Immigration equality hearings and Nisei in the Korean War

Vol. 32, No. 11, March 17, 1951. 8 pages. View this issue

Equality in immigration and naturalization law was the main business of this eight-page issue. Testimony at joint Senate-House hearings brought support for ending racial bars from church, farm and civil rights groups, and Rep. Walter Judd and Del. Joseph Farrington spoke for repeal. Rep. Emanuel Celler criticized the McCarran bill, and Mike Masaoka met with officials about a compromise plan for evacuation claims. Larry Tajiri’s editorials looked at the change in sentiment and at the California court’s Fujii decision on the Alien Land law.

The Korean War ran through the front page: Ensign Joe Akagi, the first Nisei Navy pilot, a Denver soldier reported missing, and the Distinguished Service Cross awarded to Lieut. Bill Otomo. Bill Hosokawa wrote about the San Luis Valley in Colorado. Page 6 and 7 carry sports, including Ford Konno’s two world records and plans for the JACL National Bowling Tournament.

What’s in this issue

Military & Veterans

• First Nisei Navy Pilot Flies California Training Missions, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Ensign Joe Akagi, the first Japanese American qualified as a United States naval aviator, is flying training missions with Fighter Squadron 194 at Alameda Naval Air Station. The article profiles his background from Sheldon, Texas, and his commission in October 1950.
• Report Denver GI Missing on Korean Front, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Corp. Ted Hada of Denver has been missing in action in Korea since February 12 in the Wonju sector, according to Defense Department information. He had been in the reserves and was called to active service in October before deploying to Korea in November.
• Buddhist Symbol Approved for Graves of GIs, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Buddhist wheel of righteousness has been approved as a religious grave marker symbol at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. It will be inscribed on future markers for Buddhist GIs at government expense upon request of next of kin.
• One Nisei Dead, Three Wounded in Korean War, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Department of Defense reported Nisei casualties in Korea, including one soldier killed in action and three wounded. The names and hometowns of the casualties from Hawaii are listed.
• Award of High Military Honor to Los Angeles Nisei Officer, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Lieut. Bill Otomo of Los Angeles was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism in Korea, where he was killed leading his men into combat on February 7. The article covers his military record and family background, including his evacuation to Heart Mountain.

National

• Propose Compromise Plan to Speed Claims Payments, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A bill by Rep. Emanuel Celler would let the Justice Department offer compromise settlements of evacuation claims up to three-fourths of the claimed loss or $2,500. The JACL ADC supports the principle but considers the maximum too low.
• Church, Farm, Civil Rights Groups Back Equality Bill, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Testimony at joint Senate-House hearings on omnibus immigration bills showed support for racial equality from the National Council of Churches, National Farm Labor Union, ACLU, and the National Grange. The ACLU and others also addressed concerns about deportation provisions in the McCarran bill.
• Masaoka Meets With Officials on Compromise Plan, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Mike Masaoka, JACL ADC legislative director, met with Congressional staff and Justice Department officials about proposed Evacuation Claims Act changes allowing compromise settlements. Officials indicated the change could speed settlements for thousands of claimants.
• Judd, Farrington Urge Repeal of Race Bans in Immigration, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Rep. Walter Judd and Del. Joseph Farrington testified in support of eliminating racial inequalities in immigration and naturalization law. Judd argued that ending Oriental exclusion would strongly affect Asian sympathies toward America.
• Celler Raps Exclusion in McCarran Bill, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Rep. Emanuel Celler called the immigration provisions of the McCarran bill disguised exclusions and sought inclusion of his omnibus bill for committee study. He criticized the McCarran selective quota system as a way to hermetically seal the nation against immigrants.
• Senate Approves Extension of Soldier Brides Measure, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Senate approved a one-year extension of the JACL ADC-sponsored Soldier Brides bill, reviving the expired act for spouses married before March 12, 1952. Mike Masaoka said the extension gives service members in Japan and Korea the same right to marry as Americans stationed elsewhere.

Community

• Gallantry of Nisei Soldiers Recalled at Fair in California, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A Japanese American display at the California Midwinter Fair in Imperial highlighted the war record of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, including the Congressional Medal of Honor portrait of Sadao Munemori. Organizer Takeo Momita reported favorable public reaction that helped reaccept Japanese residents in the area.
• Eden Township JACL Aids Blood Drive, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Eden Township JACL launched a blood drive on March 7 to obtain blood for Gls wounded in Korea, with 75 persons turning out on the first day. Organizers reported 52 pints donated and 92 pledges obtained, with the drive continuing.
• Long Beach JACL Will Help Dedicate Community Center, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Harbor District Japanese American Community Center in Long Beach will hold its dedication ceremony on March 24, culminating two years of community effort to secure the renovated former government building. The event will include the installation of the 1951 JACL chapter cabinet.
• Youths Recover Robbery Loot, Receive Bonds, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Three young Nisei from San Mateo received $100 defense bonds in Hillsborough for locating and returning about $5,000 in stolen fur coats and radios. They found the loot in a stone quarry and promptly notified police.
• Denver JACL Gives $25 Donation to Unity Council, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Denver JACL presented a $25 check to the Denver Unity Council in recognition of its human relations work. The presentation was made at a dinner honoring Dr. Robert C. Weaver, who spoke on lay groups and human relations.
• Persons of Japanese Descent Now Comprise 40 Per Cent of Population of Hawaii Islands, by Lawrence Nakatsuka, page 3. Territorial health board figures show the Japanese comprised 39.9 percent of Hawaii’s population as of January 1, 1951, while Caucasians fell 17.7 percent. The article places these statistics in historical context against the 1920s peak.
• Alameda Chapter Hears Expert on Social Security, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Kenneth Deming of the Social Security Administration explained the new Federal Social Security Act at an Alameda JACL public meeting. A question-and-answer period followed, with the address translated for the Issei audience.
• Salinas Chapter Aids YMCA Drive, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Salinas JACL chapter collected $90.50 for the local YMCA drive and began a Red Cross fund campaign. The item also covers a welcome dinner for a new Presbyterian pastor and visits by former Salinas residents.
• Toni Mukai Weds James Ushio in Salt Lake Rites, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Toni Mukai and James Ushio were married on March 13 at Memorial House in Memory Grove, Salt Lake City, with Bishop Merlin Shaw officiating. A reception for the Issei and an evening dance followed the ceremony.
• French Camp JACL Holds Installation for New Cabinet, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The French Camp JACL installed its new cabinet at an annual banquet attended by more than 100 members and guests. State Senator Verne Hoffman administered the installation and Joe Grant Masaoka spoke on Korea.
• Stockton Chapter Plans Novel Dance, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Stockton JACL will sponsor its first dance of the year, themed Gingham and Jeans, at Anderson Hall on the College of the Pacific campus. The evening includes ice-breaker and specialty dances.
• Open House Held at Chicago YMCA, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The City Wide Recreation Council held an Open House at the Larrabee YMCA with proceeds going to the Chicago Resettler building fund. Volunteers from churches and clubs staffed the event.
• Announce Second Ceramics Class at Ellis Center, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Strong demand for the Tuesday evening ceramics class at the Ellis Community Center led to a second beginners class starting March 22. The six-week course is taught by Paul Cushman through the adult education program.
• U.S. Newspapers Carry Feature on Mike Masaoka, by P.C. Staff, page 7. A nationally syndicated column by Arthur Edson profiles JACL ADC director Mike Masaoka and his efforts to win naturalization and immigration rights for Japanese Americans. Masaoka argues the exclusion law contributed to feelings of inferiority that helped bring on the war.
• Montana Chapter Signs 18 Members, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Montana JACL signed 18 new members and held send-off parties for Nisei entering the armed forces. Tom Koyama is serving his third consecutive term as chapter president.
• Gardena Valley Chapter Honors Former Officers, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Gardena Valley JACL presented pins to past cabinet officers at its installation dinner dance in Los Angeles. National Treasurer Roy Nishikawa made the presentation and Regional Director Tats Kushida installed the 1951 officers.
• Nisei Attorney Wins Judgment in L.A. Fraud Case, by P.C. Staff, page 8. A Los Angeles Superior Court judge awarded $11,500 to James G. Wiley in a fraud case against Merrill F. Porter, with Nisei attorney John Y. Maeno representing Wiley. The case involved monies due from an Italian bicycle importer.
• Federal Court Hears Appeal in d’Aquino Case, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Iva Toguri d’Aquino’s appeal of her 1949 conviction for her Tokyo Rose broadcasts was argued before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Her attorneys argue she aided Allied prisoners and that duress evidence was wrongly excluded.
• Chapter Installs New Officers in Seattle, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Seattle JACL installed its new officers, led by President Harry Takagi, in a service pledging unity and teamwork for 1951. Attorney Bill Mimbu administered the oath of office.
• Hi-Liters Plan Pre-Tourney Dance, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Salt Lake City Hi-Liters will hold a pre-tournament dance on March 28 at the Murray B. Allen Blind Center. Proceeds and planning for the Nisei invitational basketball meet are covered.
• Veterans Bureau to Aid Nisei Soldiers Set Up in L.A., by P.C. Staff, page 8. A Servicemen’s Bureau will begin operating in the Miyako Hotel lobby on March 23 to aid Nisei soldiers on furlough in Los Angeles. A coordinating council of four Nisei veterans organizations will arrange tickets and social activities.
• Japanese Americans Join in Tribute to Portland Woman, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Nisei in Portland joined a memorial service for Mrs. Margaret Wyman, who died while speaking at an interracial fellowship meeting. She was remembered for her work on behalf of Japanese American evacuees and better race relations.
• Mile-Hi Golfers Start Activities, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Mile-Hi Golf Club opens its spring season with an 18-hole tournament on April 1. The schedule also includes match play, summer tournaments, and a turkey tournament in November.
• Portland Chapter to Hear Talk On Atomic Defense, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Captain John Shum, executive director of Portland’s civilian defense program, will speak to the Portland JACL on civil defense and atomic attack procedures. He will also show a film on the results of an atomic bombing.
• Initial Survey Completed in Denver Area, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The first part of Denver’s proposed $3.3 million urban redevelopment program was completed with a housing survey of the downtown area, including Japanese American neighborhoods. Statistics from the survey will be compiled by the city planning office.
• Commencement Honors, by P.C. Staff, page 8. William Yamada of San Jose was among the students graduated with great distinction at San Jose State College’s March commencement. The item is brief and covers only this honor.

Commentary

• A Change in Sentiment, by Larry Tajiri, page 4. The editorial notes that no national organization opposed racial equality in the omnibus immigration bills at the joint committee hearings, a sharp change from earlier decades. It highlights that the American Legion and other veterans groups now support equality in immigration and naturalization.
• UN and the Land Law, by Larry Tajiri, page 4. The editorial examines the California appellate court’s Fujii decision, which held the UN Charter superseded state law and invalidated the Alien Land law. It weighs the decision’s significance for racially discriminatory laws and for the UN itself.
• “Prejudice Won’t Hide!”, by Larry Tajiri, page 4. The editorial recommends a California Federation for Civic Unity pamphlet on how everyday language reveals and perpetuates racial prejudice. It urges Nisei and other readers to examine their own speech habits.
• Man Behind the Decision, by Larry Tajiri, page 4. The editorial profiles Justice Emmet H. Wilson, author of the Fujii decision, quoting Elmer Cain’s praise for his legal reasoning. It describes the decision as a landmark judicial signpost toward brotherhood among peoples.
• A Visit to San Luis Valley, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Bill Hosokawa describes the San Luis Valley in Colorado and its roughly 40 Japanese American families who farm there. He notes their acceptance in local Farm Bureau chapters and the strong showing of Nisei students at Alamosa high school.
• From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Hosokawa recounts a visit to Manassa, Colorado, Jack Dempsey’s hometown, and a stop at the Jackson Hotel in Poncha Springs with its historic register. The column is a light travelogue of small-town curiosities.

Obituaries

• Son of Famous Pioneer Passes in Seattle Hospital, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Benjamin Ohnick, attorney and businessman, died in Seattle at age 61. The article recounts his life, including his father’s pioneering work in Phoenix, his career in Manila, and his wartime internment at Santo Tomas.

In-Depth

• Maturity of Nisei Americans Since Evacuation Noted by Writer in Frontier Article, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Ward Moore’s Frontier article argues that Japanese America has matured remarkably since relocation and that Caucasian attitudes have improved. He cites Nisei political participation and the Sansei’s integration as evidence of American assimilation.
• Writer Notes Change in Status of Japanese American Group, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Ernest Maas, in The Kiwanis magazine, describes the postwar change in status of Japanese Americans as an American revolution. He profiles several Nisei success stories and calls for equality in naturalization and immigration law.

JACL

• Do You Know? JACL Chapters Assisted in Filing Evacuation Claims, by Elmer R. Smith, page 5. Smith reviews JACL services beyond legislation, including free assistance with evacuation claims filings, community activities, and scholarships. He also covers the bowling discrimination campaign that led the American Bowling Congress to rescind its whites-only clause.

Arts & Entertainment

• Vagaries, by P.C. Staff, page 5. This Hollywood column reports on Nisei actors and productions, including Reiko Sato in Woman on the Run and MGM’s May release of Go for Broke!. It also notes Japanese film and performer news.

Sports

• Hank Matsubu May Be First Nisei Holdout, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Catcher-outfielder Henry Matsubu returned his Yuma contract in the new Southwest International League and may work on his family farm instead. The article traces his career from Hunt high school through the Pittsburgh Pirates farm system.
• Bill Veeck Seeks Japanese Ball Players, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Bill Veeck reportedly sought to sign three members of the Mainichi Orions to contracts in U.S. minor leagues. Hawaiian representative Ralph Yempuku said the players were eager to play in America.
• Yosh Kawano Helps Train Chicago Cubs, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Ex-GI Yosh Kawano serves as trainer for the Chicago Cubs at their Catalina Island camp. The column also reports results from UCLA gymnastics and several high school and college athletes.
• Kobayashi Sets New Big Ten Swim Mark, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Ohio State captain Herb Kobayashi tied a Big Ten conference record in the 100-yard freestyle at the Minneapolis prelims. The column also notes Dick Cleveland’s performances and several other Nisei athletes.
• Watanabe Aids Two UCLA Relay Wins, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Bob Watanabe contributed to UCLA relay victories at the Long Beach Relays on March 10. The column also covers Henry Aihara’s return to competition and other Nisei track and field athletes.
• Cal’s New Nisei Hurler Makes Debut, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Bill Nishita, former Santa Rosa junior college standout, made his University of California debut on March 9 in a 7-2 win over Camp Pendleton. He allowed two hits in five innings.
• Two Nisei Outshine Japan’s Top Pros as Fresno Wins, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Fresno State outfielders Fibber Hirayama and Howard Zenimura helped defeat the San Francisco Seals B team 5-2 before 2,500 fans. Hirayama made several standout catches and stole home in the eighth inning.
• Ford Konno Sets Two World’s Records in Honolulu Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 6. McKinley high school senior Ford Konno set new world records in the 400-meter and 440-yard freestyle at a Honolulu meet. His performances established him as a leading American middle-distance hope for the 1952 Olympics.
• Penryn Team Admitted Into Baseball Loop, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Penryn was accepted as the eighth club in the Placer-Nevada Baseball League for the 1951 season. The team will be made up entirely of Japanese Americans and will play home games at the JACL baseball park.
• Many Trophies Offered for Winners of JACL National Bowling Tournament, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Organizers announced expanded trophies and prizes for the fifth annual JACL National Bowling Tournament in Los Angeles. An awards dinner dance will be held on March 18 with National Director Masao Satow presenting the prizes.
• Idaho Falls JACL, Honeyville Team Enter Tournament, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Idaho Falls JACL and the Honeyville Bees were selected for the 16th annual Intermountain invitational basketball tournament in Salt Lake City. The San Jose Zebras, last year’s Intermountain champions, are returning to defend their title.
• Nisei Bowlers Lead Salinas League, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Nick Okamoto Insurance team took first place in the Salinas Veterans Bowling League after defeating the Aladdin Cleaners. The article lists the Nisei members of the team.
• Matsumoto Named on All-Star Team, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Dick Matsumoto of Middleton, Idaho high school was named to the first team of the Snake River Valley B league all-star basketball team. The selection was announced on a KSRV sports program.
• Two Nisei Win Coast College Mat Crowns, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Joe Kimura of San Francisco State and Sosh Watanabe of Washington State successfully defended their Pacific Coast intercollegiate wrestling titles at Pullman. The article also covers other Nisei wrestlers’ results.
• San Jose State Wins Judo Title at Stockton Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The San Jose State judo team, coached by Yosh Uchida, retained the Northern California team championship over the Stockton Judo Club. The eight-hour tournament drew more than 150 entrants.

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