Adopted children, Hawaii statehood and the Evacuation Claims ruling

Vol. 36, No. 11, March 13, 1953. 8 pages. View this issue

A joint resolution from Rep. Francis Walter led the news. It would admit 500 adopted minor children of American servicemen and civilian employees overseas outside the usual quotas, and JACL’s Mike Masaoka explained why Japan’s small quota left families relying on private bills. The front page also reported that Republican leaders predicted Senate passage of Hawaii statehood by April 1, after a 274-138 House vote, and that a Justice Department ruling by Warren E. Burger extended Evacuation Claims Act benefits to a Caucasian wife and her part-Japanese child.

Other pages included Masaoka’s Washington newsletter, Henry Mori’s Los Angeles column on restrictive covenants, and Tamotsu Murayama’s Tokyo Topics on the 1946 Japanese constitution. Bill Hosokawa wrote about his abandoned hobbies. The issue also reported the reactivation of the 100th Infantry Battalion in Honolulu, the Tokyo Giants’ baseball tour, and Issei naturalization classes in several cities. Editorials took up Hawaii statehood and civil rights legislation.

What’s in this issue

National

• Admit Adopted Children into U.S. Sought by Walter Resolution, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Rep. Francis Walter introduced a joint resolution to admit 500 adopted minor children of American servicemen and civilian employees overseas outside existing quotas. JACL’s Mike Masaoka explained the legislation addresses oversubscribed quotas for Japan and Korea that have forced reliance on private bills.
• Senate Passage of Hawaii Statehood Bill Predicted by April 1, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Republican leaders predicted Senate passage of Hawaii statehood by April 1 following a 274-138 House vote. The House cut Hawaii’s proposed House representation from two seats to one, though Senate supporters expected that to be restored.
• Mannahatta: Tatsuo Arai and Yasuo Kuniyoshi, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Japanese painter Tatsuo Arai met American painter Yasuo Kuniyoshi, who wrote an appreciation of Arai’s work noting its blend of Western art with native Japanese aesthetics. Kuniyoshi praised Arai’s ability to merge his oriental background with the Western idiom.
• Los Angeles Newsletter: Restrictive Covenants and Bigotry, by Henry Mori, page 2. The column argues that many white residents in areas with restrictive covenants oppose discrimination but fear property value declines when non-whites move in. It also describes opposition to Assembly Bill 332, which would prohibit refusing property sales to non-whites.
• Ambassador to Japan John M. Allison Nominated, by Mike Masaoka, page 7. Career diplomat John M. Allison, Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs, was nominated U.S. Ambassador to Japan, succeeding Robert D. Murphy. Masaoka notes Allison’s deep Japan experience and his role in drafting the Japanese Peace Treaty.

Military & Veterans

• Dayton Sansei Christened With Name No Other Believed to Have, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A baby boy born to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ono of Dayton was named McCarran Walter Ono, a name no other Sansei in the United States is believed to have. The article notes a family photo appears inside the issue.
• 100th Infantry Battalion Reactivated at Fort DeRussy, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The 100th Infantry Battalion, a famous World War II combat unit, was reactivated February 23 at Fort DeRussy as a U.S. Army Reserve unit in Honolulu. Original commander Farrant L. Turner and Lt. Col. Henry M. Kawano were pictured with the unit colors.
• Hawaiian Named Detroit’s Best GI, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Cpl. Henry Nakazato of Kakalau, Hawaii, was selected Detroit’s Soldier of the Month for his radioman competence with the 99th AAA Battalion. He said he would like nothing more than his mother’s chicken hekka.
• Berkeley-Born Japanese Soldier Ordained Minister, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Rev. Michael Haratani, a Berkeley-born former Japanese soldier who survived the Hiroshima bombing, was ordained an Episcopalian clergyman. He had lost his American citizenship when forced to serve in the Japanese army.

Community

• Dr. Kawai Memorial Set, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Memorial services for the late Dr. Michi Kawai were scheduled for Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Japanese Union Church in Los Angeles.
• Butane Explosion Fatal to Strawberry Grower, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Santa Cruz strawberry grower Henry N. Takeiri died of burns from a butane blast near his home, believed caused by a leaking valve and a lit match while he was showing an empty house to pickers. The incident occurred as he considered renting the house for seasonal workers.
• Misei Republicans in Scramble for Political Appointments in Hawaii, by L. Nakatsuka, page 1. Governor Samuel Wilder King, Hawaii’s first Republican governor in 20 years, is making political appointments and has indicated he will consider Nisei for posts. Several Nisei have already been named or have resigned from the previous Democratic administration’s cabinet.
• Stockton Trucker in Fatal Crash Faces Trial, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A San Joaquin County misdemeanor manslaughter complaint was filed against Stockton truck driver Elmer E. Doughty after a collision near Tracy killed Mrs. Tomi Amimoto of Sunnyvale. Investigators say Doughty struck a truck and then collided head-on with a passenger vehicle.
• Hosokawa Recuperates at Home After Surgery, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Denver journalist Bill Hosokawa was hospitalized March 6 for an abdominal operation and is expected to recover at home for some time. He is Sunday editor of the Denver Post magazine section and a contributor to the Pacific Citizen.
• Bussei Gather in Li’l Tokio for Western Young Buddhist League Conclave, by Henry Mori, page 2. About 800 Bussei from California and Arizona gathered at Nishi Hongwanji for WYBL conclave sessions, and Yosh Isono was installed as new president. Emi Yoshiyama of Monterey was crowned Miss Bussei.
• Chicago Corner: March Meeting Features Benedict Mayers, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Chicago JACL’s March 19 chapter meeting will feature Prof. Benedict Mayers, who will reveal the story behind the song Gomen Nasai, along with Consul General Otoshiro Kuroda. The chapter also noted musical performances and other community events.
• Capsules, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Brief news items cover Nisei achievements, academic honors, and community events across the country. Items include an agricultural trainee program in Hawaii and a San Francisco Girl Scout Hina Matsuri display.
• Long Beach Area Issei Naturalization Class Set, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A 10-week Issei naturalization class in the Long Beach area was scheduled to begin March 20 with approval from the City Adult Education Board. The course was recognized by the Terminal Island Immigration and Naturalization Service office.
• Second Enbun Market Opens in Southwest Los Angeles, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A new 5,000 square foot Enbun Market opened on West Jefferson Boulevard in the Seinan district, managed by Ken Kawa. The store offers a complete line of Japanese foods, hardware, drugs, and cosmetics.
• Chicago Dentist Reopens Office After Army Release, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Capt. Clifford C. Fujimoto returned from active duty with the Army Dental Corps and reopened his Woodlawn office. He served a year in Hokkaido with the 1st Cavalry plus stateside duty at Fort Houston and Fort Bragg.
• Canadian Nisei Suggest Own Substitutes for ‘Japs’, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The British Columbia JCCA conference offered resolutions proposing alternatives such as Janucks or JCCs in place of the term Japs. The resolutions addressed to press and radio did not pass.
• Introduce Old-Age Benefit Bills to Assist Calif. Issei, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Two bills before the California legislature would extend old-age assistance to non-citizens, including Japanese and Mexican residents. AB 2059 and SB 780 were referred to the Social Welfare committees.
• Seattle Signing Up Next Americanization Students, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A second group of around 140 Issei students will begin Americanization classes sponsored by the Seattle JACL with the Public School system and Naturalization Service. The current group of 400 is expected to graduate later this month.
• Oakland Adult School Starts Second Naturalization Class, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A new Americanization class taught by D. Brooke McKinnon will begin March 16 at Roosevelt Junior High School in Oakland. The class is offered through the Oakland Public School Community Adult School.
• Nat’l JCCA Hit by Shortage of Funds, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Ontario JCCA conference urged restructuring the National Japanese Canadian Citizens Association to rely on part-time and volunteer staff. The organization is working on an emergency budget of $4,800 to hire a full-time secretary.
• Wyoming U. Graduate Assigned to S.F. Army Post, by P.C. Staff, page 3. First Lt. Takaharu Kusaba, a University of Wyoming graduate, reported for duty at the San Francisco Port of Embarkation. He was commissioned in 1948 after six years of enlisted service.
• Denver Chapter Accepts Mile-Hi Membership Challenge, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Chicago JACL chapter challenged the Denver chapter to a membership drive contest on a quota basis. Harry Mizuno leads the drive, which includes Operation Sawbucks, a plan to recruit $10 supporting members.
• Eden Township CL Class Graduation on Mar. 18, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Eden Township JACL’s first group of Issei studying for naturalization in Japanese will graduate at San Lorenzo High School. A graduation dinner will precede the ceremony, with state, city and school officials invited.
• Eastern District Council Elects Ira Shimasaki Chairman, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Ira Shimasaki, former Washington D.C. chapter president, was elected chairman of the Eastern District Council. He runs an auto repair business in the capital and will be assisted by other officers.
• Colorado Community Holds Annual Benefit, Donates to National JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Brighton Japanese American Association and Nisei Women’s Club netted $180 from a February benefit, which was contributed to National JACL. Roy Mayeda was association president.
• Hideo Yoshihara Heads Dayton JACL Chapter, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Lee Lacy, executive director of Goodwill Industries, installed the 1953 Dayton JACL officers and spoke on citizenship. Hideo Yoshihara was installed as president.
• Giichi Yoshioka Named New NCWN Council Chairman, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Giichi Yoshioka, a Hayward nurseryman, succeeds Masuji Fujii as chairman of the Northern California-Western Nevada JACL district council. He specializes in growing carnations and is active in several civic organizations.
• Mass Swearing-In of 1953 Los Angeles County JACL Officers, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Saburo Kido administered the installation of 1953 officers for the nine Los Angeles County JACL chapters in place of the ill George Inagaki. A photo accompanies the report.
• Mayor of Dearborn, Mich., Signed as Detroit JACLer, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Frank Hubbard, son of Dearborn Mayor Orville L. Hubbard, joined the Detroit JACL chapter. The new member is a judo nidan who plans to study in Japan this summer.
• Placer JACL Nine to Meet Tokyo Giants on Mar. 26, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Placer County JACL baseball team will play the Tokyo Giants at Edmonds Field in Sacramento on March 26. The Giants will receive a civic reception with the Sacramento Solons as official hosts.
• Newborn McCarran Walter Ono Pictured with Family, by P.C. Staff, page 7. A photo caption shows the Frank Ono family of Dayton with newborn McCarran Walter Ono, nicknamed Carey. Mother Yayoi Ono is pictured along with siblings Velde, Barbara-Lyn, and Morey.
• Bank of Tokyo and Japanese Community Notes, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Brief community items cover the Eden Township and other chapter activities along with births, weddings, and other personal news. Items are presented as community notices.

Arts & Entertainment

• Holst’s Japanese Suite Premiered for Hawaii Concert-Goers, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Honolulu Symphony Orchestra under George Barati premiered Gustave Holst’s Japanese Suite, an arrangement of authentic oriental themes, on a Tuesday night concert. The score had been found in the orchestra library last year with no one knowing how it got there.
• Luncheon at Sardi’s, by Joe Oyama, page 2. Dancer Yuriko Amemiya was interviewed on a coast-to-coast radio program at Sardi’s in New York about playing Eliza in The King and I. The interviewer’s questions about her relocation camp background prompted the writer’s reflections on the exchange.
• Pizza Pie, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A columnist describes overhearing a Chinese Nisei at a New York pizzeria angrily respond to a waiter’s mocking remark about his race. The anecdote is used to comment on racial stereotyping.

Incarceration & Redress

• Evacuation Claims Ruling Extends Benefits to Non-Japanese Spouses, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Justice Department official Warren E. Burger ruled that a Caucasian wife with a part-Japanese child who was forced into relocation camps qualifies for Evacuation Claims Act benefits. Mike Masaoka called the precedent-setting decision an indication of real understanding of the redress problem.

Commentary

• Washington Newsletter: Capitol Slowdown, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. The Republican 83rd Congress has moved slowly, with the Senate in session only 25 days and just two public acts approved by both chambers in two months. The column compares this record unfavorably with the first month of the 1933 Roosevelt Congress.
• Tokyo Topics: The Inside Story of the Japanese Constitution, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 2. Former premier Dr. Hitoshi Ashida told the writer that about 90 percent of the 1946 Japanese constitution originated through American initiative. Ashida also explained that Article 9 does not forbid self-defensive rearmament in his interpretation.
• Sportscope, by P.C. Staff, page 6. A column of sports briefs covering Akira Date’s 285 bowling game in San Diego, Seattle Little League plans, a record white niua catch in Hawaii, and the Puget Sound Golf Club’s bid for USGA admittance. It also notes the Seattle Lotus Vikings’ championship run.
• Tokyo Topics: Japan’s Constitution and Rearmament Debate, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 7. Dr. Hitoshi Ashida explains the drafting history of the 1946 constitution, including SCAP’s rejection of the Matsumoto draft and the approval of the American draft by the Japanese cabinet. He argues that constitutional amendment for self-defense is unnecessary.
• Editorials: Hawaii Statehood, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The editorial welcomes the House passage of the Hawaii statehood bill but warns against overconfidence before Senate action. It urges JACL chapters to help secure smooth and early passage.
• Editorials: Civil Rights Legislation, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The editorial concludes a strong FEPC is unlikely under the Republican Congress given President Eisenhower’s position against compulsory fair employment laws. It asks whether civil rights can be won step by step and suggests JACL’s naturalization strategy as a model.
• Time for Hobbies, by Bill Hosokawa, page 8. Bill Hosokawa reflects on a long string of abandoned hobbies, from stamp collecting to radio building to golf and bridge. He concludes he no longer has time for one.
• Very Truly Yours: File and Forget, by Harry K. Honda, page 8. Harry K. Honda offers a column of light, miscellaneous observations on headlines, politics, and everyday oddities. The items are short and humorous in tone.
• Opinions from Other Newspapers: Financial Woes, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Reprinting from the New Canadian, the piece examines the financial struggles of the National Japanese Canadian Citizens Association. It argues that provincialism after emergencies threatens the national organization’s effectiveness.
• Minority Notes: Arizona Public Schools and San Francisco Residence, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Brief notes report on the Arizona Supreme Court’s pending decision on school segregation, continued housing discrimination in San Francisco, and segregated firehouses in Oakland. Each item reports on civil rights progress or obstacles.
• The Mailbox: Make ‘Em Short, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The letters column explains the paper’s policy of requesting short letters and editing for length. Reader questions about the term Intentions and erratic subscription delivery are addressed.

Obituaries

• Los Angeles County Supervisor Raymond V. Darby Dies, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Los Angeles County Supervisor Raymond V. Darby died of a cerebral hemorrhage at age 57. He was a prewar champion of persons of Japanese ancestry who fought evacuation and upheld that principle during the war years.
• Deaths Reported in Japanese American Community, by P.C. Staff, page 7. A listing of deaths includes Rikizo Matsui of Milpitas, Mrs. Akino Obata of Seattle, Tokushi Oikawa of Los Angeles, and others. Each entry notes survivors.

Sports

• Tokyo Giants Victorious Over Hollywood Before 4,500 Fans, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Hideo Fujimoto pitched the Tokyo Giants to a 2-0 shutout over the Pacific Coast League champion Hollywood team before 4,500 fans at Gilmore Park. Shigeru Chiba’s double and Kazuo Higasa’s single produced the ninth-inning run.
• So. Calif. NAU Cage Records Broken, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Nisei Trading Co. basketball team set a new record with a 90-43 victory over the Aris Ayes, its ninth straight league win clinching the title. Jim Miyano’s individual 40-point record was broken by Harold Brooks of St. Mary’s with 41 points.
• Professional Ice Hockey Star AWOL From New Haven, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Frank Toyota, the first Nisei to break into professional hockey, reportedly left the New Haven Ramblers and headed west to go into the trucking business. He said he was bored with the routine of playing twice a week.
• Seabrook Bowlers Cop Honors at EDC Tourney, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Seabrook bowlers took top honors at the Eastern District Council tournament, with Seabrook No. 2 winning the men’s team event with 2,882. Beth Fujimoto of New York posted the women’s high game of 163.
• Fresno Midstate Bowling Tournament Set for Mar. 21-22, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The fourth annual Nisei Midstate bowling championships will be held at Playdium Recreation in Fresno. Teams roll on Saturday and doubles and singles on Sunday.

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