Korean War news and civil liberties in the February 23, 1952 issue

Vol. 34, No. 8, February 23, 1952. 8 pages. View this issue

Korean War news ran across the front page of this eight-page issue. The Department of Defense told the JACL Anti-Discrimination Committee that two Nisei war dead were being returned home for burial, and that two more Nisei were reported as casualties. Mike Masaoka used the anniversary of Executive Order 9066 to urge greater concern for civil liberties. Another story covered the Walter Omnibus Bill, which would end race as a bar to immigration and naturalization. Elmer R. Smith’s column on race relations and an editorial on Sing Sheng’s family in South San Francisco appeared on page 2 and page 4.

Sports filled most of pages 5 through 7, with the national JACL bowling tournament in Denver, a fishing derby planned for the San Francisco convention, and Nisei swimmers and basketball players. Page 2 reported claims filed against California over Alien Land Act settlements, and page 7 carried Haruo Ishimaru’s request for pension rights for Issei. Chapter news came from Chicago, Hayward, Portland and Delano.

What’s in this issue

National

  • Bodies of Two Nisei Soldiers Home for Burial, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Department of Defense notified the JACL Anti-Discrimination Committee that two Nisei war dead are being returned to the United States for interment. Two other Nisei casualties from Korea were also reported, including one killed and one wounded.
  • Two Hawaiian Postmasters Win Approval, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Senate unanimously confirmed two Hawaiian Nisei, Teruhisa Nishiyama and Katsue I. Nishiyama, for postmasterships on the Island of Hawaii. The confirmation was reported by the JACL Anti-Discrimination Committee’s Washington office.
  • Masaoka Urges Greater U.S. Concern for Civil Liberties, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Mike Masaoka of the JACL Anti-Discrimination Committee urged Americans to protect constitutional rights on the anniversary of Executive Order 9066. He warned that mass detention could recur unless individual freedoms are safeguarded for all citizens.
  • House May Consider Walter Omnibus Bill for Equality in Immigration, Naturalization, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Congressman Francis E. Walter’s Omnibus Immigration and Naturalization Bill, endorsed by JACL ADC, may reach the House floor within weeks. The bill would eliminate race as a bar to immigration and naturalization and end sex-based discrimination.
  • House Reports Seven Bills for Japanese Aliens, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The House Judiciary Committee favorably reported seven private bills admitting Japanese aliens, including adopted children of citizens and spouses of citizens. Five of the measures had already passed the Senate.
  • Justice Department Identifies Recipients of Claims Awards, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Department of Justice released names of an additional 188 evacuees who received compromise settlements on evacuation claims. The notice reminded claimants of the March 15 deadline for submitting compromise offers.

Military & Veterans

  • Los Angeles Nisei Wins Commission in Coast Guard, by P.C. Staff, page 1. William Sadao Fujitsubo of Los Angeles was one of 95 men commissioned as ensigns in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. He completed an intensive four-month course at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut.

Arts & Entertainment

  • “This Time It’s for Real”: Tommy of “Go for Broke!” Goes Off to War in Korea, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Pvt. Henry Nakamura, who played the orphan Tommy in MGM’s film “Go for Broke!”, left Japan’s Eta Jima school for a Korean assignment. The article traces his Army service, his acting career, and the friends he made among GIs.
  • Fujiwara Holds Concert in Denver, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Yoshie Fujiwara, Japanese operatic tenor, performed to a full house at the Tri-State Buddhist Church in Denver on Feb. 17. The concert was a benefit for the JACL-ADC.

Community

  • Nisei Church Leader Dies of Brain Hemorrhage After Being Jailed in Auto Mishap, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Akira Kumasaka, a Seattle nurseryman and church leader, died after being held in jail for 13 hours on a traffic charge while suffering a brain hemorrhage. The family disputed the charges and the police chief ordered a full investigation into the handling of the case.
  • Pacific Southwest Chapters Rap Anti-Civil Rights Move, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL Pacific Southwest District Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing America Plus, a group seeking to repeal California’s Civil Rights Statute. The council pledged to join other groups in combating the effort.
  • Nisei Nominated for Citizen Award, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Mike Nakamura of Iliff, Colorado, was nominated by the Sterling Lions Club as its candidate for outstanding citizen of the northeastern Colorado county. Nakamura has been active in community affairs.
  • File $270 Thousand in Claims Against State of California for Land Law Settlements, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Claims totaling $270,794 were filed against California to recover settlements made under the Alien Land Act against persons of Japanese ancestry. The State Board of Control was set to act on the claims on Feb. 28.
  • Nisei Is Named School President, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Kenny Kimura, son of James Kimura, was elected student body president of Livingston High School, the first Nisei to hold the post. He is a senior and a four-year member of the California Scholarship Federation.
  • Three Nisei Win School Art Awards, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Three Nisei were among 40 San Francisco high school students who received gold keys in the 1952 Northern California Scholastic Art Awards. Recipients were Nancy Sako, Jim Naganuma, and Willie Ito.
  • Nakagama Heads Delano Cabinet, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Bill Nakagama was elected president of the Delano JACL with Joe Katano as vice-president. The new cabinet also appointed committee chairs for ADC and membership drives.
  • Nisei to Appear on Television Show, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Mary Takahashi, a noted flower arrangement expert, will be featured on the Beulah Karney show on WENR-TV in Chicago. The program will also include a children’s Japanese dance group.
  • President Signs Private Bills to Admit Japanese Aliens, by P.C. Staff, page 2. President Truman signed ten private bills benefiting persons of Japanese ancestry, the first such laws enacted this session of Congress. Five authorize admission of adopted Japanese children and others allow Japanese wives and husbands of citizens to join their families.
  • Denver Will Hold JACL ADC Benefit, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A Denver JACL-ADC benefit will be held Feb. 28 at Adams City Junior High gym, with games, concessions, and prizes. Proceeds will go to the JACL-ADC fund.
  • 150 Attend North California Council Meeting in Hayward, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Northern California-Western Nevada JACL district council held its first quarterly meeting of the year in Hayward on Feb. 10 with about 150 delegates. Items included evacuation claims, the McCarran immigration bill, and a banquet address by Maj. Gen. E. M. Landrum on the occupation of Japan.
  • Aged Issei Killed When Careening Car Hits Bicycle, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Toshio Ichikawa, 79, was killed when a careening automobile struck his bicycle at a Sunnyvale intersection on Feb. 12. The driver had lost control moments earlier after crashing with another car.
  • Seattle Police Probe Death of Nisei, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Seattle police investigated why Akira Kumasaka was held in jail for hours without medical care before dying of a brain hemorrhage. Chief Eastman acknowledged a two-hour-45-minute delay in complying with a medical examination policy.
  • Three Children Die as Flames Destroy Home in California, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Three young children of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Takehara died when a flash fire destroyed their Walsh Station home while their mother was shopping. Fire officials theorized that butane gas from the kitchen stove ignited and spread through the house.
  • Family Night for Portland Chapter, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Portland JACL will hold a family night on March 1 at the Nichiren Church with box lunch auction, basket social, dancing, and movies for children. New officers will also be elected at the meeting.
  • Snake River JACL Tells Bazaar Plans, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Snake River JACL announced plans for a benefit bazaar on Feb. 28 at the Airport community hall near Ontario, Oregon. Proceeds will go to the JACL Anti-Discrimination Committee and local community programs.
  • Chicagoans Note Neighborhood Week, by P.C. Staff, page 3. More than 200 residents attended a Neighborhood Week celebration at the McCormick YWCA in Chicago on Feb. 17. Speakers addressed religious prejudice in a panel of clergy and educators.
  • Lead JACL-ADC Campaign, by P.C. Staff, page 4. A fundraising campaign for the JACL-ADC is underway in California’s central valley, led by Johnson Kebo, Dr. George Suda, and S. G. Sakamoto. The photo shows the campaign leaders.
  • Chicago Sorelles Plan Winter Dance, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Chicago Sorelles will hold their stag-stagette dance “Winterwonderland” at the McCormick YWCA. Bertie Waxsmuth, a popular impersonator, will perform.
  • Install Twin Cities Cabinet, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The 1952 cabinet of the Twin Cities JACL was installed by Midwest district council president Shig Wakamatsu on Feb. 2. Dr. R. S. T. Nakano was elected second vice-president, and the chapter will host the 1953 Midwest district convention.
  • San Francisco JACL Tells Meeting Plans, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The San Francisco JACL will present “Nisei on Trial,” a mock trial with Nisei on the witness stand, at its March 6 general membership meeting. Program committee members have been planning the event.
  • Fellowship Group Plans Benefit Dance, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Singles Fellowship of the Christ Congregational Church in Chicago will hold a fundraising dance on May 31 at the Sheridan Plaza. Proceeds will support building a new church.
  • Yamane Takes Northwest Area Council Post, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Kaz Yamane was named chairman of the Pacific Northwest JACL district council, succeeding Harry Takagi who was transferred to Minneapolis. Maméru Wakasugi of Portland will serve as vice-chairman.
  • Fujiwara Heard by Capacity House in Salt Lake City, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Yoshie Fujiwara, noted tenor and director of the Fujiwara Opera Company of Japan, sang to a capacity audience in Salt Lake City on Feb. 19. The Salt Lake JACL sponsored the appearance, which was attended by state officials.
  • Nisei Attorney Will Speak on Brotherhood, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Kei Uchima, a Nisei attorney, will speak at a brotherhood program sponsored by the B’nai B’rith in Los Angeles on Feb. 26. The program also features Nisei dancers performing classical Japanese dance.
  • Oratorical Contest Postponed One Month, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Ellis Community Center postponed its oratorical contest for high school students from Feb. 22 to March 28. A $50 cash prize will go to the first-place winner.
  • Hagiwara Sets Forth 11-Point Program for Chicago JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Abe Hagiwara, president of the Chicago JACL, outlined an eleven-point 1952 program with a $15,000 budget and a membership goal of 2,000. Initiatives include civic education, youth citizenship programs, and aid to aging Issei.
  • Colorado Group Installs Officers, by P.C. Staff, page 8. S. Yorimoto was installed as president of the San Luis Valley JACL in La Jara, Colorado, at an installation dinner on Feb. 10. Judge George Blickham administered the oath of office to the new cabinet.
  • Delano JACL Holds Valentine Dance, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Delano JACL held its annual Valentine dance at the American Legion hall on Feb. 11. Dave Enrique and his orchestra provided music for the event.

Commentary

  • Box-Score on Race Relations: Racial Visibility Is Factor Retarding Group Integration, by Elmer R. Smith, page 2. Elmer Smith argues that physically visible differences and cultural differences are the strongest factors slowing group integration and generating conflict. He also outlines how dominant-group discrimination and minority position changes fuel militant reactions.
  • The Sing Shengs of Democracy, by P.C. Staff, page 4. An editorial recounts how Sing Sheng’s neighbors in South San Francisco’s Southwood district voted 174 to 28 against his family moving in. The editors argue that majority vote cannot override constitutional rights and that the incident drew national condemnation.
  • Cousin Willie Looks at Writing, by P.C. Staff, page 4. A humorous column describes Cousin Willie, a produce salesman who tries to become a professional writer after buying supplies and submitting fifty manuscripts without success. The writer advises him to stick to selling rather than writing.

JACL

  • Wanted: Ten Tall Women, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Kiku Hori, chairman of the Fashion Show at the 12th Biennial JACL convention in San Francisco, is recruiting ten tall Nisei women to model at Joseph Magnin’s. Models must be 5’8″ or taller and be based in the Bay Area.
  • Warn Evacuees Deadline Nears for Compromise Plan Claims, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The JACL ADC warned evacuee claimants that the March 15 deadline for compromise offers is approaching. Masaoka advised compromising claims under $3500 but cautioned against settling large claims for the maximum amount.

Incarceration & Redress

  • Strandee Petitions High Court to Review Citizenship Case, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Fujiko Furusho of Hawaii petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review her citizenship case, which concerns whether voting in occupation-sponsored elections in Japan caused loss of citizenship. The petition was filed alongside a similar case by Mariko Kuniyuki.
  • Ishimaru Asks Pension Right for State Issei, by P.C. Staff, page 7. JACL regional director Haruo Ishimaru asked a California State Assembly committee to extend old age pension privileges to long-time Issei residents. He argued that citizenship requirements unfairly deny benefits to those barred from naturalizing.

Sports

  • 300 Enter JACL Bowling Tournament, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Three hundred bowlers representing 60 teams will compete in the 6th annual National JACL bowling tournament at Elitch’s Lanes in Denver, Feb. 29 to March 2. The article lists team rosters, prize structure, and transportation arrangements.
  • Deep Sea Fishing Derby Planned at JACL National Confab, by Masami Dobashi, page 5. A Deep Sea Fishing Derby will be held during the 12th biennial JACL convention in San Francisco on June 27, targeting Chinook salmon. Non-resident participants can purchase three-day fishing permits for one dollar.
  • Misaka Returns to Basketball Sport, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Wat Misaka, a former University of Utah standout and member of the 1944 and 1947 national championship Okada Insurance team, is playing in the Salt Lake JACL basketball league. The article reports on league standings and notable players.
  • Yamada Manages U of Washington Team, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Harry Yamada became the first Nisei student manager of a varsity team at the University of Washington when he traveled with the basketball team to Wyoming. The article also covers several other Nisei athletes’ results from around the West.
  • Nisei Stars in Money in San Jose, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Several Nisei bowlers in San Jose men’s city tournament occupied top positions in doubles, singles, and all-events standings. Vic Hirose and George Sakamoto were among the leading scorers.
  • Top Nisei Bowlers Enter JACL Tourney, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Most of the nation’s top Nisei bowlers will compete in the National JACL tournament in Denver, including several 190-plus average bowlers. Teams from Cleveland, Chicago, and the Twin Cities mark the largest Midwest representation in the tournament’s history.
  • Fibber Hirayama May Sign Pro Ball Contract in May, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Fresno State captain Fibber Hirayama is considering professional contract offers from California League clubs and possibly Japanese teams after his collegiate season ends. Scouts rate him as the outstanding Nisei baseball prospect in recent years.
  • Tak Iseri Wins Breaststroke Race at AAU Swimfest, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Tak Iseri of Sacramento, swimming for the University of California, won the men’s 100-yard breaststroke in the Pacific Amateur Athletic Union swimming meet on Feb. 17. The win was a highlight of the San Francisco State College pool event.
  • JACL Team Wins Membership in Baseball Loop, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Placer JACL baseball club earned a permanent place in the Placer-Nevada semi-pro baseball league after a strong 1951 season. The team had received a one-year franchise when a town team took a leave of absence.
  • Miyagawa Loses Bout to Champion, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Dave Miyagawa of the University of Wisconsin lost to NCAA champion Ev Conley of Washington State in a dual meet boxing feature on Feb. 15. Gil Inaba of Washington State won his 139-pound bout against Wisconsin’s Charles Magestro.
  • Tad Sako Takes Lead with 641 in Tournament, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Tad Sako of the Downtown Nisei Majors took top honors in the first day of the 20th annual Diamond Match Play bowling classic in San Francisco. Several other Nisei bowlers ranked high in their classes.
  • Makimoto’s 650 Tops Nisei Bowlers in Cleveland Play, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Tets Makimoto of Diamond Storm Window shot a 650 series at Mercury Lanes in Cleveland. The Chester 30th Lanes team leads the Nisei League standings.
  • Oyakawa Leads Ohio State to Dual Meet Win, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Yoshi Oyakawa set a new record in the 200-yard backstroke as Ohio State defeated Purdue 52 to 41 in a dual meet on Feb. 16. The team extended its dual meet winning streak to 22 straight.
  • Denver Team Accepts Bid to Cage Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Denver All-Stars accepted a bid to the 16th annual Intermountain JACL basketball tournament in Salt Lake City in late March. Eight teams have been confirmed for the tournament.
  • Captures Idaho Cage Tourney, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Pocatello won the Idaho Falls JACL invitational basketball tournament held February 14-16 at Amp High School. Individual awards for most valuable and sportsmanship went to players from several Idaho and Utah teams.
  • Hawaii Halfback Honored, by P.C. Staff, page 7. University of Hawaii halfback Jimmy Asato received the Dr. Richard Sakimoto trophy as the team’s most valuable player at a gratitude dinner on Feb. 11. The photo shows Asato with teammates and coach Archie Kodros.

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.

More from Issue archive