Vol. 41, No. 7, August 12, 1955. 8 pages. View this issue
Congress and its unfinished business shaped this eight-page issue. Mike Masaoka judged the first session of the 84th Congress among the least productive for JACL in a decade, while Harry Honda’s editorial said the Lane-Hillings evacuation claims bill was well placed for next session. News stories covered a House bill on Hawaii lands deeded by Japanese organizations, the removal of a ban on Mongolian labor from the Reclamation Act, and hearings set for San Francisco and Los Angeles. On the front page, Larry Nakatsuka wrote from Honolulu about Red China’s claim on people of Chinese ancestry abroad, and compared it to the dual citizenship Nisei faced before Pearl Harbor.
Elsewhere are Larry Tajiri on a film planned from Home Again and on sculptor Joseph Goto, and Bill Hosokawa on a Nisei who helped a fellow prisoner in a German camp. Haruo Ishimaru and Tats Kushida report from the Salinas district meeting, and the paper lists twelve Nisei Week queen candidates and a swim meet in Tokyo.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Chinese American Reaction Clear-Cut, by Larry Nakatsuka, page 1. Red China’s claim that all persons of Chinese ancestry abroad are its citizens drew a vigorous rejection from Hawaii’s Chinese community. The columnist notes the parallel to the dual citizenship dilemma Nisei faced before Pearl Harbor.
- Movie Script for ‘Home Again’, by Larry Tajiri, page 1. A film version of James Edmiston’s book Home Again, about a Mountain View nursery family’s wartime evacuation, is reportedly in preparation. The author explains why a fictional Nisei love interest was added to the story.
- Tokyo Topics: Americanisms in Postwar Japan, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 2. Murayama describes how American influences such as public kissing, gender equality and labor unions reshaped postwar Japanese society. He also recounts his early contacts with labor leaders during the Occupation.
- Smogliites: Surf-Rider Doorman and Honolulu Mix-Ups, by Mary Oyama, page 6. Oyama describes a series of cheerful encounters in Honolulu, including a hotel doorman seen off duty at a bowling alley and a chance meeting with an acquaintance at a dress shop. The column is light and anecdotal.
- The Sou’Wester: Black-Balled, by Tats Kushida, page 6. Kushida humorously recounts the NCWNDC weekend in Salinas, including room assignments and golf results. He also praises Masterson and Miyanaga for their roles in the event.
- Editorials: Congress Adjourns, by Harry Honda, page 8. The editorial reviews the adjournment of the Democratic Congress and notes that the Lane-Hillings evacuation claims bill is well positioned for next session. It also comments on the year’s legislative outcomes.
- Getting to Know You: Salinas, by Harry Honda, page 8. Honda describes his first visit to Salinas, touring its landmarks and meeting local JACL members. He also recalls the chapter’s role among the JACL’s pre-war founding organizations.
- Washington Newsletter: 1st Session, 84th Congress Less Productive for JACL, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Masaoka assesses the first session of the 84th Congress and finds it among the least productive for JACL in a decade. He argues that pending bills are in good position for the second session.
National
- Congressional Bills of Interest to JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The first session of the 84th Congress passed few measures of special JACL concern beyond evacuation claims payments and appropriations. Key pending bills, including Hawaii statehood and the Lane-Hillings claims bill, carry over to the next session.
- House Passes Hawaii Land Return Bill, Aids Non-Profit Japanese Organizations, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The House passed a bill to review claims for return of Hawaii lands deeded by Japanese organizations to governments during World War II. JACL endorsed the measure, which now awaits Senate action.
- Anti-Oriental Discriminatory Clause in Reclamation Act Deleted in House Action, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The House unanimously passed a bill removing the 1902 Reclamation Act’s ban on Mongolian labor on federal projects. The measure now goes to the Senate.
- Hearings Set for California, by P.C. Staff, page 1. House Judiciary subcommittee hearings on expediting remaining evacuation claims will be held in San Francisco and Los Angeles in late September. The hearings focus on technical implementation of the Lane-Hillings bill.
Community
- Nisei Week Queen Candidates Announced, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Twelve candidates for the 1955 Nisei Week queen were named and will be narrowed to five by judges. The festival runs Aug. 19-28 in Los Angeles.
- Chicago JACL Job Survey, by John Yoshino, page 4. A Chicago JACL survey of members’ jobs, earnings, education and housing found Nisei well employed and largely planning to stay in Chicago. The author cautions that the low response rate limits the survey’s validity.
- Scene from the Golden Gate: End of a Cycle, by Haruo Ishimaru, page 5. Ishimaru reflects on his final District Council meeting in Salinas as he leaves the JACL regional director post. He describes the banquet honoring Assemblyman Masterson and presenting JACL’s sapphire pin to Dr. Harry Kita.
- Shonien Home Resumes Plans, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Los Angeles City Council passed a resolution commending Shonien board efforts to reopen its child care center in Silver Lake. Organizers still need about $75,000 to complete the project.
- Los Angeles Newsletter: Gardena Banking Facilities, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Bank of Tokyo of California announced it will open a Gardena branch serving the South Bay Japanese American community. The bank has more than $20 million in assets.
Military & Veterans
- Heroics in German PW Camp, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Denver attorney Gerald Quiat recounts how a Nisei fellow prisoner, Masa Uchimura, nursed him through a festering stomach wound in a German camp. The columnist recalls knowing the Uchimura family in Seattle.
- Gold Star Parents Seek Citizenship for Japan-Born Son, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Parents of two Nisei sons killed in World War II seek permanent residency and citizenship for a third son born in Japan. The American Legion and Sen. Knowland are asked to help.
Arts & Entertainment
- Artist Allergic to Oil, Turpentine, by Larry Tajiri, page 3. Hawaii-born sculptor Joseph Goto won top honors at the Art Institute of Chicago for a 14-foot welded steel sculpture. The article traces his path from acetylene welding to art after being allergic to oil paint.
Sports
- American Swimmers Beaten in Dual Meet by Well-Balanced Japan Squad, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Japan defeated the visiting U.S. swim team 44-35 at Tokyo’s Meiji Stadium, setting two world records and 12 meet records. Masaru Furukawa set a new world mark in the 200-meter breaststroke.
- Monterey Retains Title at NCWN-DC Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Monterey JACL defended its team golf title at the NCWN-DC tournament in Salinas. Dave Yokozeki won the 1000 Club trophy and Kiyo Hirano took low net honors.
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.