Go for Broke! reaches the screen, and the JACL is thanked

Vol. 32, No. 13, March 31, 1951. 8 pages. View this issue

MGM’s film Go for Broke! led this eight-page issue. Producer Dore Schary presented a $3,500 check to Mike Masaoka of the Japanese American Citizens League in thanks for the organization’s help on the picture, and Masaoka had served as special consultant. Larry Tajiri reviewed the film and praised its portrayal of the 442nd Combat Team and its Nisei cast. Daily Variety’s notice, scenes planned for NBC’s The Big Show, and Henry Nakamura’s next MGM role were also covered. Evacuation claims news included a Senate companion to the compromise bill from Sen. Pat McCarran and a $5,000 gift to the national JACL from the Robert Marshall Civil Liberties Trust.

Elsewhere, Elmer R. Smith finished his history of the JACL, Bill Hosokawa wrote on complacency in America, and Mary Oyama described a visit from her mother. A Denver woman’s run for city council, Korean War casualties, immigration hearings in Congress, and a sports section with bowling, baseball and basketball also fill the issue.

What’s in this issue

Arts & Entertainment

Dore Schary Presents MGM Check to JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 1. MGM producer Dore Schary presented a $3,500 check to Mike Masaoka of the JACL in appreciation for the organization’s assistance on the film Go for Broke!. Masaoka served as special consultant on the picture.
Nakamura Arrives in Film City for Role in New MGM Film, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Henry Nakamura, a University of Hawaii senior who played Tommy in Go for Broke!, arrived in Culver City to begin work in MGM’s Westward the Women. He is the only non-442nd veteran among the featured Nisei players.
NBC Big Show to Feature Scenes from Go for Broke, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Dramatic excerpts from MGM’s Go for Broke! will be presented on NBC’s The Big Show on April 1 with Van Johnson and Henry Nakamura. A press preview was also held in Hollywood on March 28.
Film Review: Go for Broke!, by Larry Tajiri, page 4. Tajiri praises Go for Broke! as a vivid, authentic portrayal of the 442nd Combat Team that avoids cinematic clichés. He highlights the performances of the Nisei actors and the technical accuracy supported by Mike Masaoka.
Daily Variety on 442nd Film, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Daily Variety praised Go for Broke! as an outstanding war film with solid entertainment value and strong performances. The review highlights Robert Pirosh’s direction and the Nisei cast.

Community

Wife of Denver Florist Runs for City Council, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Mrs. H. K. Wantanabe, a successful businesswoman, is running for Denver City Council from District 5 as the only woman among 43 candidates. She previously sent a floral tribute to the funeral of former Governor Ralph Carr, who supported Japanese Americans after Pearl Harbor.
Cleveland JACL Has Annual Banquet With Issei Group, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Members of the Shinwaki, an Issei organization, and Cleveland JACL cabinet officers held their annual joint banquet on March 27. The yearly event promotes closer Issei and Nisei relations in the city.
Navy Flier Akutagawa Sole Survivor of Plane Crash, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Richard K. Akutagawa of Salt Lake City was the only survivor of a Navy Guardian plane crash on San Clemente Island. He was rescued and brought to San Diego in fair condition.
Two Named to Phi Beta Kappa, by P.C. Staff, page 1. James Tojo and Lee Suyemoto were elected to the University of Cincinnati chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Tojo majored in chemistry-zoology and Suyemoto in mathematics.
JACL Groups Endorse Slum Clearance Plan, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The four Los Angeles JACL Coordinating Council chapters unanimously endorsed Proposition C for the April 3 election. Chairman Bill Takei said the bond issue would eliminate slums and reduce crime and disease.
Nebraskans Raise $200 for ADC, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Japanese American community in North Platte, Nebraska raised $200 for the JACL-ADC. George Kuroki, Jim Wada and Albert Kushihashi led the drive.
Dentist Elected Dental Academy, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Dr. Toshio Furukawa of Helper, Utah was named to membership in the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He is a Stanford and Minnesota graduate and active in local civic organizations.
Nisei Join in Memorial Service for Mrs. Wyman, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Rev. Francis Hayashi spoke for the Japanese American community at a memorial service for Mrs. Margaret Wyman in Portland. She had been active in many civic and social organizations.
Placer County JACL Surpasses 1950 Total, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Placer County JACL chapter signed up 265 members, already surpassing last year’s total. Kelvin Mitani headed the membership campaign.
West Coast States Express Interest in Obtaining Nisei Office Workers From Hawaii, by Lawrence Nakatsuka, page 2. West Coast employers have expressed interest in hiring Hawaii Nisei office workers as labor markets open due to military rebuilding. Employment officials describe Nisei workers as conscientious, neat and industrious.
Photography Chain Announces Contest for Nisei Kiddies, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Fox-Tiffany Studios announced a photo contest for Japanese American children from six months to 12 years old. The grand prize is a $100 savings bond.
Alumnae Group Plans Benefit, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Chi Alpha Delta alumnae will hold a scholarship benefit bridge-tea on May 6 in Los Angeles. Committee assignments for the event were announced.
Dedicate New Community Center in Long Beach, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Long Beach JACL installed new chapter officers during a dedication ceremony for the Harbor Area Japanese American Community Center. Speakers included Mike Masaoka and other community leaders.
JACL Chapter Wins Use of Oxnard Building, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Ventura County JACL regained exclusive right to use the 7th Street Recreation Center in Oxnard until 1956. Judge Anthony Brazil ruled in the JACL’s favor on March 14.
Rummage Sale Will Aid Campers at Buchanan Y, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A rummage sale to raise camp funds for the Buchanan YM-YW will be held April 7 in San Francisco. The 1830 Club, a young adult group of the San Francisco YWCA, sponsors the event.
Portland Chapter Sponsors Talk on Civilian Defense, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Capt. John Shum described Portland’s civilian defense program, which requires 5,000 volunteers in the event of an atomic attack. A film on atomic damage and protective measures was also shown.
Reedley Chapter Plans 1951 Program at Cabinet Meeting, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Reedley JACL mapped out its 1951 calendar at a cabinet meeting, including monthly business meetings and an April community picnic. A pot luck dinner for new members is also planned.
Buchanan Y Holds Annual Meeting, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Buchanan Street Center in San Francisco celebrated its fourth year as a joint YM-YWCA at its annual dinner meeting. New board members were named and a membership drive brought in 800 new members.
Junior JACLers Hold Skatefest, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Salinas Junior JACL sponsored a successful skating party at Del Monte on March 19. A large crowd attended the event.
Issei Welfare Problems Told in Illinois Magazine Article, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Chicago welfare worker John Yoshino writes in Public Aid in Illinois that Issei are increasingly accepting public assistance. Factors include education in American welfare patterns and loss of traditional beliefs after World War II.

Military & Veterans

Two Hawaiians Killed in Action in Korean War, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Department of Defense reported casualties in Korea including two Hawaiian Nisei killed in action and several others wounded. The JACL ADC was notified of the casualties.
Honolulu Officer Heads Reserve Unit, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Lieut. Col. Henry Masashi Kawano became commanding officer of the 100th Infantry Battalion Reserve in Hawaii. He had been a second lieutenant in the Reserve Corps when called to active duty in 1941.
Called Into Army, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Fresno physician Major Hugo Shafter Okonogi, a 442nd Combat Team veteran of World War II, was recalled to active duty. He reported to Camp Hood, Texas on March 26.
Young Nisei Officer Questions Escaped Prisoner in Korea, by P.C. Staff, page 2. First Lieutenant Shigeki Sugiyama of the 7th Division received the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement. He interrogates prisoners and gathers enemy intelligence on the Korean front.
Chicago Recreation Group Will Sponsor Training Program, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A four-week recreation leadership training program beginning April 16 will be sponsored by the City Wide Recreation Council of the Chicago Resettlers Committee. The workshop emphasizes active participation in organizational and program planning.

National

Congressional Record Prints Story on Mike Masaoka, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Senator Warren Magnuson inserted an AP feature article on Mike Masaoka into the Congressional Record. The article praised Masaoka’s lobbying work on behalf of loyal Japanese Americans.
Joint Committee on Omnibus Bill Hears Common Council Plea for Liberalized Measure, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Joint Senate-House Committee studying immigration legislation recessed hearings until April 9 after an association report was not accepted for the record. Read Lewis of the Common Council for American Unity criticized the special quota of 100 for Asians outside Asia as very harmful.
Federal Judge Recognizes U.S. Citizenship of Nisei Strandee, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Judge Leon Yankwich ruled that Hichiro Uyeno did not lose his U.S. citizenship by voting in a 1947 Japanese election because the participation was coerced. The judge held that pressure need not be physical to negate voluntary action.
Hawaii Urges Citizenship for Issei Residents, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Hawaiian legislature passed a concurrent resolution urging Congress to remove all racial restrictions on naturalization. The resolution cited the need to grant citizenship to long-standing residents of Japanese, Korean and Polynesian ancestry.
President Signs Bill to Extend GI Brides Act, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The president signed a 12-month extension of the Soldier Brides Act permitting servicemen to bring Japanese and Korean spouses to the U.S. for marriages before March 19, 1952. It is the first JACL ADC-sponsored measure to become law in the 82nd Congress.

Incarceration & Redress

Marshall Fund Gives $5,000 for Work of National JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Robert Marshall Civil Liberties Trust of New York contributed $5,000 to the National JACL after Mike Masaoka appeared before its board. JACL director Masao Satow said the funds would advance the evacuation claims payments program.
Evacuee Claims Compromise Bill Given Senate, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Sen. Pat McCarran introduced a Senate companion to the evacuation claims compromise bill, allowing settlement of claims for $2,500 or 75 percent. The bill is identical to Rep. Emanuel Celler’s House measure first proposed by the JACL ADC.

JACL

Eastern Area Council Plans Meet Amid Cherry Blossoms, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The JACL Eastern District Council biennial convention will be held in Washington, D.C. beginning April 6 with Rep. Chet Holifield as principal speaker. Delegates will also visit their congressmen on opening day.
JACL President Will Speak at Eastern Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Dr. Randolph Sakada, national JACL president, will address the EDC convention on April 7 during his first official Washington visit since his election. He will be honored at a reception April 6.

In-Depth

Diary of Relocation Camp Life Will Be Edited for Publication, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Charles Kikuchi’s relocation camp diary, over 10,000 typewritten pages, will be edited for publication with support from the American Philosophical Society and the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Dorothy Thomas and Donald Kent will collaborate on the manuscript.
JACL Has Stressed Action on Nisei Group Problems, by Elmer R. Smith, page 5. Smith concludes his history of the JACL by noting its consistent focus on general welfare issues over internal organizational matters. He discusses financing challenges and factors affecting local chapter participation.

Commentary

News and Race Designations, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial argues that racial designations in crime stories serve no purpose and fuel prejudice, and urges the minority press to avoid identifying perpetrators by ancestry. It calls for adequate police protection and responsible coverage instead.
Testimony by Ed Ennis, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial praises Edward Ennis’s testimony before the House-Senate committee opposing proposals that would end British colonial immigration through the British quota. Ennis argued the provisions discriminate against colored inhabitants of Jamaica and other colonies.
Fat, Dumb and Happy, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Hosokawa compares modern America to the declining Roman Empire, citing moral decay, unwillingness to sacrifice, and complacency. He argues that Americans must show fortitude and share resources to meet present threats.
Smog-Lites: Mom Comes to Town, by Mary Oyama, page 5. Oyama recounts her mother’s visit to Los Angeles and the Issei women’s discussion of disappointing Japanese entertainment and magazines. The women prefer quality Japanese cultural publications over cheap entertainers.

Sports

JACL Champs Dominate Home League, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Sequoia Nursery clinched the men’s team title in the San Francisco Nisei Majors after winning the national JACL bowling tournament. Henry Takahashi also had a strong showing in the Diamond Medal tournament.
Japanese Ball Players Return Home, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Four Japanese pro baseball stars who trained with the San Francisco Seals returned to Tokyo after limited action. The Japanese pro season began March 29.
Hiraizumi, Takeno Hit High Totals, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Shozo Hiraizumi and Ken Takeno, national JACL men’s doubles champions, continued strong bowling in Salt Lake City. Several other Nisei bowlers posted high series.
Nisei Wrestlers Lose in NCAA Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Two Nisei college wrestlers survived the elimination round of the NCAA tournament but lost in the first round. Joe Kimura and Hisashi Watanabe were among the entrants.
Wally Yonamine Gets Two Offers from Japan Pro Clubs, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Nisei outfielder Wally Yonamine received contract offers to play professional baseball in Japan while still under contract with the Salem Senators. His future remained unsettled as spring training approached.
Toronto Mustangs Beat New Yorkers in Canada Tournament, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Toronto Mustangs defeated the New York Bears 53 to 46 in the finals of the fourth Nisei International invitational basketball tournament in Montreal. Sam Nakaso of New York was named the tournament’s top star.
Sacramento YBA Wins California Bussei Basketball, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Sacramento YBA defeated the Los Angeles Lucky Doks 66 to 64 to win the California State Bussei basketball championship. Tosh Matsuura was the team’s standout with 52 points over two games.

Obituaries

Medic Veteran of 442nd Awarded $30,000 Fellowship, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Dr. Kimura, a 442nd medical corps veteran, was awarded a $30,000 Markle Foundation fellowship to study ophthalmology. He will conduct research on the effects of radiation on cataracts.

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