September 1941: JACL district conventions and a nation on edge

Vol. 13, No. 57, September 1941. 12 pages. View this issue

District conventions filled the front page of this 12-page issue. At Long Beach over the Labor Day weekend, Fred Tayama of the Los Angeles chapter was elected chairman of the Southern California District Council, and the Bay District was awarded the 1943 convention. Hood River, Oregon was chosen as the 1943 Northwest District host. Tom Iseri’s keynote in Seattle and Governor Culbert Olson’s address in Long Beach both spoke to Japanese American loyalty. San Francisco Mayor Angelo Rossi accepted the offer of Beniamino Bufano’s 34-foot statue “Tolerance” from the San Francisco JACL.

Other pages looked at the strained relations between the United States and Japan. An editorial argued that Japanese Americans should not be blamed for the actions of Japan’s government. A feature by Stanley Shimabukuro traced the history of the Japanese community in San Francisco, and a piece looked at the Nisei in Hawaii. Notes on a Legal Committee of Nisei attorneys, a farm finance plan from Bert L. Smith, and local chapter news round out the issue.

What’s in this issue

Community

• Fred Tayama Selected to Head S.C.D.C. Cabinet at Convention in Long Beach, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Fred Tayama of the Los Angeles JACL chapter was elected chairman of the Southern California District Council at the biennial convention over Labor Day. Other officers and board members were also chosen, and Bay District was awarded the 1943 convention.
• S.F. Mayor Accepts Offer of Statue, by P.C. Staff, page 1. San Francisco Mayor Angelo Rossi accepted Beniamino Bufano’s 34-foot statue ‘Tolerance’ presented by the San Francisco JACL. The city’s art commission and park commission must still approve the statue and select a site.
• San Mateo Next Host to N.C.D.C., by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Northern California District Council will meet in November hosted by San Mateo JACL, and San Jose will host the 1943 district convention. The council also discussed national convention funding and deficit assessments.
• Hood River, Oregon Set as 1943 Northwest District Meet Host, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Hood River, Oregon was chosen as the 1943 Northwest District Convention site at the Seattle conclave. Ayako Sunada of Seattle also won the oratorical trophy and a golf tournament and resolutions were covered.
• Citizenship Must Prove of Sterner Material, by Tom Iseri, page 3. Northwest District Council chairman Tom Iseri delivered the keynote address at the Seattle convention, urging Japanese Americans to fulfill their citizenship responsibilities. He highlighted rising volunteer enlistment and bond purchases as evidence of loyalty.
• Northwest District Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Coverage of the Northwest District Council resolutions and convention activities including golf results and oratorical awards. The council pledged loyalty and vigilance against subversive activity.
• Southern District Meeting, by P.C. Staff, page 11. The Southern California District Council voted to sponsor a button drive to fund entertainment for Nisei soldiers and welcomed Pasadena as a new chapter. Lt. Cmdr. Kenneth Ringle addressed the group on loyalty.
• Seattle Nisei Generation Almost Ready to Take Lead, by P.C. Staff, page 11. A survey reported by the Japanese American Courier found the Nisei in Seattle are nearing leadership roles in community life. It details their ages and business and professional activities.
• Sacramento Bee Praises Chapter Defense Bond Purchase, by P.C. Staff, page 12. The Sacramento Bee commended the Sacramento JACL chapter for purchasing $2,000 in defense bonds. Dr. George Muramoto, chapter president, said members voted in favor as an expression of patriotism.
• San Francisco Citizens Meet Mayor, by P.C. Staff, page 12. San Francisco JACL representatives met with Mayor Rossi regarding Bufano’s Tolerance statue. The mayor pledged support for the project and said he would forward the offer to city commissions.
• Centerville Maps Fall Schedule, by Nora Sakaki, page 12. The Washington Township JACL in Centerville outlined fall activities including an endowment fund drive, Boy Scout and Red Cross drives, and library moving efforts. Benefit movie proceeds were reported.
• San Jose Benefit Movie and Good Will Dinner Planned, by P.C. Staff, page 12. The United Citizens League of Santa Clara County planned a benefit movie in early October and a good will dinner in November. Women’s auxiliary members will handle refreshments.

Commentary

• There Are Also Americans in Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial reflects on tensions between the United States and Japan and argues that Japanese Americans should not be blamed for the actions of Japan’s government. It urges tolerance and calm amid troubled times.
• No War, No Tension, by Kate Archibald, page 2. Reprinted from the Christian Science Monitor, this piece describes the Japanese American community on the West Coast through everyday images of farmers, merchants, and families. It emphasizes their contributions and humanity amid rising wartime tensions.
• Living by Budget, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The article summarizes a University of California budget study for dependent families in San Francisco, listing monthly costs for housing, household expenses, and individual family members. It provides detailed allowances for clothing, leisure, and infant care.
• 157 A.C.L. Signifies Loyalty, by Gov. Culbert Olson, page 4. Governor Olson addressed the Southern California District Convention in Long Beach, affirming Japanese American loyalty to democratic principles. He argued that Japan’s imperialism was the cause of strained relations and urged firm U.S. policy against Japanese aggression.
• Rural Economy Adjustments Needed for Defense Program, by N.T., page 6. The piece argues that Japanese farmers’ cooperatives must adapt their structures to meet wartime and defense program conditions. Flexible organization will determine which co-ops survive the changing environment.
• Life of an Interior Decorator, by P.C. Staff, page 9. A working interior decorator describes her career path from high school counseling through college and design school to professional work. She covers early jobs, salary expectations, and the seasonal and competitive nature of the field.
• Germany’s Attack on Education, by P.C. Staff, page 11. The editorial condemns Nazi suppression of Jewish contributions to culture and education. It warns against similar hysteria in America that might ban Japanese language teaching.

In-Depth

• History of Japanese in S.F., by Stanley Shimabukuro, page 5. This feature traces the history of the San Francisco Japanese community from its early pioneers through population growth, organizations, and occupations. It also discusses racial prejudice, discrimination, and the community’s contributions.
• Hawaii Nisei Face Critical Period, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The article examines the situation of Hawaii’s Japanese American community, including the role of the Issei pioneers and Nisei leaders. It describes Nisei participation in the military and the challenges of dual citizenship and loyalty.
• Finance Plan for Future, by Bert L. Smith, page 6. Extension specialist Bert Smith advises farm families to plan finances carefully, reduce debt, and avoid over-expansion during high-price periods. He recommends listing cash costs and projecting receipts to guide decisions.

Arts & Entertainment

• Amateur Finds Relaxation in Science of Ornithology, by Misaye Watanabe, page 9. The author describes how assisting with bird photography led to an interest in birds and ornithology. She explains how birding became a relaxing escape from difficult times.

Military & Veterans

• Rites for Pvt. Tommy Yatami Kozaki, by P.C. Staff, page 11. Full military rites were held for Pvt. Tommy Yatami Kozaki of Inglewood, who was killed during maneuvers in Washington. An honor guard fired a final salute at Evergreen Cemetery.

National

• Clarification of Alien Land Census, by P.C. Staff, page 11. The Treasury Department clarified TFR-300, the census of alien property, which must be filed by September 30, 1941. The article explains who must file and which forms apply.
• Draftee Returns to What? Gov’t Protects Soldiers, by P.C. Staff, page 11. Federal employees who return from military service are protected in their jobs, seniority, and veterans’ preference. The article explains the reemployment rights available to draftees.
• Nisei Citizens to Equal Privileges, by William Fleet Palmer, page 11. U.S. Attorney William Fleet Palmer defended the right of every person, regardless of race, to equal protection under the Constitution. He spoke before the Central Japanese Association Welfare Committee in Los Angeles.
• National JACL Organizes Legal Body, by P.C. Staff, page 11. National JACL headquarters launched an effort to form a Legal Committee of Nisei attorneys on the Pacific Coast. The committee would help protect Japanese residents’ rights in case of disturbances.

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