Kawakita’s Supreme Court petition and the evacuee claims program

Vol. 33, No. 21, December 1, 1951. 8 pages. View this issue

Attorneys for Tomoya Kawakita filed a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review his 1948 treason conviction and death sentence. The petition asks whether he lost his U.S. nationality while in Japan and whether the verdict was coerced. Alongside it, the new compromise settlement on evacuation claims ran through the issue. Frank F. Chuman, attorney John Maeno and several JACL chapters planned meetings and clinics to help claimants fill out forms, and Northern California chapters asked for faster action.

The front page also carried new Nisei casualty reports from Korea and news of the JACL Intermountain District Council convention in Salt Lake City. Elsewhere, Larry Tajiri wrote about Shirley Yamaguchi’s film Japanese War Bride, and Bill Hosokawa profiled Mike Umezawa of Montrose, Colorado. Min Yasui contributed two pieces, and the sports pages covered bowling and Fresno State’s Satoshi Hirayama.

What’s in this issue

Incarceration & Redress

  • Attorneys for Kawakita File Petition for Review of Treason Case, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Attorneys for Tomoya Kawakita filed a petition for certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court challenging his 1948 treason conviction and death sentence. The petition raises questions about loss of U.S. nationality, dual citizenship allegiance, assault as treason, and whether the verdict was coerced.
  • Chuman to Discuss Compromise Plan on Evacuee Claims, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Attorney Frank F. Chuman will explain the new compromise settlement procedure on evacuation claims at a December 6 meeting sponsored by the East Los Angeles JACL chapter. Specimen forms will be distributed free and the explanation will be given in Japanese.
  • Jury Selected in Fraud Trial of San Francisco Evacuee, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Trial began in San Francisco federal court for Yuziro Sakuragi, 69, accused of filing a false $760 evacuation claim under the 1948 Act. The case was postponed to December 4 after a jury was selected.

Military & Veterans

  • Four Nisei Killed, Nine Hurt in Action on Korean Front, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Department of Defense reported thirteen more Nisei casualties from Korea, including four killed in action and nine wounded. Names and family details of the casualties were listed.
  • Remains of Two GIs of North California Returned for Burial, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The remains of two Northern California Nisei soldiers, Pfc. Shogo Iwatsuru and Mitsugi D. Takamoto, arrived in Oakland aboard the Alleghany Victory for final burial. They were among 615 U.S. soldiers killed in Korea returned.
  • Nisei WAC Home from Japan as War Bride, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Sgt. Toshiye Tsukamoto, a Nisei WAC, returned to Seattle as one of thirty-one war brides aboard the Navy transport Gen. M. M. Patrick. She is now Mrs. Percy Goff, wife of an Army sergeant still serving overseas.
  • Nisei Soldier Brings Home Korean Bride, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Sgt. James Y. Takamoto of Kauai returned to Honolulu with his Korean bride, Sun Ok, whom he married in Korea. They were among twelve servicemen and brides arriving by Clipper.
  • Survivor of Hiroshima Recalls A-Bombing, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Corp. Katsumi Nagaoka, a Nisei who was in Hiroshima when the atomic bomb fell, recounted the blast and its aftermath in an interview with the Denver Post. He is now a patient at Fitzsimons Army Hospital.

Community

  • Issei Tenant Dies as Fire Razes Temple, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Fukumatsu Tsujimoto, 80, died after a fire destroyed the former Vacaville Buddhist Temple, which had been used as a hostel since 1945. Another resident, Yee Yukaw, was also burned in the blaze.
  • Hawaii Girl Doing Nicely After Operation, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Four-year-old Karen Ishibashi of Hilo, Hawaii, successfully withstood a major four-hour surgery at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Doctors reattached a vein to a kidney after diagnosing an obstruction in the spleenic vein, and she is expected to recover fully.
  • Cincinnati Names Dr. James Takao as New President, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. James Takao was elected president of the Cincinnati JACL in November elections. Other officers were named for vice-presidents, secretaries and treasurer.
  • Ellis Center Plans Oratorical Contest, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Ellis Community Center in Chicago is planning its first annual oratorical contest for high school students of Japanese descent, with a theme of Peace. A $50 first prize will be offered as a memorial gift for men who died in Korea.
  • Cleveland JACL to Install New Chapter Heads, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Cleveland JACL chapter announced its 1952 slate of officers to be installed at the Inaugural Ball on December 22 at the Richmond Country Club. Candidates for each office were listed.
  • Denver Chapter Holds Benefit Turkey Shoot, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Denver JACL chapter sponsored a benefit turkey shoot on November 25 that drew many participants. Winners of turkeys, hams and a shotgun were named.
  • Tulare Group Holds Clinic on Claims, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Tulare County JACL chapter held an evacuation claims clinic helping claimants complete the new compromise program forms. Stenographic aid was provided to those who requested it.
  • New York JACL Carnival Raises $460 for ADC, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The New York JACL chapter’s carnival on November 18 raised approximately $460 for the ADC fund after expenses. Proceeds were divided among participating non-JACL organizations.
  • Gardena Valley Chapter to Hold Meeting on Claims, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Gardena Valley JACL will host a public meeting on December 6 explaining the compromise settlement procedure for evacuation claims. Attorney John Maeno will speak and Japanese translations will be provided.
  • Southern Alameda Chapter Will Hold Annual Xmas Party, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Southern Alameda County JACL will hold its annual children’s Christmas party on December 15 at Hansen Hall in Centerville. The program includes Santa Claus, games, singing, prizes and refreshments.
  • Reedley Chapter to Hold Evacuation Claims Clinic, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Reedley JACL chapter will conduct an evacuation claims clinic on December 6 with Fresno attorneys assisting claimants. A membership roundup social is also planned for December 14.
  • Hollywood Group Wins Right to Former School Building, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Hollywood Japanese Community Center won its court case to obtain the former Japanese Language school building from the Los Angeles school district. Attorney John F. Aiso represented the group, and the court ruled the Board of Education’s lease had ended.
  • Seattle JACL Gives Claims Information, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Seattle JACL chapter held an evacuation claims clinic at the Buddhist church, distributing compromise claims forms and translations. Work sheets remained available at a Weller Street address for those unable to attend.
  • Park Board May Restore Original Name of Garden, by P.C. Staff, page 3. San Francisco’s Park-Recreation Commission has no objection to renaming the Golden Gate Park tea garden the Japanese Tea Garden. Satisfactory lease arrangements with the current operator remain to be completed.
  • Ellis Community Center Full Christmas Program Set, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Ellis Community Center in Chicago planned a series of Christmas activities including worship services, a Sunday school program, a banquet, tree trimming and caroling. The events were scheduled for mid to late December.
  • Central California Christian Group Plans Conference, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Central California Young People’s Christian Conference will hold a cabinet meeting in Fresno to discuss future conference plans and relations with the Northern California group. Officers and cabinet members were listed.
  • Abe Hagiwara Heads Chicago JACL Cabinet, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Abe Hagiwara and the 1952 Chicago JACL cabinet were installed at the chapter’s inaugural ball, with Dr. T. T. Yatabe administering the oath. Officers and patrons attending the event were listed.
  • Modern Madame Butterfly: Colorado Ex-GI Surmounts Obstacles to Wed Sweetheart, by Min Yasui, page 8. Min Yasui tells the story of Joe Duran, a former GI who fathered a daughter with Fusae Tsushima in Kure, Japan, and worked to bring his family to the United States. Under the war brides act, Fusae was able to enter the country.
  • Eight Members of Bunco Ring Formally Indicted by Jury, by P.C. Staff, page 8. A San Francisco grand jury indicted eight persons of Japanese ancestry on grand theft and conspiracy charges for a diamond and gold bunco scheme that defrauded Nisei victims of about $27,000. Three suspects were in custody and five remained at large.
  • Evacuation Story Told College Group, by Min Yasui, page 8. Min Yasui, JACL ADC representative, lectured a Denver University race relations class on the evacuation of Japanese Americans and their wartime contributions. The lecture was given November 21.
  • Nisei Will Give Japanese Program for Chicago Group, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Japanese American performers will present songs and dances at the Museum of Science and Industry’s Christmas program in Chicago on December 1. Performances included interpretive dance and samisen accompaniment.
  • Winners of Farm Produce Prizes Feted by Coast Chapter, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Southern Alameda County JACL honored members whose farm produce won awards at county and state fairs. The Nisei Growers committee, led by Kaz and Chuck Shikano, was recognized for its work.

JACL

  • Japanese Americans Honor Utah Citizens Who Helped Resettlement of Evacuees, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL Intermountain District Council honored Utahns who aided Japanese American resettlement at a banquet during its November convention in Salt Lake City. Mike Masaoka praised the recipients, and Gov. J. Bracken Lee welcomed delegates while the new IDC cabinet was installed.
  • Acceleration of Evacuation Claims Program Requested by Northern California Chapters, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Northern California-Western Nevada JACL district council in Berkeley urged faster adjudication of evacuation claims under the new 75 percent compromise program. Masuji Fujii was elected chairman and several awards and cabinet changes were reported.
  • Nishio Heads Committee for National Convention Forum, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Mits Nishio of Sacramento was named chairman of the committee organizing the public forum for the 12th biennial JACL national convention in San Francisco in June. The forum is traditionally sponsored by the host district council.
  • Inouye Elected Chairman of District Group, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Yukio Inouye of Shelley, Idaho was elected chairman of the JACL Intermountain district council at its Salt Lake City convention. The council also voted a $5,000 ADC quota and planned a Japanese film fundraising project.

National

  • Civic Unity Heads to Discuss Status of Racial Minorities, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The California Federation for Civic Unity held its sixth annual meeting at Asilomar to examine relations with religious, racial and nationality minorities. Speakers included Mrs. M. E. Tilly and Irving Rosenblatt.
  • Plan Survey of Race Bias in Coast Area, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Los Altos-Mountain View Fair Play Committee plans a detailed survey of employment conditions for Nisei and other minorities in its area. The project aims to help minority members find jobs matching their capabilities.

Commentary

  • Civic Unity in Action, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial praises the California Federation for Civic Unity, which grew from a committee formed to aid Japanese Americans during wartime hysteria into a body protecting all minority groups. It urges Nisei to repay that support by showing similar unselfish concern for other minorities.
  • Integration Note, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial notes the arrest of Nisei bunco artists in San Francisco and observes that the once-spotless Nisei crime record reflects the community’s integration into broader society. It suggests integration of the Nisei appears well underway.
  • So Little Time, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial mourns the closing of the CSO Reporter, a Mexican American newspaper that gave a voice to Los Angeles Mexican Americans in its 24 weeks of publication. It credits the paper with teaching the community the power of unity.
  • Cheers, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial celebrates Henderson Andrew Johnson, a Negro student accepted to the University of Virginia, who was elected president of his class by classmates. It counters assumptions about Southern youth.
  • Like Father, Like Son, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial profiles Manilal Gandhi, who began a personal campaign against South Africa’s apartheid restrictions in September. It suggests he may help South Africa achieve independence as his father did for India.
  • Box-Score on Race Relations: Race Segregation Patterns Hamper Intergroup Progress, by Elmer R. Smith, page 4. Professor Elmer R. Smith examines spatial and social forms of segregation across South Africa, Guatemala and the United States. He argues that segregation in all forms creates social cleavage that hampers cooperation among groups.
  • Happiest Boy in Montrose, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Bill Hosokawa profiles Mike Umezawa, a young Japanese man given a chance to study in Montrose, Colorado through the generosity of John V. Souder. Mike has been welcomed warmly and has enriched the Souder family.
  • Hit Tix Take Bux, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A humorous account of a Nisei visitor’s attempt to obtain scarce Broadway tickets to The King and I through Times Square brokers, a ticket fixer, and a drug store contact. The writer describes paying steep prices and sitting in the show.

Arts & Entertainment

  • Japanese War Bride, by Larry Tajiri, page 5. Larry Tajiri reports that producers renamed Shirley Yamaguchi’s American film from East Is East to Japanese War Bride to boost audience appeal. He describes the realistic drama about a Japanese woman adjusting to life on a California ranch.
  • Vagaries, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A column of Nisei arts and entertainment notes covering Yasuo Kuniyoshi’s forthcoming book, Sueo Serisawa’s exhibition, a Life photo award, and Nisei performers and films in brief items.

Sports

  • Fresno State Proud of Hirayama, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Fresno State College touts Satoshi Fibber Hirayama, a 135-pound football and baseball star who was named to a small-player All-American list by columnist Deke Houlgate. His versatility and baseball batting title are highlighted.
  • Pint-Sized Ball Carriers Win Honors, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Satoshi Hirayama earned honorable mention on the United Press small college all-Pacific Coast team. Other diminutive Nisei backs including Benny Aoki and Ralph Kubota also starred for junior college teams.
  • Bad Rack Costs Ishikawa Perfect Game, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Tok Ishikawa was denied a possible perfect 300 game in Los Angeles Nisei Majors bowling when a pin was left standing and he rolled anyway. He finished with a 279 game, and several other bowling performances are noted.
  • Bowlers Dominate IDC Tournament in Salt Lake, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Idaho bowlers dominated the JACL Intermountain District Council tournament held in Salt Lake City, with Ace Mori and Mrs. Rene Godfrey among the standout individual performers. Full event results were listed.
  • Nakagiri Wins Sweeper at Bowling Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Shig Nakagiri of Venice won individual honors at the first West Los Angeles JACL bowling tournament and led the Yumori Service team to the team title. He averaged 206 across the sweepstakes.
  • Coach Kajikawa Takes Team to Coast Games, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Coach Bill Kajikawa led Arizona State College’s Sun Devils against UCLA in their first collegiate test of the season. The team also planned games against military teams and a Boston tournament.
  • Ohye to Back Coast Race for Nisei Airmen, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Henry Ohye announced plans for an air derby for Nisei pilots from Los Angeles to San Francisco in conjunction with the June JACL convention. He noted civil aviation restrictions had limited the scope of the event.

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