Nisei win seats in the Hawaii constitutional convention primary

Vol. 30, No. 7, February 18, 1950. 8 pages. View this issue

Hawaii’s primary election for delegates to the state constitutional convention led the news. Lawrence Nakatsuka reported that of 46 Japanese Americans who ran, nine were elected outright and 23 more were nominated for the general election. Elsewhere on the front page, former members of the 442nd Combat Team serving in occupation Japan were to be honored at a Tokyo reception, and Mike Masaoka reported that Sen. Richard Russell would no longer oppose the Walter resolution on naturalization. The JACL also planned to take part in a civil rights conference in Washington.

Columns by Larry Tajiri, Bill Hosokawa, I. H. Gordon and Goro Hara fill the editorial and opinion pages, and Hisaye Yamamoto’s short story appeared in the Kenyon Review. Page 6 covers bowling, basketball and swimming results, and chapter news from across the JACL fills page 7.

What’s in this issue

National

  • Nine Japanese Americans Win Election, 23 Nominated for Hawaii Constitutional Meet, by By LAWRENCE NAKATSUKA, page 1. Nisei candidates achieved strong results in Hawaii’s primary election for delegates to the state constitutional convention. Nine were elected outright and 23 more were nominated for the general election.
  • Not Opposed to Issei Citizenship, Says Russell, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Sen. Richard Russell indicated he will no longer object to the Walter resolution eliminating race as a requisite for naturalization. Mike Masaoka called the letter the most significant development on the bill since its Senate Judiciary Committee approval.
  • Masaoka Discusses Status of Legislation Before Church Group, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL ADC legislative director Mike Masaoka addressed the advisory board of the American Missionary Association in Cleveland. He discussed pending legislation affecting persons of Japanese ancestry and JACL assistance to the National Congress of American Indians.
  • JACL to Take Part in Civil Rights Parley, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL will participate in the National Civil Liberties Clearinghouse conference in Washington on Feb. 23 and 24. Mike Masaoka will chair the NCLCH legislative committee.
  • JACL ADC Urges Congress Act on New Soldier Brides Bill, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The JACL ADC urged House and Senate subcommittees to advance a new Soldier Brides bill allowing GIs and veterans to bring Japanese spouses into the country. Approximately 100 private bills are currently pending in Congress.
  • Private Bill Will Permit U.S. Entry Of Japanese Brides, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Congress passed private bills enabling three American veterans to bring their Japanese fiancees into the United States. The JACL Anti-Discrimination Committee reported the legislation.
  • JACL Initiates New National Program to Eliminate Bias Against Nisei in Employment, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The JACL Anti-Discrimination Committee launched a survey on cooperating with the U.S. Employment Service to expand job opportunities for Japanese Americans. Local chapters will be asked how far they can participate.

Military & Veterans

  • Veterans of 442nd Will Be Honored by Tokyo Government, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Former 442nd Combat Team members serving in occupation Japan will be honored at a Tokyo metropolitan government reception. Earl Finch, the Mississippi businessman known as the unit’s one-man USO, was also recognized for his friendship with Nisei soldiers.
  • Congress Sends Valentines to Three Couples, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Congress passed private laws admitting the Japanese fiancees of three American veterans. The couples’ stories include meetings in Japan during or after military service.
  • Veteran Graduates With High Honors, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Nobu Shimokochi, a three-year Army veteran who served in Korea, graduated in the top ten percent of his class at Royal Oak high school. He plans to attend Wayne University.

Community

  • Takei Named as Progressive Party Delegate, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Art Takei of Los Angeles was elected as a California delegate to the Progressive party national convention in Chicago. His selection provides representation for Japanese Americans at the convention.
  • Pasadena JACL Will Support Unbiased Policy of Realtor, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Pasadena JACL pledged support to realtor William C. Carr, who faced protests for his nondiscriminatory business practices. Chapter president Thomas T. Omori wrote a letter affirming the chapter’s backing.
  • Frank Chuman Will Take Part in Panel on Democracy, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Frank Chuman, national JACL second vice president, will serve on a Los Angeles panel discussing democracy at home and abroad. The event will take place at Lincoln Memorial Church.
  • Santa Clara County Chapter Challenges San Francisco JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The United Citizens League of Santa Clara County issued a membership challenge to the San Francisco JACL chapter. The county group aims to exceed its 1941 record of more than 500 members.
  • Makan Tsutsumida Elected to Head Arizona JACL Group, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Masao Tsutsumida of Glendale was installed as president of the Arizona JACL along with a new cabinet. The chapter set a membership goal of 100 for 1950.
  • Plan Chicago Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The JACL national convention executive committee in Chicago is preparing for the five-day event marking the organization’s 20th anniversary. Planned activities include a convention ball, fashion show, queen contest and sports events.
  • Takahashi Teaches Judo to Police in Colorado Community, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Seizo Takahashi, a judo authority from Denver, is teaching self-defense to Delta, Colorado police and sheriff’s staff. He has previously trained U.S. Army members and police departments in 137 cities.
  • Five Chicago Nisei to Talk on Radio Forum, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Five Chicago Japanese Americans will participate in a Chicago Urban League radio forum on the meaning of brotherhood. The discussion will focus on human relations in local communities.
  • Temporary Housing Will Be Demolished at Seabrook Farms, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Eviction notices have been issued to 120 families, many Japanese American evacuees, at Seabrook Farms as temporary barracks are replaced with permanent housing. Housing in other sections of the project is reported to be available.
  • Joe Masaoka Lists JACL’s Objectives in Marysville Talk, by P.C. Staff, page 2. JACL regional director Joe Grant Masaoka addressed the Marysville chapter installation, listing naturalization equality and fair employment as objectives. He also praised Assemblyman Arthur Coats for restoring Nisei names to the city honor roll.
  • Sen. Douglas Meets With Chicago Nisei, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Sen. Paul Douglas met with the steering committee of the Illinois Nisei Committee for the Re-election of Senator Lucas to discuss campaign strategy. The senator expressed approval that the committee focused on broader civil rights concerns.
  • Rashida Disrmeace Problems of Nisei, by P.C. Staff, page 3. JACL regional director Tats Kushida described remaining problems facing Japanese Americans and the work of the JACL to a Glendale church congregation. The address was delivered at Grandview Community Presbyterian Church.
  • New York Nisei Girl Weds Army Pilot in Seattle Rites, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Tatsu Kozai of New York married Lieut. Richard E. Stuart, Jr. in Seattle after meeting in Tokyo during the occupation. The couple will visit his family in Virginia.
  • Slate Installation, Canasta Party, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Livingston-Merced JACL will install William B. Yoshino and his 1950 cabinet at a service followed by a canasta party. Joe Grant Masaoka will conduct the installation.
  • Washington Visit, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Tahei Matsunaga, chairman of the Chicago ADC fund drive, conferred with Mike Masaoka in Washington on the JACL ADC’s legislative work. He is also visiting his daughter in Alexandria, Virginia.
  • JACL to Participate in Young Adult Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Cleveland JACL will take part in a Young Adult City-Wide Conference on March 12 at the Jewish Young Adult Bureau. Workshops will address city government, economics, health, and community relations.
  • Twelve Nisei Listed Among Honor Students at Placer College, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Twelve Nisei students at Placer College were named to Alpha Gamma Sigma, the state junior college scholarship honor society. The list includes Roy Doi, Steve Fujioka, and Peggy Tsuchida.
  • San Mateans Double JACL Membership, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The San Mateo County JACL membership has nearly doubled during the 1950 drive, with 100 new members in the city of San Mateo alone. Chairman Bob Sugishita expects a total of 275 members this year.
  • Yellowstone Completes Campaign for ADC, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Yellowstone JACL completed its ADC fund campaign by meeting its $300 quota. Hiroshi Miyasaki chaired the successful drive.
  • Santa Maria JACL Reelects Cabinet, by P.C. Staff, page 7. President Miyake and his cabinet were reelected to lead the Santa Maria JACL for 1950. The chapter set a membership goal of 150 and is running an ADC fund drive with an $825 goal.
  • YPCC Plans 20th Annual Meeting, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Central California Young People’s Christian Conference will hold its 20th annual meeting in Livingston on March 19. The program includes Bible study, discussion groups, a banquet, and installation of officers.
  • Minnesota Family Aids Tokyo Student Who Was Son’s Friend, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Norrbom family of Minneapolis sponsored Tokyo student Iwao Iwasaki to study at the University of Minnesota in honor of their late son Lowell. Gov. Earl Warren was among the donors who helped fund his passage.
  • Camera Club Sees Movies on Parks, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The 55 Camera Club, sponsored by Kiyoshi Okawa, held its last regular monthly meeting at Album Studio. Members viewed movies of national parks and heard a lecture on album arrangement.

JACL

  • JACL National Recognitions Committee Awards Nominations, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The National Recognitions Committee opened nominations for its biennial leadership and distinguished service awards, including the Nisei of the Year honor. Nominations are due by July 31, 1950.
  • The JACL History Project, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial asks local JACL chapters to contribute to a forthcoming organizational history compiled by Prof. Elmer R. Smith. It argues the history will be valuable as a case study of minority group advocacy.

Arts & Entertainment

  • Critics Praise Hayakawa’s Playing in Three Came Home, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Hollywood critics praised Sessue Hayakawa’s performance as a Japanese commandant in the film Three Came Home. The Hollywood Reporter called his portrayal extraordinarily effective.
  • Cho-Cho-San on Television, by Larry Tajiri, page 4. Tomiko Kanazawa sang the title role in an NBC Opera Theater television production of Madame Butterfly, reaching a large national audience. The column also reviews the history of Nisei sopranos in the role.
  • Hisaye Yamamoto’s Story Printed in Kenyon Review, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Hisaye Yamamoto’s short story The Legend of Miss Sasagawara appears in the Kenyon Review. The story follows a woman who becomes insane at the Poston camp, seen through two teenage girls.
  • Scene Magazine Sponsors Contest for Short Stories, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Scene magazine announced a monthly short story contest open to all writers with a $25 prize. Winning stories of up to 1,000 words will be published beginning in July.
  • Dance Stars Join in Folk Festival, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Nisei dancers Haruko and Tomeko Uyeda will join other nationality groups at the fifth annual United Nations folk festival in Barrington, Illinois. The event aims to promote understanding through cultural exchange.

In-Depth

  • Story of Famous Nisei Combat Unit Told to People of Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Osaka Chamber of Commerce director Kyoichi Hachiya has lectured throughout Japan about the 442nd combat team’s record. According to Edward Fujimoto, audiences are deeply moved by the unit’s battlefield story.

Commentary

  • Against Prejudice in Employment, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial praises the JACL’s cooperative employment project with the U.S. Employment Service to combat job discrimination against Nisei. It calls on local chapters to participate fully in the effort.
  • Vagaries, by P.C. Staff, page 4. This column collects brief notes on Nisei figures, including Toshiro Henry Shimanouchi’s possible appointment and Twentieth Century Fox’s Oscar campaign for Three Came Home. It also notes JACL ADC efforts on job bias in San Francisco.
  • Roses Are Red, Violets Blue, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Hosokawa reflects on how Valentine’s Day has become a commercialized popularity contest among young people. He contrasts it with more personal exchanges of his own youth.
  • Nisei and Ice Hockey, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Hosokawa argues that ice hockey and rodeo suit Nisei athletes and predicts more will take up these sports as indoor skating expands. He notes the game rewards agility and courage.
  • There’s Quiet Attitudes in the Deep South, by I. H. Gordon, page 5. Gordon reflects on a trip through the South, contrasting its provincial insularity with encouraging signs of change. He notes that some Southern editors supported the Walter Resolution and condemned the Klan.
  • Missouri Decision, by William Enomoto, page 5. Enomoto writes to comment on a Missouri Supreme Court ruling allowing damages for breach of racial restrictive covenants. He argues the decision could undermine gains made by minority groups.

Incarceration & Redress

  • I Can’t Forget: It Happened in Illinois, by Goro Hara, page 5. Goro Hara recounts an encounter with a Japanese American woman who showed no knowledge of the 442nd Regiment. The experience leads him to reflect on the sacrifice of his fallen comrades.

Sports

  • Tok Ishizawa Wins $400 Award in Bowling Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Tok Ishizawa won first prize and a trophy at the Fontana Singles Classic bowling tournament in Los Angeles. He is entered in the upcoming National JACL bowling meet.
  • Expect Sixty Team Entries in National Bowling Tourney, by P.C. Staff, page 6. More than 60 teams are expected to enter the National JACL bowling tournament in San Francisco in March. Several Los Angeles, Hawaii, and Northwest teams have announced entries.
  • Denver, Hawaii Teams Enter Cage Tourney, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Denver Nisei Basketball Association and Hawaii AJA All-Stars will compete in the 15th Intermountain Nisei invitational basketball tournament in Salt Lake City. Ogden YBA was also selected as the Northern Utah representative.
  • Joe Nishimoto Sets New Records for Oregon University Team, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Oregon sophomore swimmer Joe Nishimoto broke three pool records in two days during Pacific Coast conference dual meets. He set records in the 200-yard breaststroke, 150-yard individual medley and 220-yard freestyle.
  • Aihara Honored by USC Track Team, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Henry Aihara was named co-captain of USC’s track and field team for the coming season. He is the current Pacific Coast conference broad jump champion.
  • Mokey Hanagami Starts Comeback, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Bantamweight boxer Mokey Hanagami is returning to the ring after ten months of retirement. Former champion Robert Takeshita is also preparing a comeback.
  • Nakama Gets a Vote in AP’s Poll, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Keo Nakama is the only Nisei athlete mentioned in an Associated Press poll on the greatest swimmers of the past half-century. Hironoshin Furuhashi received 20 votes for second place.
  • Shimizu Wins Bowling Tourney, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Shimizu won the Coachella Valley JACL bowling sweepstakes for a second straight time. Jack Izu finished second and Kengo Takano third.
  • Nishimoto Sets Record in Oregon Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Joe Nishimoto broke a 13-year-old record in the 220-yard freestyle at Idaho’s pool during a dual meet. The Oregon team defeated Idaho on the day following their loss to Washington State.
  • Iseri Wins Races, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Tak Iseri won the 200-yard breaststroke as the Sacramento YMCA swimming team lost to University of Santa Clara. Iseri also swam on Sacramento’s winning medley relay team.
  • Mike Nakamura Hits 670 in League Match, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Mike Nakamura posted a 670 series to help Star Cafe take three points from Pagoda in the Salt Lake bowling league. Star Cafe holds a thirteen-game lead in the league.

Thank you for exploring the Pacific Citizen archive. The title, introduction and contents on this page were written by an AI model from scans of the printed issue, so they may contain mistakes. If you spot one, we would be grateful if you let us know.

More from Issue archive