Oratorical trophy and the push toward the 1938 JACL national convention

Vol. 10, No. 19, April 1938. 4 pages. View this issue

Preparations for the JACL national convention in Los Angeles ran through this four-page issue. The Japan America Society of Los Angeles offered a silver loving cup for the oratorical contest on the theme of Nisei problems and active citizenship, with medals for the top three. Dr. M.M. Horii, chairman of the national committee, announced the plans. Editorials took up convention benefits and the question of dual citizenship, and Rev. T. Okumura argued for expatriation, recalling his 1921 campaign in Hawaii.

Chapter news came from San Francisco, Orange County, Florin, Monterey, Brawley, Tulare County and Portland, including a vocational survey and a renewed effort against school segregation in Florin. Jigoro Kano reported on Tokio’s plans for the 1940 Olympic Games, and tributes remembered Jitsutaro Koike and Seattle Mayor John F. Dore.

What’s in this issue

Community

• Perpetual Trophy Given for Oratorical Contest by Japanese Club, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Japan America Society of Los Angeles will donate a silver loving cup as a perpetual trophy for the oratorical contest held in connection with the JACL national convention. Gold, silver and bronze medals will also be provided for the top three winners this year.
• Regulations Drawn for S.F. Auxiliary, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Rules and regulations for the San Francisco JACL Women’s Auxiliary were drafted at a recent meeting. Monthly meetings will be held on the fourth Tuesday, and membership applications are open to any woman JACL member.
• Prominent Seattle American Man Named for Viscount Takahashi, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Seattle insurance man Korekiyo Takahashi Duryee was named after the late Viscount Takahashi, a Japanese official who befriended his father in Washington, D.C. in 1885. The viscount later recorded the naming story in his memoirs.
• S.F. Japanese Plan Historical Study, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Japanese Historical Society of America was organized in San Francisco to gather data on Japanese immigrants since their arrival about 60 years ago. The project combines first and second generation efforts, with publications in Japanese and English.
• Eight Young Named for Festival Board, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Eight prominent second generation members were appointed to a board arranging Nisei Festival Week in connection with the national JACL convention in Los Angeles. An open golf tournament will also be managed by a committee chaired by Gerald Kobayashi.
• Young Back Drive to Spur Business in San Francisco, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Second generation JACL leaders joined older residents in a campaign to revive business and prepare for participation in the 1939 Golden Gate Exposition. A Japanese Golden Gate Exposition committee was organized with a fundraising goal of $60,000.
• Vocation Survey Is Being Made by Bay Region Folks, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The San Francisco JACL launched a vocational survey to examine employment opportunities for youth in labor unions and business firms. Questionnaires were drafted for 155 local unions and a list of 86 trade schools was compiled.
• Orange County JACL Launches Tour Plan, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Orange County JACL will sponsor deputation tours to visit county organizations, aiming to improve cooperation and help young people understand the League’s purpose. Leonard Miyawaki is the general chairman.
• Young Start Plan for Trade Boost, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Second generation leaders in Los Angeles are launching a drive among businessmen and professionals for trade revival, with a Young Businessmen’s Conference planned for May 7. Speakers from several professional fields endorsed the movement.
• Florin Chapter in Renewed Drive to Stop Segregation, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Florin JACL contacted state education officials to end segregation of Japanese students in local public schools. Members were granted an interview with an influential state education department member and local authorities pledged support.
• Monterey JACL Working Out Plans for Oratorical Contest, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Preparations are under way for the central coast regional oratorical contest on May 1, with the venue likely moved to avoid confusion with the Japanese Association. Mayor Emmet McMenamin has agreed to serve as a judge.
• Order Is Restored by Young Vigilantes, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Los Angeles vigilantes organized by the Sumo Association to combat a crime wave against Japanese residents have been disbanded after crimes practically ceased. Hideichi Yamatoda is president of the organization.
• Mt. Eden Leaguers Hear Far East Talk, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Saburo Kido spoke to the Eden Township JACL on the Nisei’s position in the Far Eastern conflict at a round table meeting. Rev. Motoyoshi also discussed the marriage problem.
• Fields for Young Subject of Study, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A YMCA-sponsored occupational conference at the International Institute in Los Angeles examined vocational fields open to young people. Authorities in public service, trade, social work, medicine and agriculture addressed the groups.
• Nisei Talent Revue Enjoyed at Brawley, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Nisei Talent Revue sponsored by the Brawley JACL drew a large audience with dance and music performances. Y. Matsumoto served as master of ceremonies.
• Tulare Leaguers Planning to Hold Big Pioneer Party, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Tulare County JACL executive council assigned the Pioneer Night Banquet to the Kibei division, with about ten honor guests planned. A membership drive was also launched under Gene Hoshii.
• Portland Chapter Swells Its Rolls in Spirited Drive, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Portland JACL reached more than 100 members through a membership contest won by the girls’ team under Frances Maeda. The chapter also hosted University of California basketball players and planned fundraising events for convention delegate travel.
• Kano Enthusiastic on Olympics Games, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Jigoro Kano, after touring Egypt, Greece, Italy, France, England and the United States, arrived in Seattle and was widely entertained by local judo associations. He reported that the Japan Olympic Games committee was proceeding with plans for 1940.
• Noted Tokio Singer Plans Tour of Coast, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Japanese tenor Yoshinori Matsuyama arrived in Seattle with his bride from Tokio and planned a Coast tour before performing in New York. He was scheduled to give a concert sponsored by local Japanese newspapers.
• Devine Suzuki in Seattle for Films on Mount Rainier, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Japanese screen star Denmei Suzuki arrived in Seattle to film scenes at Mount Rainier for the educational picture The Voice of Spring. Kendoist Hiromasa Takano accompanied him to study American fencing.
• Big Crowd Enjoys Oregon YPCC Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Oregon section of the YPCC held a well-attended meeting in Salem with more than 150 delegates from the Northwest and Canada. Speakers included Kirby Page and Dr. J. R. Branton on the theme Youth in Action with Christ.
• Salmon Canneries Opening Delayed by Wage Disputes, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The canned salmon industry wage dispute between rival unions delayed the start of the season, with a letter suggesting workers had ratified a general proposal. About 750 Seattle Japanese worked in Alaskan canneries last year, bringing in roughly $175,000.
• Washington U. Young Honorary Officials, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Two second generation students at the University of Washington were elected officers of the Pan Xenia International Foreign Trade honorary. Martin Hirabayashi was named vice president and Shigeru Morita historian.

Sports

• Olympics Program Progresses; Kano Optimistic on Games Outlook, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Judoist Jigoro Kano passed through Seattle after a world tour, reporting that Tokio is proceeding with plans for the 1940 Olympic Games. He said international interest centered on whether Japan would carry out the program and that he assured questioners it would.

Obituaries

• Jitsutaro Koike Dies in Oakland, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Jitsutaro Koike, a pioneer merchant who founded the Nippon Dry Goods Company, died April 21 at age 73. He was known for aiding second generation members and was a warm friend to the JACL.
• Jitsutaro Koike, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A tribute praises Jitsutaro Koike as a merchant prince and humanitarian who served as a beacon for the second generation. It recalls his civic leadership and generosity in sharing his success.
• John Francis Dore Passes to Beyond, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Seattle Mayor John F. Dore died April 18 after a lingering illness, having been a warm friend to the second generation. He addressed the 1936 national JACL convention and appointed Clarence T. Arai to the Seattle Library Board.

Military & Veterans

• Three U.S. Young Attain Honors at Waseda University Branch, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Three second generation students from the Pacific Coast were honored at the graduating exercises of the International Institute at Waseda University in Tokio. Miss Aiko Tokuda was selected to present the class gift.

Commentary

• No Hyphenated Americans, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial argues that second generation Japanese Americans should hold single American citizenship rather than be hyphenated citizens. It states the JACL’s position and notes this aligns with Japanese government policy facilitating expatriation.
• Convention Benefits, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial urges members to prepare for the national convention, noting activities in Los Angeles including the oratorical trophy and Nisei Festival Week. It stresses that lasting benefits will come from serious discussion of problems facing the second generation.
• Expatriation, by Rev. T. Okumura, page 2. Rev. Okumura argues that dual citizens should expatriate and cut ties to Japan, since hyphenated citizenship is too risky and undermines loyalty. He describes his 1921 campaign for expatriation in Hawaii and the support he received from Japanese leaders.

JACL

• Plans on Project Will Be Featured at Board Session, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Northwest District Council prepared for its April meeting in Hood River, where the Second Generation Development Project suggestions will be the central business item. A booster delegation to the national convention and a special train from Portland were also under consideration.

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