Issei naturalization, a Typhoon Marie loss and the McCarran Senate seat

Vol. 39, No. 15, October 8, 1954. 8 pages. View this issue

Newly naturalized Issei citizens were the through line of this eight-page issue. Chicago JACLers escorted recent Issei citizens to register to vote at City Hall, and a Chicago reception honored 95 of them. Albuquerque JACL planned a Nov. 11 banquet for New Mexico’s Issei citizens, and nearly 250 Bay Area Issei were expected to take the oath that day. The front page also reported that Michael S. Sato of San Francisco was listed as missing after the Toya Maru capsized in Typhoon Marie, and that Mas Yonemura of Oakland agreed to aid Gentaro Kato’s defense. Mike M. Masaoka wrote on the passing of Sen. Pat McCarran.

Elsewhere, Larry Tajiri examined how Nisei vote, and Bill Hosokawa wrote about three children in school. Harry Honda looked at the atom-powered submarine Nautilus, and Tamotsu Murayama described a St. Louis visit with the Kalbfleish family. Sports pages covered bowling, football and a jockey’s suspension, and Hawaii’s Nisei candidates in the primaries.

What’s in this issue

National

  • San Francisco Soldier Presumed Dead in Hokkaido Typhoon Tragedy, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Michael S. Sato of San Francisco was listed as missing after the Japanese ferry Toya Maru sank in Typhoon Marie. His mother was notified that the 21-year-old drafted soldier was missing.
  • Kisei Attorneys to Aid Defendant in Stabbing Case, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Mas Yonemura of Oakland agreed to defend Gentaro Kato, a Japanese marine held for the fatal stabbing of Shigeo Masaoka in a cafe argument. The arraignment was postponed to Oct. 15 to allow adequate preparation.
  • Plea of Not Guilty Entered for Gentaro Kato, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Gentaro Kato entered a not guilty plea to the murder charge in the death of Shigeo Masaoka, a Lodi Nisei fatally stabbed in a restaurant row. The hearing was held in Municipal Judge Lenore Underwood’s courtroom.
  • National Exchange Club Convention Upholds ‘Whites’ Only Constitution, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Delegates at the National Exchange Club convention in Louisville voted to keep the whites-only membership clause despite California clubs’ opposition. National president J. Benjamin Brick said the policy would continue in all clubs nationwide.
  • Japanese Comprise 40% of Hawaii Population, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Bureau of Health Statistics figures show persons of Japanese descent made up over 40 percent of Hawaii’s civilian population in 1953. The breakdown lists each ethnic group’s share of the 468,838 total.
  • Appointment to Fill Vacancy of McCarran Post Stirs Battle, by P.C. Staff, page 1. After Sen. Pat McCarran’s death, Gov. Charles Russell appointed Reno attorney Ernest Brown to the Senate seat, sparking a legal dispute over whether an election should fill the unexpired term. State GOP leaders planned to seek a judicial ruling.

Community

  • Chicago Issei Teens in Mass Vote Registration, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Recently naturalized Issei citizens were escorted by Chicago JACLers in a caravan to register to vote at City Hall. The event was significant as the first time these long-resident Issei could participate in an American election.
  • ACLU Adviser Named, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Attorney Min Yasui, who served on the JACL executive board, was named to the ACLU advisory board for 1954-55. The appointment recognizes his continued civil liberties work.
  • New Mexico’s New Issei Citizens to Be Honored Nov. 11, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Albuquerque JACL will honor all New Mexico Issei naturalized citizens at a banquet on Nov. 11 at the Franciscan Hotel. Committee members for the statewide event were named.
  • Iowa’s Only Nisei Pastor with 100 Per Cent Caucasian Congregation Triples Membership, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Rev. Tom Fukuyama, Iowa’s only Nisei pastor, has nearly tripled the membership of the McGregor Congregational Church. The church received a certificate of merit from Iowa State College for its community service program.
  • Hawaii Nisei Candidates Survive Primaries, by Lawrence Nakatsuka, page 1. Of 64 Nisei candidates in Hawaii’s primary, 56 advanced, including two unopposed winners. Three of eight defeated Nisei were incumbents, a high casualty rate.
  • New Child Care Center Replacing Old Shonien Home to Be Built Soon on Same L.A. Property, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Ground-breaking for the new $50,000 Japanese Child Care Center in Los Angeles’s Silverlake area is tentatively set for November. A Nisei Planning Group of architects and engineers donated their technical expertise to design the facility.
  • Japanese Medical Auxiliary Formed in So. California, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Wives of Japanese Medical Society members in Southern California formed an auxiliary called Ishi Yuai Kai with Mrs. Norman Kobayashi as president. Officers and committee members were announced.
  • 20 Nisei Serve on Denver Commission on Human Relations, Group Commended, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Twenty Nisei are volunteering with the Denver Commission on Human Relations survey of discriminatory practices. Mayor J. Quigg Newton commended the JACL for its cooperation.
  • Sukiyaki Restaurant in Fisherman’s Wharf Opening, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Tokyo Sukiyaki is moving to a new Japanese-style restaurant at Jefferson and Taylor Sts. in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, with an investment of about $100,000. The new interior has been under construction since August.
  • Fowler CL Booth Wins First Place at Fresno Fair, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Fowler JACL community booth won first place in the class A division at the Fresno District Fair. The display depicted rapid transportation of produce from Fowler to eastern markets.
  • Nisei Stars of Tomorrow Revue Planned by Sacramento JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Sacramento JACL is preparing its second annual Your Stars of Tomorrow talent revue for Nov. 27. Local young performers and established stage artists are scheduled to appear.
  • Daikon Fund-Raiser Launched by Detroit JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Shibo Hayashi of Capac, Mich. is raising daikon radish to sell as a fund-raiser for the Detroit JACL treasury. Boxes are sold for $2.50 each.
  • Chicago Nisei Honor Ninety-Five Naturalized Issei, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Chicago JACL held a civic reception at McCormick YWCA honoring 95 naturalized Issei citizens. Speakers included Rep. Sidney Yates and Consul Toyokichi Nakagawa, and certificates of appreciation were presented to instructors.
  • Mother of 12 Children, Seven of Her Boys in Army, Wins Essay Contest, by Kagi Nakada, page 5. Mrs. Kagi Nakada of Azusa won the Los Angeles Examiner essay contest on what becoming an American means to her. Her essay describes how seven of her sons served in the U.S. Army.
  • Nisei Farmers Honored at New Mexico State Fair, by Ruth Hashimoto, page 5. Nisei farmers from Rancho Farms, Art Togami, and Yonemoto Brothers won numerous blue ribbons in fruit and vegetable categories at the 1954 New Mexico State Fair. Rancho Farms alone took 12 firsts.
  • Issei Prepped for Nov. 11 Naturalization Ceremony, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Nearly 250 Bay Area Issei are expected to take their oath of allegiance on Nov. 11 at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium as part of national mass naturalization. Federal Judge Edward P. Murphy will administer the oath in San Francisco.
  • Discovery of Nisei Biochemist Among Exhibits at Eye Center Dedication, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Dr. Samuel J. Kimura’s research on human tears was featured at the dedication of the Proctor Foundation for research in ophthalmology. His work found that lysozyme, a protein enzyme, is missing in the tears of women with dry eye.
  • Japan Art Student Wins S.F. Merit Award, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Nora Yamamoto, a senior from Japan at the College of Arts and Crafts, won an Award of Merit at the eighth annual San Francisco Art Festival. Her serigraph was purchased by the S.F. Art Commission.
  • Chapter President Wins Sequoia Bowling Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 6. John Enomoto won the Sequoia JACL bowling meet with a 634 series at Redwood Bowl. Other winners in the men’s and girls’ divisions were also recognized.
  • Fowler Lions Fall Festival Committees Named, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Harry Hiraoka is co-chairman of the Oct. 29 Fowler Fall Festival sponsored by the Fowler Lions. Other Nisei committee members were listed.
  • Kametaro Kawaguchi Wins New Car a 2nd Time, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Seattle angler Kametaro Kawaguchi won a new automobile by catching a 13 lb. 14 oz. salmon in an Elliot Bay derby. He had previously won a car the same way.
  • Church Benefit Bazaar, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The West Los Angeles Community Methodist Church holds a benefit bazaar on Oct. 17 with games, food, and auction. Proceeds support the church.
  • Cleveland Jr. Matrons Elect Officers, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Helen Furukawa was elected president of the Cleveland Jr. Matrons at the September meeting. The group plans a bake sale at its Halloween party to fund a December Christmas party.
  • Maui Nisei Originated Buddhist Scout Award, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Buddhist Scout Heritage award recently adopted by the Boy Scouts of America was originated four years ago by Stanley Okamoto of the Maui United YBA. He submitted the plan to the National Council.

Commentary

  • Washington Newsletter: Passing of Sen. McCarran, by Mike M. Masaoka, page 2. JACL Washington representative Mike Masaoka reviews the career of Sen. Pat McCarran and his contributions to the welfare of persons of Japanese ancestry. Masaoka argues that the senator’s legislative support will be difficult to replace.
  • Passing of Sen. McCarran, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Los Angeles Times editorial reprinted here praises Sen. McCarran as a patriotic and influential legislator who fought Communism. It acknowledges the controversy over the McCarran-Walter Act while defending its intent.
  • Tokyo Topics: Warmth of Kalbfleish Family in St. Louis Makes Day Unforgettable, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 2. Tamotsu Murayama recounts a visit with Capt. Edwin Kalbfleish Jr. and his family in St. Louis, the former POW who exposed the Bataan Death March. Murayama reflects on his wartime humanitarian efforts for American prisoners in Tokyo.
  • Very Truly Yours: New Atomic Age, by Harry Honda, page 2. Harry Honda reflects on the launch of the atom-powered submarine Nautilus, comparing it to Jules Verne’s fiction. He notes its destructive potential while hoping atomic power will bring peaceful benefits.
  • Role of Kibei, by Haruo Ishimaru, page 5. Haruo Ishimaru describes speaking to the Yuko Kai, a group of Kibei and exchange students from Japan, about JACL history. He argues older Nisei and organizations should help these young people adjust to American life.
  • The Sou’Wester: Indio Tom-Tom, by Tats Kushida, page 6. Tats Kushida profiles Tom Sakai of Indio, first vice-chairman of the Pacific Southwest District Council, and recognizes new 1000 Club members. The column also reflects on the JACL’s growing public acceptance among Nisei.
  • Nisei Social Notes: Newsletter Vital Statistics, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Vital statistics list births, engagements, marriage licenses, weddings, and deaths from chapters across the country. Included are notices for individuals including Robert S. Masaoka of Lodi.
  • Editorial: Sen. McCarran, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The editorial remembers Sen. Pat McCarran as a lone-wolf battler who opposed Roosevelt and Truman on key measures. It concludes that Congress needs politicians with his strength of conviction.
  • Editorial: Delinquency Reports, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The editorial criticizes sensational juvenile delinquency coverage in Los Angeles Japanese vernaculars and urges constructive approaches. It suggests Nisei Week proceeds be directed to the Li’l Tokio community center building fund.
  • From the Frying Pan: Schoolhouse at Home, by Bill Hosokawa, page 8. Bill Hosokawa describes life with three children in school, from his first grader’s learning to his fifth grader’s questions and his son’s algebra homework. He humorously reflects on parenting a six-year-old.
  • Vagaries: The Nisei Vote, by Larry Tajiri, page 8. Larry Tajiri argues that Nisei do not vote as a bloc, noting that economic status and party history shape their choices. He cites a 1936 survey, Nisei candidates, and bipartisan support for JACL legislation.

JACL

  • Cosmetology Lecture Slated for San Francisco Group, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The San Francisco JACL Women’s Auxiliary plans a cosmetology lecture on Oct. 14 at Kinmon Gakuen. Speakers will cover hair styling and charm, poise, and manners.
  • Mile-Hi JACL Slates Dinner for Issei Citizens, Election Meeting Oct. 29, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Mile-Hi JACL will host a potluck dinner honoring newly naturalized Issei in Denver on Oct. 29 at the YWCA. A political meeting with Republican and Democratic campaign speakers will follow.
  • Club Servite Bureau Questionnaires Requested, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Southland Nisei social clubs were asked to return Club Service Bureau questionnaires to the JACL office. The information will build a master club file and support the Christmas Cheer project.

Sports

  • Frank Ouchi Aids Reedley Win, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Frank Ouchi, a Reedley College halfback, returned a punt and threw a 22-yard pass to help defeat Cal Poly 39-13. The play set up a score in the rout.
  • Masako Katsura Leaves for Billiard Championships, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Japanese billiard star Masako Katsura departed for Buenos Aires to compete in her third world three-cushion billiard championship. She traveled with her husband Vernon Greenleaf and world champion Ray Kilgore.
  • Nisei Bowlers Among Prizewinners at State Fair Classic, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Fuzzy Shimada and Jean Nakatani placed among the winners at the State Fair Bowling Classic in Sacramento. Shimada tied for second in men’s high scratch series with 1207.
  • Nisei Jockey Suspended Five Days at Tanforan, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Apprentice jockey George Taniguchi finished a five-day suspension at Tanforan. He rode three winners Friday but a Saturday win was disallowed after stewards viewed film of a bump.

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