Housing, fair treatment and a Nisei donor’s gift to the Endowment Fund

Vol. 49, No. 3, July 17, 1959. 8 pages. View this issue

Housing and fair treatment ran through the news of July 17, 1959. A front-page editorial looked at the housing problem in Cincinnati and other large American cities and argued that fair housing laws alone cannot solve it. Mike Masaoka wrote about racial discrimination after Dr. Ralph Bunche was denied membership at a tennis club. Sidney Andorn described Joe Kadowaki’s campaign in Cleveland to remove the word “Jap” from public usage. California’s fair housing bill was signed, and the JACL Endowment Fund received $3,250 from Dr. Russell H. WeHara of Oakland.

Elsewhere in these eight pages, Bill Hosokawa wrote about a Japanese visitor’s impressions of America, and Harry K. Honda reflected on Hawaiian statehood. Akira Hayashi gave a Broadway guide for convention visitors to New York. Gardena Valley JACL planned a Go For Broke benefit, and buildings across from JACL Headquarters in San Francisco’s Nipponmachi came down. Sports pages followed Nisei golfers and bowlers.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

  • The American Cities 20 Years From Now, by P.C. Staff, page 1. An editorial examines the housing crisis in Cincinnati and other large American cities, where displacement and white flight may leave them populated mainly by Negroes and low-income groups. It argues that fair housing laws alone cannot solve the problem and that the home is the foundation of a prosperous society.
  • Race Consciousness and Hawaiian Statehood, by Harry K. Honda, page 2. Editor Harry K. Honda reflects on American race consciousness compared to Latin America and praises Hawaii’s racial diversity as a model. He notes the country’s dual nature as race-conscious yet welcoming to all.
  • Hawaiian Statehood Certain to Affect Racial Policies of Australia, New Zealand, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Author James Michener predicted that Hawaii’s statehood will influence racial policies in Australia and New Zealand. He also urged Congress to avoid lecturing Southern states on racial matters.
  • From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 3. Bill Hosokawa discusses the impressions of Japanese visitor Chojiro Kitagawa, whose travel writings about America were translated by the State Department. Kitagawa’s observations on American tipping, hotel slippers, and cultural openness are highlighted.
  • Pointing Southwestward, by Fred Takata, page 4. Fred Takata’s column reports on Southwest JACL chapter summer activities, including beach parties, a deep-sea fishing trip, and a Nisei veterans group’s appearance at a Coliseum July 4 event. He also describes a television program featuring local JACL leaders.
  • Names Hurt Like Stones, by Sidney Andorn, page 7. Cleveland JACL leader Joe Kadowaki campaigns to remove the word Jap from public usage, arguing it functions as an expletive. Eight leading dictionaries and Movietone Newsreel have agreed to label or stop using the term.
  • Everyone’s Business, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Mike Masaoka discusses racial discrimination after Dr. Ralph Bunche was denied membership at a Forest Hills tennis club. He argues that every instance of discrimination must be publicized, including those against Japanese Americans.

Community

  • Oakland JACLer Donates $3,250 for Endowment, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. Russell H. WeHara of Oakland contributed $3,250 to the National JACL Endowment Fund, the largest gift from an evacuation claimant in the latest round of donations totaling $13,510.44. A list of individual and company donors from across the country is included.
  • 1,000 Cherry Trees Accepted for Planting in City of New York, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The New York Park Department accepted a gift of 1,000 flowering cherry trees from the Great Tokyo Festival Sponsoring Committee. The trees, expected this fall, will include single petal, double petal, and yamazakura varieties.
  • Teahouse Offered in Florida Sister City Program, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The sister-city program between Nagano and Clearwater, Florida is progressing, with Nagano offering a teahouse and local groups being asked to help fund it. A planned Oriental department store and Japanese restaurant-supper club are also under consideration in Clearwater.
  • Motorist Killed Almost Instantly, Hit Broadside, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Mrs. Kazuye Sakurai of Pierce, Colorado was killed when a truck broadsided her car on a Weld County road. She was Colorado’s 193rd highway fatality of the year.
  • Buildings Across Street From JACL HQ Razed, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Demolition began on buildings in San Francisco’s Nipponmachi, across from JACL Headquarters, as part of the Western Addition Redevelopment program. The structures include the former Aki Hotel, Takahashi Trading Co., and Soko Hardware.
  • Gardena Valley JACL Benefit to Show ‘Go For Broke’, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Gardena Valley JACL will show the film Go For Broke as a benefit for its youth program on July 25-26 at the Japanese Community Center. Ronald Shiozaki, chapter president, announced the event.
  • Chicago JACLer in Printing Group Office, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Hiro Mayeda of Geo. F. McKiernan & Co. in Chicago was installed as vice president of the Illinois Association of Young Printing Executives for 1959-60. He is also president of the Chicago Chapter JACL.
  • Watsonville JACL-VFW Float Wins Sweepstakes, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Watsonville JACL-Nisei VFW float won the amateur category sweepstakes prize in the Fourth of July parade. The Salinas Chinese American Citizens Alliance won the professional category.
  • J.A. Center to Celebrate 10th Anniversary in August, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Japanese American Center in Minneapolis will celebrate its 10th anniversary on August 16-17. Founding director Father Dai Kitagawa and his family plan to attend.
  • Calendar of Events Hawaii Elections, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Hawaii JACL election results and related news are reported in this section. Additional local chapter events are listed.
  • Five-Time Hold-Up Victim Kills Bandit in Denver Pharmacy, by P.C. Staff, page 3. William Kuroki, manager of Ideal Pharmacy in Denver, shot and killed a robber who had robbed him five times in ten months. Kuroki is a longtime Mile-Hi JACLer and brother of WWII Nisei airman Ben Kuroki.
  • Yamato Sukiyaki Adds $100,000 in Improvements, by P.C. Staff, page 3. San Francisco’s Yamato Sukiyaki, run by the Ishizaki family since 1947, completed a $100,000 renovation adding eleven zashiki rooms. Holiday magazine cited the restaurant for distinctive dining.
  • Blind Koto Virtuoso in Nightclub Debut, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Koto virtuoso Kimio Eto headlines at the Ash Grove in Hollywood, performing classical Japanese pieces and Western folk songs. He has previously performed on concert stage and television.
  • Oakland JACL Endowment Donors Continued, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Continuation of the list of individuals and companies that contributed to the National JACL Endowment Fund. Donors from California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Utah, and Washington are listed.
  • Pacific Northwest District Council Meeting Planned, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The PNWDC summer quarterly meeting will be hosted by Gresham-Troutdale JACL on July 26 with a Headquarters report and discussion of the Washington alien land law repeal campaign. National Director Mas Satow is scheduled to speak.
  • Orange County JACL to Get Acquainted, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Orange County JACL held a get-acquainted meeting at the YWCA in Santa Ana and plans a Japanese cultural program at the Anaheim City Park Greek Theater on July 31. The program will feature songs, dances, and traditions of Japan.
  • Long Beach Hi-Go Youth Rally Planned, by P.C. Staff, page 4. A mid-summer Southern California Hi-Go Youth Rally will be hosted by the Beach-Harbor District Hi-Go at the Harbor Community Center July 17-19, featuring bowling, discussions, and a dinner-dance.
  • San Francisco Search for Miss JACL Aspirants, by P.C. Staff, page 5. San Francisco JACL and its Youth Group are selecting candidates for Miss San Francisco JACL at a July 25 dance, with the winner competing for Miss National JACL. Candidates must be JACL members aged 18 to 25.
  • Sacramento JACL Queen Dance Postponed, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The coronation ball for Miss Sacramento JACL was postponed from July 11 to July 18. Six girls are competing for the title.
  • S.F. Auxiliary to Learn How to Take Better Pictures, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Dr. Henry Takahashi will speak on photography at the San Francisco JACL Women’s Auxiliary meeting on August 13. The event will be held at the Church of Christ.
  • Newsletter Named Scan, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The newsletter released for the South Central Area Welfare Planning Council now has the name Scan, an abbreviation for South Central Area News. Editor Kango Kunitsugu announced the choice.
  • Boise Valley JACL Community Picnic, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Boise Valley JACL community picnic was held at Lakeview Park in Nampa, organized by chairman Mrs. Kay Inouye with assistance from chapter members.
  • New York Skyline: Plays on the Gay White Way, by Akira Hayashi, page 5. Akira Hayashi provides a guide to Broadway shows for JACL visitors attending the EDC-MDC Joint Convention in New York. He lists current hits with ticket prices and advice on ordering tickets in advance.
  • Clovis Girl Selected Miss Bussei Candidate, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Beverly Takahashi, a recent Clovis High graduate, was selected as the Central California YBA candidate for the 1960 Miss Bussei title. Selection was based on knowledge of Buddhism, current events, poise, and personality.
  • Jack Noda Appointed Lions International Zone Chairman, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Jack Noda, a Turlock peach orchard and vineyard owner and former national JACL second vice-president, was appointed Central California zone chairman for Lions International for 1959-60.
  • Nancy Hanada to Teach at San Bruno, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Nancy Hanada, a teacher at Orosi Elementary, traveled to Hong Kong and will teach in San Bruno in the fall. The Tatus of the American consulate in Hong Kong have been there since 1958.
  • Insuranceman Honored for 1958 Sales Record, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Katsuro H. Murakami of Sacramento received the Prudential Insurance Certificate of Merit for outstanding 1958 production. He also won the Regional Award covering eleven Western states and Hawaii.
  • California Fair Housing Bill Signed, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Governor Brown signed a bill banning discrimination in publicly assisted housing, including FHA-assisted buildings. The JACL supported the legislation, which allows victims to seek injunctions and damages.
  • Kuchel Encourages Nisei Appointment of California Postmaster, by JACL News Service, page 8. Senator Thomas Kuchel informed the JACL that Noriyuki Tashima was appointed acting postmaster of Livingston, California, believed to be the first Nisei acting postmaster on the mainland. Tashima may qualify for permanent appointment.
  • Dr. Yatabe Cited for Fund-Raising Help, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Olivet Institute board of trustees in Chicago honored Dr. Thomas T. Yatabe and committee members for raising $36,000 for its Restoration Fund. The board called the achievement unprecedented in the institute’s 72-year history.
  • Sato Named Full Professor at UC Berkeley, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Sho Sato, an active Berkeley JACLer and former chapter president, was appointed full professor at Boalt Hall, UC’s law school. He is the second Nisei full professor on the Berkeley campus.
  • Equal Job Opportunity Policy Drama on Film, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The President’s Committee on Government Contracts released a 28-minute film, The New Girl, dramatizing equal job opportunity policy. A companion film, Commencement, is also available for borrowing.
  • Pro Deo et Patri Award to Pat T. Sakurai, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Pat T. Sakurai of Sun Valley, a former Eagle Scout, received the Pro Deo et Patri Award, the highest scouting award from the Lutheran Church. His father is a deacon at Valley Lutheran Church.

JACL

  • Mountain-Climbing Scholar Nominated by Hollywood JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Hollywood JACL nominated Jon Shinno, a Loyola High School senior headed to MIT, for the Pvt. Ben Frank Masaoka scholarship based on his academic achievements and character. Shinno is also an accomplished mountain climber who recovered bodies of two climbers in Nevada.
  • Jon Shinno Scholarship Nomination Continued, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Further details about Jon Shinno’s achievements, including his mountain climbing and his role finding bodies in Nevada. He is also a musician and works as a busboy in the summer.
  • Northern California-Western Nevada District Council Quarterly Meeting, by JACL News Service, page 5. The NC-WNDC will hold its third quarterly meeting in Monterey on August 9 to discuss JACL’s program for the next decade and the Youth Program. A queen selection and golf tournament are also planned.

National

  • Evacuee Claimant’s Private Bill to Extend Filing Deadline Vetoed, by JACL News Service, page 1. President Eisenhower vetoed a private bill that would have let Chicagoan Harry H. Nakamura file a late evacuation claim, calling it discriminatory. The JACL noted a public bill to extend filing deadlines for all deserving claimants remains pending in the House.

Military & Veterans

  • Joe Tsujimoto Elected Commander of Cathay Post, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Joe Tsujimoto, a veteran of the American occupation of Paris, was elected commander of Seattle’s Cathay Post 186, American Legion, becoming the first Nisei so honored. Other officers were also elected.
  • Nisei Named to Japanese American Youth Selections Committee, by P.C. Staff, page 4. National JACL President Shigeo Wakamatsu named Washington, D.C. chapter members to the Pvt. Masaoka scholarship selections committee. Members include Dr. Furukawa, Dr. Itano, Saburo Hasegawa, John Yoshino, and Mrs. Kiyo Nishiyama Finucane.
  • Seattle Cathay Post and Nisei Vets Picnic, by Elmer Ogawa, page 7. Elmer Ogawa previews the Cathay Post and Nisei Veterans Committee picnics, both scheduled for August 16 at Shadow Lake. He also reports Cathay Post’s resolution urging repeal of Washington’s anti-alien land law.

Sports

  • Red Wig Pays Off on Diamond, by P.C. Staff, page 6. USC baseball coach Rod Dedeaux, known for his red wig tradition, has led the Trojans to numerous league titles and national championships. The article recounts the wig tradition and a fooled Vice President Alban Barkley.
  • Japan to Enter 1960 Olympics in All Categories, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Japan’s Olympic committee decided to enter all 18 classes of events at the 1960 Rome Olympics, at least with officials where athletes cannot compete. This marks the largest Japanese representation in Olympic history.
  • Nisei Bowler Wins $1,500 in St. Louis Tournament, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Dr. William Miyamoto of Cheyenne, Wyoming won $1,500 in the B division of the Bowlers Journal championships in St. Louis. Other Nisei bowlers also placed well in the Salt Lake City twin classics.
  • Seven Nisei, One Korean on Hawaii Publinx Team, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Eight golfers from Hawaii, seven Nisei and one Korean, competed in the National Publinx tournament at Wellshire in Denver. Ervin Furukawa was eliminated in the Los Angeles amateur championship semifinals.
  • Accountant Aces 210-Yard Hole at Harding Course, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Hardy Shiomi, an accountant with the Los Angeles Water and Power, scored a hole-in-one on the 210-yard 11th at Griffith Park’s Harding course. Shig Takahashi and Chuck Hirata also recorded aces on other courses.

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