier Japanese Olympic efforts in America.
Incarceration & Redress
- Truck Fatally Injures Nisei Walking on Beach, page 4. Mrs. Lilly Suehiro was fatally struck by a pickup truck while walking on a Pismo-area beach. The report describes the accident and her family’s vacation.
Arts & Entertainment
- Previews Offer Glimpse of Film and Stage, by Fred Takata, page 5. Takata recounts invitations to previews of Marineland’s Starlight Spectacular, the film Crimson Kimono, Christ in Bronze, and Three Girls in College. He praises the productions and notes Nisei community activities.
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