Nisei Memorial Day, Medal of Honor and Issei naturalization

Vol. 37, No. 18, October 30, 1953. 8 pages. View this issue

Nisei Memorial Day and the Korean War’s Medal of Honor recipients led this eight-page issue. President Eisenhower presented the medal to seven men, including Hiroshi Miyamura of the Albuquerque JACL chapter. Mike Masaoka wrote about Nisei Memorial Day and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team’s rescue of the Lost Texas Battalion, and profiled Col. William P. Scobey. The front page also reported that the National JACL was challenging denials of Issei naturalization for men classified 5-F during World War I, with a Denver case involving Harry G. Matoba headed to federal court.

Elsewhere, Lawrence Nakatsuka wrote about Aloha Week, and Tamotsu Murayama analyzed anti-American feeling in Japan. Larry Tajiri described the 442nd memorial near Bruyeres, France, and Bill Hosokawa profiled George Shuichi Mizota. Harry K. Honda asked what members get out of JACL. Page 6 carries bowling, baseball and golf news.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Merrymaking Aspects of Aloha Week, by Lawrence Nakatsuka, page 1. A Honolulu newsletter column reflects on Aloha Week’s festivities as a tourist-driven celebration of Hawaii’s multiethnic harmony. The writer suggests the event should stay lighthearted rather than become a vehicle for social messaging.
• Very Truly Yours: What Do I Get Out of JACL?, by Harry K. Honda, page 2. Honda answers a reader’s question about what membership in the JACL offers by arguing that people must join forces to improve their community. He contends rugged individualism is inadequate and that the JACL is the only national group promoting Japanese American welfare.
• Choice of Relation, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The editorial condemns the Air Force’s attempt to discharge Lt. Milo Radulovich because of his father’s and sister’s political associations. It argues that penalizing a young man for relatives’ views violates individual rights.
• Holiday Edition, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The editorial reports progress on the 72-page Holiday Issue, with greetings and advertising arriving. It encourages readers to submit one-line personal Season’s Greetings to reach over 12,000 homes.
• Remarkable Stanford Man, by Bill Hosokawa, page 8. Hosokawa profiles George Shuichi Mizota, a Stanford graduate who served as interpreter for the Japanese navy and later led a fishing firm. Mizota’s wartime experiences and postwar sardine trade mission are recounted.
• Bruyeres Always Remembers, by Larry Tajiri, page 8. Tajiri describes the JACL-sponsored memorial to the 442nd in the Vosges forest near Bruyeres, France, which the town has never forgotten. He urges Nisei to visit and suggests a permanent committee to maintain the memorial.

Military & Veterans

• Eisenhower Presents Medal of Honor to Miyamura and Six Korean War Heroes, by P.C. Staff, page 1. President Eisenhower awarded the Medal of Honor to seven Korean War veterans, including Nisei recipient Hiroshi Miyamura of the Albuquerque JACL chapter. Miyamura, a former prisoner of war, has been honored by Japanese American communities since his release.
• Nisei Memorial Day, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Masaoka marks Nisei Memorial Day, commemorating the 442nd’s rescue of the Lost Texas Battalion and honoring Nisei war dead of World War II and Korea. He notes the day reminds Americans that community acceptance was bought with blood.
• Col. William P. Scobey, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Masaoka profiles retired Army Colonel William P. Scobey, an early advocate for Nisei volunteers who helped establish the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Scobey’s role in persuading the War Department to authorize Nisei combat units is recounted.
• Col. Johnson Speaks at Nisei Memorial Services; Pays Tribute to Fallen, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Services at Arlington National Cemetery honored Nisei war dead, with Medal of Honor winner Hiroshi Miyamura laying a wreath. Col. Campbell C. Johnson of Selective Service delivered the main address.
• Widow Wins $20,000 Case, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Mrs. C. L. Tanouye of Regina received a $20,000 settlement after her husband died from a gauze left in his throat during surgery. A coroner’s jury found negligence by the surgeon, who died the next day in an accident.

Incarceration & Redress

• Denial of Issei Naturalization for 5-F Draft Classification May Become Court Issue, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National JACL is challenging INS rulings that denied Issei naturalization to men classified 5-F during World War I. A Denver case involving Harry G. Matoba is scheduled for federal court, and the JACL says it is prepared to take the matter to the courts.

Community

• Bedding Plant Marketing Order Ruling Reaffirmed by Court; Still Held Invalid, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Los Angeles Superior Court reaffirmed its decision invalidating the state’s bedding plant marketing order in a case brought by Japanese American nurseryman Robert A. Asamoto. The judge found the order unconstitutional and the state has 60 days to appeal.
• Over $22,000 Given to Flood Relief From Canada, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Japanese Canadians raised $22,737.39 for flood relief in Japan following floods in Wakayama and Kumamoto. The drive was started by the Toronto JCCA chapter.
• Set Aside One Day for L.A. Citizens-to-Be, by P.C. Staff, page 1. More than 20 Issei petitioners for naturalization will be examined at the Los Angeles Immigration office on Nov. 5. JACL arranged volunteer interpreters at no charge.
• Delano Chapter Car Float Wins Trophy, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Delano JACL chapter’s decorated convertible won the best-car trophy in the Delano Harvest Festival parade. Three kimono-clad girls rode in the car, which was trimmed with streamers and lanterns.
• Nisei Appointed Palau Anthropological Official, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Harry K. Uyehara, a University of Hawaii graduate, was appointed special anthropological consultant to the Palau District administration of the Trust Territory. He previously worked with a University of Wisconsin anthropological team in Palau.
• New York Service Group Launches Newsletter Fundraiser, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Nisei Service Organization in New York began a nationwide fundraising campaign to support its newsletter to servicemen. The group has held dances and parties for Nisei GIs on leave in New York.
• Onetime Ringling Circus Headliners Now Have Five Children Starring as Cyclists, by Brownie N. Furutani, page 3. The Yokoi family, famous bicycle performers who toured with the Ringling Circus, arrived from Tokyo planning to settle in the United States. The five children are performers, and the parents plan to work on citizenship papers.
• Southern Nevada Rotarians Hear Talk on New Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 3. James Yoshida, a Pepperdine College student from Hilo, spoke to three southern Nevada Rotary clubs about developments in Japan and the Far East. He addressed the program as part of International Goodwill Week.
• Inside Regional Office Los Angeles, by Tats Kushida, page 5. Kushida describes the work of the JACL Regional Office in Los Angeles, including naturalization assistance for Issei, counseling, and welfare referrals. He notes regional offices are now funded by District Councils.
• Min.-Plains Keg Tourney All Set, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Mountain-Plains JACL bowling tournament in Denver on Nov. 28-29 has been announced, with entry deadline extended to Nov. 20. Prizes and trophies will be awarded in team, doubles, and singles events.
• Ontario Keglerin Idaho State Finals, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Shig Hironaka qualified for the Idaho State Match Bowling championship finals at Pocatello after a three-week qualification rolloff in Ontario, Oregon. It is Idaho’s first state match championship tournament.
• Cortez JACL Slates Striped Bass Derby, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Cortez JACL will hold its seventh annual benefit striped bass derby on Nov. 15 at Frank’s Tract. Proceeds support local community work and youth groups.
• Los Angeles Newsletter, by Henry Mori, page 7. Roundup of Los Angeles Nisei news including flower industry leadership changes, a testimonial banquet for Judge John F. Aiso, and the Postmaster General’s visit. Vital statistics and deaths are also reported.
• 17-Year-Old Nisei Chosen for Red Cross Chapter Board, by P.C. Staff, page 7. David Yamakama Jr., a senior at San Francisco’s Mission High School, became the first youth member of the San Francisco Red Cross board of directors. He has been active in the Junior Red Cross.

In-Depth

• Analysis of Anti-Americanism in Japan, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 3. Murayama analyzes growing anti-American sentiment in Japan after the Occupation, citing an inferiority complex, fear of atomic weapons, and missteps by American officials. He argues Americans must approach Japanese culture with more understanding.

Sports

• U.S. Baseball Teams Visiting Japan Continue to Reap Needed Goodwill, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 6. Roy Saiki, Tsueo Cappy Harada, and Frank Lefty O’Doul accompany the New York Giants on their Japan goodwill tour. The article highlights their roles in promoting American baseball and friendship in Japan.
• Japanese Flyweight Champion Still Champ, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Yoshio Shirai retained his world flyweight title with a 15-round decision over Terry Allen in Tokyo before 30,000 fans. It was Shirai’s third successful title defense.
• Nisei Bowlers Continue to Roll 600s, by P.C. Staff, page 6. A roundup of recent high bowling series by Nisei bowlers across California, Oregon, and Washington, including several 600-plus series. Top women’s scores are also noted.
• Los Angeles Sunday Morning Baseball, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Mizokami Dons upset defending NAU champion Nisei Trading 7-6 at Griffith Park. The Li’l Tokio Giants and Wada Asato Omatsu Insurance lead the nine-team league.
• ’34 No. Calif. Nisei Golf Open Scheduled, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The 1954 Northern California Nisei golf championship will be held at Pasatiempo in Santa Cruz on June 5 and 6. The 3-G club will be assisted by the Kasumi and Century clubs.

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.