Equal rights in education, and a dictionary’s verdict on an anti-Japanese slur

Vol. 46, No. 12, March 21, 1958. 8 pages. View this issue

Equal rights in education led this eight-page issue. A front-page editorial from the JACL editorial board argued that Nisei, as members of a minority group, should support equal educational rights for American Negroes amid the Little Rock and Virginia school desegregation conflicts. Dr. Homer Jack made a related case at the Chicago JACL Brotherhood Dinner, telling JACLers that helping another minority helps all minorities. The front page also reported that Webster’s publisher agreed with JACL national president Dr. Roy Nishikawa that ‘Jap’ is usually disparaging, and that the Montreal Daily Star would avoid the term in headlines.

Columns came from Bill Hosokawa, Larry S. Tajiri on Sessue Hayakawa’s Academy Award nomination, Mike Masaoka on Nisei and unemployment, and Masao Satow. Also inside: the Los Angeles County supervisors’ 3-2 vote against a fair employment practices ordinance, the Berkeley JACL’s $75,000 community center drive, chapter installations, youth sports, and 102 more evacuation claimants added to a Senate bill.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Question of Equal Rights in Education, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL editorial board argues that Nisei, as members of a minority group, should support equal educational rights for American Negroes amid the Little Rock and Virginia school desegregation conflicts. It urges that desegregation proceed firmly even though the timetable is necessarily gradual.
• From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Hosokawa recounts Denver Manual High’s all-Negro starting five in a basketball loss to South High and praises Walt Kataoka’s play. He also covers a report that Japanese converts to Judaism may gain recognition in Israel and the 50th wedding anniversary of the Kuroki family in Nebraska.
• Hurts the Eyes, page 2. A reader complains that bold print at the start of paragraphs in Mike Masaoka’s column is hard to read. The editors respond that they try to make the paper appealing to the eye.
• In the News, by Dr. Milton Inouye, page 2. West L.A. JACL president Dr. Milton Inouye forwards community newspaper clippings showing publicity gained by the chapter’s Auxiliary women. The editors note that such community-paper publicity is a useful source of news for chapters.
• Vagaries, by Larry S. Tajiri, page 3. Tajiri reports Hollywood studios searching old scripts for projects for Miyoshi Umeki and Eiko Ando after Umeki’s Oscar nomination for Sayonara. He also discusses Sessue Hayakawa’s comeback via The Bridge on the River Kwai and Miiko Taka’s European promotion of Sayonara.
• By Masao Satow: Living Up to Its Name — First Class, by Masao Satow, page 4. JACL director Satow reviews recent chapter installations in Sacramento and Stockton and urges JACL to promote interest in Japanese culture, perhaps through a national kankodan to Japan. He also notes membership gains and the upcoming schedule of visits.
• Suburban Angelenos to Vote on Gambling, by Harry K. Honda, page 5. Honda examines an April 8 Gardena ballot initiative that would decide whether to outlaw or keep the city’s draw-poker clubs. He weighs the clubs’ argument about property taxes against the anti-gambling league’s concerns about crime and community effects.
• Stockton Officers Installed, page 5. New officers of the Stockton JACL were installed by Municipal Judge Bill L. Dozier, with David Fujishige becoming president. The article lists the officers and notes Marie de Carli served as emcee.
• By the Board: Question of Equal Rights in Education (continued), by P.C. Staff, page 5. The editorial board concludes that racial segregation in education cannot last and that the South cannot indefinitely sustain a legally indefensible system. It notes the NAACP’s impatience with gradualism while cautioning that desegregation may take decades.
• V.A. Service Cut Proposal, by Elmer Ogawa, page 6. Ogawa opposes proposals to curtail Veterans Administration hospital care for veterans with nonservice-connected disabilities. He argues that shifting these costs would fall on state and local taxpayers and that the federal program remains the most logical way to serve indigent veterans.
• Chicago Corner, by Smoky H. Sakurada, page 6. Sakurada reports on a planned testimonial dinner honoring Nisei leaders who helped win naturalization rights for Issei and on a Society of Fine Arts program in Chicago. He also notes a $1,460 deficit facing the Japanese American Service Committee.
• Newsletter: Nisei Veteran Reunion, by Henry Mori, page 7. Mori previews the 1958 Nisei Veterans Reunion in Los Angeles, July 26 to August 1, with nearly 1,000 delegates expected. Organizers plan a commemorative booklet, decals, and a new Southland MIS veterans group.
• Pointing Southwestward: Aboard Pan-Am’s Clipper Mandarin, by Fred Takata, page 7. PSW regional director Fred Takata describes a Pan American hospitality flight aboard the Clipper Mandarin over Death Valley, Yosemite, and other sites. He thanks Pan Am’s sales representative Ted Kojima for the courtesy.
• Washington Newsletter: Nisei and Unemployment, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Masaoka examines the national recession and unemployment, arguing for tax cuts and public works spending. He concludes that Nisei workers, benefiting from seniority gained since World War II, are faring relatively well in the downturn.

JACL

• Nisei Entries Accepted for Art Director Show, page 1. The 1957 Pacific Citizen Holiday Issue cover designed by Hisashi Tani was accepted for display at the New York Art Director’s Show, and Tom Kamifuji was also selected for the same show. Both are Nisei designers with notable advertising art credentials.
• JACL Representative Attends Confab on Naturalization, by JACL News Service, page 1. Washington JACL representative Mike Masaoka attended the 28th Annual Conference of the National Council on Naturalization and Citizenship in New York as a member of its executive board. Speakers at the luncheon addressed immigration policy and naturalization issues.
• Nominations by Chapters Open for ‘Nisei of the Biennium’ Award, by JACL News Service, page 1. JACL chapters were informed that nominations for the Nisei of the Biennium award are open until July 31, with the winner to be announced at the national convention in Salt Lake City. The award recognizes meritorious accomplishment advancing the welfare of persons of Japanese ancestry.

National

• L.A. County FEPC Ordinance Rejected, page 1. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors split 3-2 and rejected a fair employment practices ordinance proposed by John Anson Ford. The board then memorialized the state legislature to adopt a statewide FEPC law.
• Merriam Unabridged Dictionary to Note Use of ‘Jap’ as Disparaging Remark in Next Edition, page 1. Webster’s publisher agreed with JACL national president Dr. Roy Nishikawa that the term ‘Jap’ is usually disparaging and indicated it would note this in a future edition. Nishikawa praised the response and urged that the derogatory term be abandoned.
• Use of ‘Jap’ in Headlines to Stop, page 1. Montreal Daily Star editor B.C. Ferguson agreed to avoid the term ‘Jap’ in headlines and articles except where unavoidable. The decision followed a meeting with Charles Tanaka of the Quebec Japanese Canadian Citizens Association.
• 4,000 Japanese War Brides in Hawaii; 600 in Chicago Area, page 8. An Asahi correspondent reports about 4,000 postwar Japanese brides in Hawaii and notes Nisei men’s receptiveness to marrying girls from Japan. Separately, about 600 war brides in the Chicago area have formed the Cosmo Club for mutual support.
• Senate Committee Adds 102 Evacuation Claimants, by JACL News Service, page 8. The Senate Appropriations Committee added 102 evacuation claimants’ awards to the supplemental appropriations bill, along with an additional $612,318.78. The total approved for payment under the bill rose to 471 awardees.

Community

• Sonoma County Nisei Named to GOP Women Post, page 1. Mrs. James F. Murakami of Sebastopol was elected to the executive board of the Sonoma County Federation of Republican Women, the first Nisei to hold a seat on that board. She is active in the Sonoma County JACL.
• Three Hawaiian Nisei Earn Silver Beaver, page 1. The Aloha Council of the Boy Scouts of America honored three Hawaiian Nisei with its highest scouting award, the Silver Beaver. The recipients were Dr. Masao Kanemaru, Atsushi Marushige, and Koichi Murakami.
• PC Editorial Office Moved to New Room, page 1. The Pacific Citizen editorial office moved from Room 214 to Room 241 of the Miyako Hotel at 253 E. 1st St. The telephone number remains unchanged.
• Japanese Dinner Honors Chojuro Numajiri, page 2. Former members of the San Francisco Japanese YMCA hosted a dinner in Tokyo honoring Chojuro Numajiri on his first visit to Japan in 35 years. The gathering recalled the Y’s role in aiding students from Japan.
• Color TV Boom Reported in Tokyo, page 2. Television has expanded rapidly in Japan, with Dr. Toshio Ichioka credited as a key backer of Nippon Television. Color sets are being exhibited and experimentally broadcast, and installment buying makes sets affordable to ordinary wage earners.
• Use of Hypnosis by Nisei Physician in Treating Patients Told to Colleagues, page 2. Maui physician Dr. Lester T. Kashiwa described his use of hypnosis for medical purposes, including painless childbirth, post-operative recovery, and treating skin rashes and warts. He told hospital trustees that several local doctors are now studying hypnosis.
• Truck Gardener Honored with PTA Life Membership, page 2. Howard Takahashi of Lemon Grove received a PTA Life Membership from the Bancroft School. A Dinuba native and World War II Army medical corps veteran, he is a past president of the Spring Valley Lions Club.
• Nisei Appointed L.A. Court Reporter, page 2. Yoshi Yamada, a Hollywood JACL member, became the first Nisei to be appointed an official court reporter in Los Angeles.
• Pitching for Judo, by S. W., page 2. A Chicago reader promotes the NAAU-sponsored judo championship tournament in Chicago in April, chaired by Mas Tamura. The writer credits Japanese Americans with introducing judo to the country and notes growing local interest.
• George Tamiyasu Oregon CPA, page 2. George Tamiyasu, a University of Oregon graduate, is believed to be the first Oregon Nisei to become a certified public accountant. He was then practicing in Fresno, California.
• Nisei Urology Department Director, page 3. Dr. George R. Nagamatsu, a kidney and adrenal surgery specialist, was named director of the urology department at New York Medical College’s Flower and Fifth Avenue hospital. He also became professor of urology.
• Annie Clo Watson to Head Citizenship Youth Encampment, page 3. Annie Clo Watson, a former International Institute director and JACL advisor, was named head of the Pacific Coast Encampment for Citizenship for young people aged 18 to 23. The six-week program will be held at International House in Berkeley beginning June 22.
• Mile-Hi Treasurer Hailing from Sac’to Receives CPA Honors, page 3. Samuel Kumagai, a Sacramento-born accountant, became a partner in the Denver firm of Connors and Miles. He is a Mile-Hi JACL treasurer and one of three Nisei CPAs in Colorado.
• Berkeley JACL Nisei Community Center Campaign Opens, page 3. The Berkeley JACL opened a $75,000 fund drive for a new two-story community center dedicated to East Bay servicemen killed in World War II and Korea. The building will include an assembly hall, offices, and meeting rooms for the community.
• Nisei Legal Secretaries to Hear Travel Talk, page 3. George Hattori will speak on travel and screen the film Holiday in Japan at the Nisei Legal Secretaries Association meeting on March 26. The meeting will be held at Rudi’s Italian Inn.
• Five Vie for Chapter Queenship, page 4. The Pocatello JACL will hold a coronation ball to select its candidate for the National JACL queen contest in April. Five young women are profiled as candidates, including Pamela Taniyama, Keyko Akiyama, Katherine Wada, Aki Bingo, and Marjorie Konishi.
• Parlier JACL Membership Report, page 4. The Parlier JACL submitted a large number of new and renewed memberships during the first two weeks of March, according to National JACL Headquarters. The report lists members by chapter and years of membership.
• Community Chest Commends Hollywood Chapter, page 4. The Hollywood JACL reached 160 percent of its Community Chest goal and is staging a membership campaign for 250 members. The chapter also plans a get-together, a stereophonic sound meeting, and a beach party.
• Imperial Valley Chapter Picnic Date Changed, page 5. The Imperial Valley JACL community picnic was rescheduled from March 23 to April 12 at Bombay Beach. Former Valley residents in Los Angeles were encouraged to attend.
• Helping Other Minorities Helps All, JACLers Told at Own Brotherhood Dinner, page 5. Dr. Homer Jack, guest speaker at the Chicago JACL Brotherhood Dinner, urged JACL to support civil rights for American Negroes and to take part in broader civic affairs. He said helping another minority ultimately helps all minorities.
• Berkeley Community Center to Cost $55,000; Drive Opens, page 5. The Berkeley JACL’s $75,000 Nisei community center fund drive opened with the new building estimated at $55,000. The center will serve social, cultural, educational, and service purposes for the East Bay community.
• Alameda Chapter Installation: Kiffy Hirai to Lead Alameda Chapter, page 5. Kitty Hirai, former chapter treasurer, will be installed as president of the Alameda JACL at a dinner on March 23. National director Mas Satow will serve as installing officer and other officers are named.
• 70 Clers Enjoy Family Bowling Night Series, page 5. The Parlier JACL held the first of a planned series of family bowling nights at the Fresno Bowling Palladium, drawing 70 participants. Organizers expect future events to be popular.
• Seabrook JACL Chow Mein Dinner Set, page 5. The Seabrook JACL annual Chow Mein Dinner is scheduled for March 25 and is expected to attract about a thousand people. Proceeds will fund community projects including cherry tree donations and support for Elmer Community Hospital.
• Berkeley JACL Study of Nisei Role by Psychologist, page 5. Dr. George A. deVos, a clinical psychologist, presented research on Nisei in American life at a Berkeley JACL meeting. The chapter also reported a membership total of 413 toward its goal of 500.
• Wood Fiber Flower Arrangements Popular, page 5. Mrs. Alice Volkers demonstrated wood fiber flower arrangements to members of the Sonoma County JACL Women’s Auxiliary at Sebastopol Memorial Hall. Members then made their own arrangements.
• Sports: Youth Basketball Tournaments Scheduled, page 6. The Berkeley JACL will host an eight-team youth basketball tournament on March 28-29, and the Sacramento JACL will sponsor a Nisei youth tournament on April 5-6. Both events include awards and representation from multiple chapters.
• Writer Named PTA President, page 7. Mrs. Kango Kunitsugu, past president of the Southwest L.A. JACL, was elected president of the Cienega PTA, the first Nisei to hold the post there. Her term begins in July.
• Hi-Co Conference Fees Reduced to $10; Program Highlight Disclosed, page 8. The Southern California Hi-Co Conference fee was reduced to $10 following a successful fund-raiser. The April 12-13 overnight program at Pacific Palisades will feature a college-life panel and round-table discussions for high school students.

Arts & Entertainment

• Voting for Sessue Hayakawa, by Larry S. Tajiri, page 3. Tajiri profiles Sessue Hayakawa’s astounding comeback, from silent-screen star to an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor for The Bridge on the River Kwai. He traces Hayakawa’s years in France, Japan, and Hollywood since his departure in 1928.

Sports

• Youngsters Turn Out for Pee Wee Softball Team, page 6. Twenty-three boys aged 8 to 11 turned out for the first call of the Berkeley JACL pee-wee softball team. The team will compete against a San Francisco Japanese American Optimist Club team.
• Bowling Championships and Keglers Notes, page 6. Recent bowling tournament results include Isao Horiye’s loss at the national tournament and notes on Seattle bowler Judy Seki and Morrie Yamaguchi. The column also highlights Denver bowler Kenji Matsuda and other keglers.
• Southland Nisei Golf Groups Support System, page 6. The Southern California Nisei Golf Association’s handicap system received support from most of its 15 member clubs, with Airflite the only holdout. The handicap board imposed two-stroke penalties for non-compliance.

Thank you for exploring the Pacific Citizen archive. The title, introduction and contents on this page were written by an AI model from scans of the printed issue, so they may contain mistakes. If you spot one, we would be grateful if you let us know.