Nisei in Korea, claims for evacuation losses and the end of ‘enemy alien’ status

Vol. 33, No. 12, September 29, 1951. 8 pages. View this issue

Nisei soldiers in Korea and the claims of Japanese Americans after the wartime forced removal filled the news in this eight-page issue. Lieut. Col. Walter T. Tsukamoto, a past JACL national president, was ordered home under the Army’s rotation program, and new casualty lists from Korea were printed. The Department of Justice mailed forms for its compromise settlement program to about 24,000 claimants. Mike Masaoka asked President Truman to end the enemy alien label for resident Japanese nationals, and Rep. John Rankin objected to admitting an adopted three-year-old half-Japanese orphan.

In the commentary pages, Larry Tajiri wrote about the great Nisei novel, Bill Hosokawa about the Crusade for Freedom, and Mary Oyama about island slang. A Washington, D.C. cemetery lifted its ban on Japanese burials. San Francisco restored the Japanese Tea Garden’s name, and sports pages followed Nisei football players and a Hawaiian weightlifting team bound for Japan.

What’s in this issue

Military & Veterans

• Nisei Officer Returns Soon from Korea, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Lieut. Col. Walter T. Tsukamoto, believed to be the highest-ranking Nisei officer in the U.S. Army, has been ordered home under the Korean war rotation program. He serves as assistant judge advocate of the Tenth Corps and is a past JACL national president.
• Disabled Veterans Offer Services to Japanese Americans, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Disabled American Veterans offers advisory services to Nisei veterans seeking VA benefits, with Nisei staff member Frank Fujino available for consultation. Sloane urged many eligible Nisei veterans who have not filed claims to do so.
• Hawaii Soldier Dead, 7 Hurt in Korea Area, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Army headquarters in Hawaii reported casualties among soldiers of Japanese ancestry in Korea, including one death. Seven others were listed as wounded.
• Four Nisei GIs Die, Eight Hurt in Korean War, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Department of Defense reported 12 more Nisei casualties in Korea, including four killed in action or died of wounds. Names of the killed and wounded were listed by home town.
• Report All Compromise Forms Mailed to Evacuee Claimants, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Department of Justice said all 24,000 evacuation claimants would have instruction sheets and forms in the mail by the weekend. Claimants were advised how to fill out forms and what to do if letters did not arrive.
• St. Louis Newspaper Tells Story of Nisei War Veterans, by Bob Schulman, page 5. St. Louis Nisei veterans who served in the 442nd recall wartime evacuation, the screening of a film about their unit, and their postwar hopes. They describe their service and the continuing struggle for equal rights.
• Strandee’s Right to Return for Testimony OK’d, by P.C. Staff, page 7. A federal judge ruled that Shinichi Ohashi, a Los Angeles-born Nisei who took Japanese citizenship during the war, may return to the United States to testify in his suit to cancel that citizenship. The judge found the citizenship was not voluntary.

Community

• Washington Cemetery Ban on Japanese Race Burials Lifted at Request of JACL Chapter, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Fort Lincoln Cemetery in Washington, D.C. reversed its policy and will now accept persons of Japanese ancestry for burial on equal terms. Chapter president Don Komai said JACL must continue fighting discrimination in all cemeteries.
• Philadelphia JACL Completes Drive for ADC Funds, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Philadelphia chapter reported that it contributed $958.75 to the ADC campaign. Hiroshi Uyehara served as chairman.
• New York JACL Discusses Plans to Help Claimants, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The New York JACL executive board considered ways to help evacuation claimants file for compromise settlements. Board members discussed suggestions from national headquarters that local chapters provide special services.
• East Bay Chapter Makes Plans for ‘Different’ Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The East Bay JACL is planning the Northern California-Western Nevada district council convention for Nov. 24-25 at International House in Berkeley. Workshops for chapter and district officers are planned along with banquet and dance events.
• Special Events Planned for JACL Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Special Activities Chairman George Oyama reported on recreational events planned for the 1952 JACL national convention in San Francisco. Events include bowling, bridge, golf, fishing, and a Nisei memorial service.
• San Francisco Board Restores Original Name of Tea Garden, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted to restore the Japanese Tea Garden’s original name in Golden Gate Park after it had been changed to Oriental Tea Garden during World War II. The action followed a committee recommendation and was tied to ratification of the Japanese peace treaty.
• Nisei Umpire Completes Season at Oregon Tourney, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Furukawa, described as the only Nisei baseball umpire on the mainland in the American National Baseball Umpires Association, finished his season officiating at the Oregon State Semi-pro tournament in Silverton.
• Young Nisei Mother Wins Car in Seattle Salmon Derby, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Mrs. Fumi Sakamoto won a Plymouth automobile in the finals of the Seattle Times Salmon Derby. The article describes her fishing outing and the prizes awarded.
• New York Views Fujihira Films at Church Show, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Films by Toge Fujihira, including prize-winning works shot in Brazil, Africa, and the American Southwest, were shown at a benefit at Grace Methodist Church. Proceeds supported an orphanage for children of mixed parentage in Japan.
• Betty Inada Comes Home After Stage Career in Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Betty Inada, a Nisei singer and dancer who built a career in Japanese revues, films, and records, returned to Sacramento to visit her parents. Her specialty was Japanese songs with a Hawaiian flavor.
• Nisei Veteran Named to Isle Housing Post, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Daniel T. Aoki, past president of the 442nd Veterans Club, was appointed to the Hawaii urban redevelopment agency by Governor Long. He fills a vacancy left by a resignation.
• Resettlers Schedule Annual Meeting, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Chicago Resettlers Committee will hold its annual meeting on October 14 to elect a cabinet and advisory boards. A public program will follow.
• Tokyo Student Arrives, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Tokio Inoue, a Tokyo University law graduate, arrived in Minneapolis en route to North Dakota Agriculture College under the sponsorship of banker William Stern. The sponsorship was suggested by a US occupation officer as a means of promoting democracy in Japan.
• Joint Meeting Held in Warm Springs, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Eden Township and Southern Alameda County JACL chapters held a joint meeting to discuss fall dance plans and hosting a district council meeting. New regional director Haruo Ishimaru was the honored guest.
• See Breakdown of Segregation in S.F. Housing, by P.C. Staff, page 8. UN housing expert Charles Abrams said segregated housing for Oriental groups is breaking down in San Francisco. He praised the city for banning segregation in its urban redevelopment program.

National

• JACL Asks President to Drop ‘Enemy Alien’ Status from Resident Japanese Nationals, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL national legislative director Mike Masaoka asked President Truman to remove resident Japanese nationals from enemy alien classification now that a peace treaty has been concluded. The letter argued that loyal resident Japanese aided the war effort and deserve an end to the designation.
• Rep. Rankin’s Objection Bars Entry for 3-Year Old Child, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Congressman John Rankin objected to a Senate-passed private bill admitting an adopted three-year-old half-Japanese orphan of an Army lieutenant and his wife. Masaoka called it the first such objection since the war and cited Rankin’s racial prejudice.
• Removal of ‘Subversive’ Label From Pre-War Organizations To Be Issei Group’s Objective, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Kikaken Kisei Domei assembly in San Francisco voted to seek removal of Japanese organizations from the Attorney General’s subversives list, which exposes Issei to deportation and denial of reentry. Hatuo Ishimaru was named temporary executive secretary.
• Justice Department Clarifies Compromise Plan Problem, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Department of Justice said it had mailed nearly 9,000 letters about its evacuation claims compromise settlement program and clarified who would receive which forms. Claimants were urged to complete forms fully.
• Senate Confirms A. Devitt Vanech as McGrath’s Aide, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Senate confirmed A. Devitt Vanech as Deputy Attorney General, succeeding Peyton Ford. Vanech had long served as an Assistant Attorney General heading the Lands Division.
• Special Form Must Be Filed for Contraband Goods Log, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Evacuation claimants who listed contraband articles in their original claims must file a special form with the Department of Justice by December 31, 1951. The requirement applies regardless of whether they pursue the compromise settlement.

JACL

• House Passes Five Private Calendar Bills, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The House passed five private bills benefiting persons of Japanese ancestry, three of which go to the President and two to the Senate. The bills allow entry of a Japanese fiancee of a veteran, a returning wife, and adopted Japanese children of American citizens.

Commentary

• Editorial: Tensions in Housing, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial argues that racial tensions over housing discrimination are producing violence such as bombings and the Cicero incident. It concludes that such outbreaks reflect efforts to integrate society and that democratic thinking will prevail.
• Threat in a Kiddie Car, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial mocks Rep. John Rankin’s objection to admitting a three-year-old half-Japanese child and his claims about un-American elements. It notes the absurdity of treating a toddler as a subversive threat.
• What’s In a Name?, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial welcomes the San Francisco Board of Supervisors’ restoration of the Japanese Tea Garden’s name. It argues that names reflect the state of relations between nations.
• The Great Nisei Novel, by Larry Tajiri, page 4. Tajiri argues that the Nisei wartime evacuation story is ripe for a novel and reviews existing nonfiction and fiction on the subject. He suggests the Nisei experience has the dramatic material to reach a wide audience.
• Crusade for Freedom, by Bill Hosokawa, page 4. Hosokawa urges support for the Crusade for Freedom to bring truth and hope to oppressed people in Asia and Europe. He recounts a Korean man who risked his life to hear news broadcasts.
• The Marginal Man, by Elmer R. Smith, page 4. Smith defines the concept of the marginal man as someone living between two cultures without fully belonging to either. He explains how the Nisei fit this pattern as cultural hybrids.
• Nisei Slang-Lites, by Mary Oyama, page 5. Oyama explores Hawaiian and Nisei slang expressions such as ‘da kind’ and ‘take it easy by slow,’ and their flexible meanings. She also recounts island-style storytelling and Japanese-English mixed speech.

Sports

• Benny Aoki Scores in Kansas Jaycee Game, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Benny Aoki scored a touchdown for Long Beach City College in a win over Huntington JC, and several other Nisei athletes were noted in junior college and high school football. The roundup covers Nisei players across California and Hawaii.
• Hawaii Rainbows Face Brigham Young, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The University of Hawaii football team traveled to Provo to face unbeaten Brigham Young, with several Nisei players expected in the starting lineup. Notable Nisei players include guards Erie Watanabe and Yoshiji Asami and running back Jimmy Asato.
• Probe Mass Exodus of Star Hawaii Players, by P.C. Staff, page 6. An investigation was opened into the enrollment of many Hawaiian high school football stars at two Southern California junior colleges, including three Nisei at Compton. Authorities including the Pacific Coast Conference commissioner are looking into the circumstances.
• Japanese Hurler Will Get Tryout With St. Louis, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Atsushi Aramaki of the Tokyo Mainichi Orions accepted an invitation from Bill Veeck to attend St. Louis Browns spring training, which would make him the first Japanese player to work out with a major league club. Aramaki was hampered by an elbow injury this year.
• Don Gee Holds Big 219 Average, by P.C. Staff, page 6. San Francisco bowler Don Gee has a 219 average in league play and participated in the National JACL tournament. The article covers his competitive bowling in Nisei and Chinese leagues.
• Coach Builds Line Around Nakamoto, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Richard Nakamoto, a 185-pound guard for Mountain View high school, is a standout in the Santa Clara Valley. The article also notes other Nisei players on prep football teams across the West.
• Dr. Sakada Wins First Annual Chicago JACL Golf Tourney, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Dr. Randolph Sakada, National JACL president, won first place in the ‘A’ Flight of the first annual Chicago JACL golf tournament at Big Oaks Golf Course. Results for all flights and women’s competition are listed.
• Hawaii Lifters Leave for Long Tour of Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 7. A five-man Hawaiian weightlifting team including four Nisei left for a two-month tour of Japan. Members include national champions and former Olympians.
• Fresno, San Jose Playoff Cancelled, by P.C. Staff, page 7. A planned playoff game between San Jose and Fresno Nisei baseball teams was cancelled because the two sides could not agree on a guarantee. The article reports the lost matchup.
• Bulldogs, Nisei Deadlocked in Fresno, by P.C. Staff, page 7. A Fresno State College baseball game against the Fresno Nisei ended in an 8-8 tie after hostilities were called. George Fujioka pitched for the Nisei team.

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