COPIES DESTROYED
JAN 16 1974
JAN 16 1974
DECLASSIFIED BY 1678 RFP/AHR
ON 5/14/85
ON 5/14/85
NAVY
DEPARTMENT
Office of Naval Intelligence
Washington, D.C.
Office of Naval Intelligence
Washington, D.C.
December 24, 1941
Subject: JAPANESE TOKYO CLUB SYNDICATE, WITH INTERLOCKING AFFILIATIONS.
Note: Prepared by the Counter-Subversion Section, Office of Naval Intelligence, from information received from various sources.
INTRODUCTION
Custodial Detention
With the sudden outbreak of hostilities between Japan and the United States on December 7, 1941, a comprehensive program for the detention of enemy aliens was put into operation. Hundreds of known dangerous suspects were rounded up, official representatives of the Axis Powers were put under surveillance or taken into custody and Alien Enemy Hearing Boards were appointed to inquire into the activities and loyalty of the individuals concerned. Aided by their recommendations, the U.S. Attorney General will decide whether an alien should be released unconditionally, paroled, or interned for the duration of the war.
Recent Japanese Activities in Latin America
Although handicapped by the detention of many of its key individuals, the Japanese Intelligence Network in this hemisphere continues in operation. Recent reports have been received of suspicious movements of Japanese in various parts of Latin America, particularly in Mexico. On December 13th, one vessel of the Japanese fishing fleet, the ALERT, which was captured off Costa Rica by a Navy Air Patrol, was found to be carrying some 10,000 gallons of Diesel fuel oil. The ALERT, of American registry, is partly owned and manned by Japanese. At the time of her capture, it is believed she was headed for a rendezvous with an enemy submarine or surface raider.
>From Mexico have come numerous rumors that approximately five thousand Japanese are congregating at some undetermined point in strategic Baja California. In this connection, one hundred of a Japanese population of six hundred in and around Ensenada, recently left the region in a ship which had been anchored off the coast. Moreover, during the night of December 10, 1941, all Japanese nationals living in Tijuana disappeared, apparently because of a report that the Mexican Government was recruiting Chinese for their armed forces. Those Japanese who remain are observed to be closely associated with Italians in the vicinity.
The Japanese practice of cloaking subversive operations with "legitimate business fronts" exists in Mexico as well as in the United States. Late in November, 1941, it was reported that Saburo YOSHITAKI, a button manufacturer of San Luis (near Mexicali) had installed short wave radio transmitting and receiving sets in his factory and that all of the Japanese in the surrounding district came there to listen. He is also believed to be connected with radio station KEY in Yuma, Arizona, and is considered potentially dangerous.
Strategically placed in Mexicali itself is one Yokoyama (or Chokichi) TAKAHASHI, a Japanese barber who, it is reliably reported, is a naval officer and also operates a short wave radio transmitter.
It also appears that the Japanese have placed Colonel Tadafumi WAKI, I.J.A., in an important position within their Intelligence Network in Mexico. Originally designated as the Assistant Military Attache of the Japanese Embassy in Washington, Colonel WAKI landed in Mexico on October 4, 1941, but there is no evidence that he ever came to this country. Reports believed to be reliable indicate that Colonel WAKI has in his possession maps of strategic areas in the Hawaiian Islands. Similar maps were reported to have been used by Japanese naval aviators in the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Japanese activities are by no means limited to Mexico. In Peru it is reported that the 30,000 or more Japanese living there are highly organized and that, following anti-Japanese riots, they distributed rifles to all their establishments. Here in the United States there has been reported a possible infiltration of Japanese espionage agents through Cuban and Florida ports. A similar danger exists with regard to the Pacific Coast and the Mexican border.
Since the outbreak of hostilities, Spanish Consuls in the U. S. have taken over all official business for the Japanese Consulates. Japanese collaboration with Spanish Fascist groups has also been extensively demonstrated in Mexico and the Philippine Islands. Among the organizations carrying on espionage and propaganda in the Philippines are LAS MISIONES JESUITE (JESUITICAS?) DEL JAPON, SOCIEDAD NIPO-ES ANCLA, FALANGE EXTERIOR ESPANOLA, and LIGA ANTI-COMINTERN ESPANOLA.
Isolated as these instances may appear to be, they are actually integral parts of a comprehensive hemispheric intelligence program which the Japanese have been developing for well over a year. The war has barely begun; undoubtedly before many more weeks elapse the significance of the Japanese planning will be more actively and clearly demonstrated.
Japanese Intelligence Machine in Western Hemisphere
Early in December, 1940, it became apparent that the Japanese were about to effect a comprehensive reorganization of their Intelligence Network in this hemisphere. At that time, soon after the arrival of Admiral Kichisaburo NOMURA as Ambassador, it was reported that the Japanese Government would intensify the espionage activities of their non-political agencies in this country, relaxing their former policy of "cultural enlightenment and propaganda."
In streamlining their Intelligence Machine the Japanese have been guided by two major considerations. In the first place, the totalitarian doctrines adopted by the Japanese military clique required as a corollary, some such system of "total intelligence" as the Germans have developed in recent years. This meant that the scope of propaganda, espionage, and sabotage activities and, in turn, the individuals and agencies responsible for that coverage had to be enlarged to include commercial, financial, industrial, and social spheres of action in addition to regular military, naval, and political operations.
Allied with this first consideration was the conviction, apparently shared by most members of the Japanese ruling clique, that Japan must act quickly to establish in the U.S. and Latin America a completely integrated intelligence organization which in time of war and the breaking off of official relations would be capable of taking over intelligence operations on a major scale.
Evidence of concrete steps taken to put this new Intelligence Machine into operation is available in numerous reports received during the spring of 1941. From these it appears that the focal point of the Japanese espionage effort has been the determination of the total strength of the United States. In anticipation of possible open conflict with this country, Japan vigorously utilized every available agency to secure military, naval, and commercial information, paying particular attention to the West Coast, the Panama Canal, and the Territory of Hawaii. To this end, surveys were made of persons and organizations opposing U.S. intervention in the present European War, and close attention was paid to all anti-Jewish, Communist, Negro, and Labor Movements.
Although never fully developed, this new espionage organization was characterized by a high degree of decentralization. Before the outbreak of hostilities the activity of the military and naval section, which was divided into a number of different groups, was supplemented by the work of independent agents, and the general pattern included individuals, small groups, and commercial organizations functioning separately and energetically. In the background lay the Imperial Japanese Government, which until recently exercised direct control over both individuals and organizations through the Embassy and the Consulates.
The new program provided for the utilization of citizens of foreign extraction, aliens, Communists, Negroes, Labor union members, anti-Semites, and individuals having access to Government Departments, experimental laboratories, factories, transportation facilities, and governmental organizations of various kinds. Nisei (second generation) Japanese and alien Japanese residents were not overlooked. Realizing, however, that its nationals in this country would be subject to prosecution "in event of a slip," the Japanese Government advised extreme caution in their employment.
It was also decided that, in the event of open hostilities, Mexico would be Japanese intelligence nerve center in the Western Hemisphere, and in anticipation of war, U.S.-Latin American intelligence routes were established. This network, covering Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and the Central American countries, is designed to operate from Mexico City and will, of necessity, involve extensive cooperation among Japanese, German, and Italian intelligence organizations.
Outstanding among the espionage projects of the Japanese Army and Navy were their comprehensive and systematic surveys of the entire western coast of North America. Similar studies have been made of the inland western mountain area. The total body of information covers every conceivable military objective -- railroads, highways, rivers, key industries, terrain features, etc. Needless to state, military and naval installations also received close attention.
Japanese propaganda in the U.S, has for the most part been under the direction of a special division of the Japanese Foreign Office in Tokyo. Local control was administered through the Embassy in Washington, D.C., as well as through the Consulates in key cities and Consular Agents in regions having Japanese communities. The media employed ranged from radio broadcasts and printed matter to subsidized speakers and underworld "pressure" groups. Private business firms, as well as official and quasi-official agencies, have been particularly active in propaganda dissemination. At the same time they rendered invaluable service to the Japanese Army and Navy in the acquisition of technical information.
The Tokyo Club Syndicate
It is believed that the organizations treated in this present report offer an excellent illustration of the extremely complicated interlockings which frequently characterize Japanese groups. What would appear to be legitimate businesses and totally unrelated activities are shown to have a definite community of interests as well as administrative and financial connections. These inter-relationships are far too numerous to be termed coincidental and are at the same time of a definitely subversive nature.
The TOKYO CLUB of Los Angeles, with its chief subsidiaries, the NICHIBEI KOGYO KAISHA (NICHIBEI KINEMA CO.) of Los Angeles and the TOYO CLUB of Seattle, until very recently constituted the nucleus of a system of gambling clubs extending from Alaska to Tijuana and Mexicali, Mexico. Through extensive use of interlocking directorates and high-pressure methods, the sphere of control was gradually extended to numerous other individuals and organizations. Concomitantly there were developed or imposed elements of control by the Japanese Consulates and Japanese Army and Navy officials on the West Coast. The result has been to convert a widespread decentralized system of Japanese "clubs," labor organizations, and legitimate business groups into an important unit of the central Japanese Intelligence Network.
The organizations involved number six and are suspected of such diverse activities as dope smuggling, espionage, extortion, fishing, gambling, labor organization and control, murder, police bribery, propaganda, radio, and the operation of business "fronts," canneries, courier routes, and "post offices." Many of the individuals involved are classed as dangerous suspects and have interlocking affiliations among both these and other subversive organizations. There can be no doubt that most of the leaders have been and that many still continue to function as key operatives for the Japanese Government along the West Coast. Under present wartime conditions both they and their subordinates constitute a very serious threat to our internal security in the areas where they operate.
Case Histories and Schematic Diagrams
The attached case histories and diagrams provide essential detailed information with respect to both the individual organizations and their interlocking affiliations. The tabulation showing the leaders with their various activities (designated by "x" under the vertical headings) is based upon an analysis of various sources of information covering the period 1936-1941. Each mark may be interpreted as representing an affiliation of definite and durable nature; in those cases where the connection was spasmodic, of brief duration, or in any way uncertain, a question mark has been added alongside the "x".
The diagram on the TOKYO CLUB NETWORK is designed to portray the geographical distribution as well as the diversity of function of the original TOKYO CLUB system. (Although a confidential report, dated 11/5/41, alleges that the TOKYO CLUB (sometimes called the LITTLE TOKYO SOCIAL CLUB) is no longer in existence, it is known that the TOYO CLUB has become the new headquarters.) The Los Angeles headquarters is shown in relationship to its subsidiaries in Alaska, Canada, and along the West Coast, as well as to other organizations with which it is affiliated through interlocking of officials or identity of interests.
The diagram also indicates the flow of information and control through Mexico and thence to Japan and Latin America. In this connection there should be kept in mind the proximity of San Diego to Tijuana and of El Centro to Mexicali, all four places, along with Yuma, Nogales, El Paso, Laredo, and Brownsville, being well known Japanese "post offices" and local espionage centers. With the advent of hostilities it seems safe to anticipate further development and utilization of these U.S.-Latin American intelligence channels.
TOKYO CLUB
(Formerly at 317 Jackson St.)
Los Angeles, California
Officers:
Present officers unknown.
Summary:
BACKGROUND: The TOKYO (or TOKIO) Club was first organized about 1919 by one Jitetsu YASUDA as the center of a Pacific Coast gambling syndicate. The central club, it is reported, used thugs and gunmen to "shake down" the individual clubs, but at the same time offered them no protection or other services other than financial loans. During the ensuing years of the syndicate's operation there was a succession of leaders or bosses of the TOKYO CLUB; if a boss were not killed off beforehand, he would voluntarily return to Japan at the expiration of a customary 2-3 year term. It is also reported that bosses of the CLUB were schooled for their jobs by first serving as president of the affiliated NICHIBEI KOGYO KAISHA (see case history).
KANEKICHI YAMAMOTO CASE (1937-1938): YAMAMOTO, head of the Seattle TOYO CLUB, was deported January 23, 1939, from Seattle after having spent approximately one year in the Federal (McNeil Island) Penitentiary on an income tax fraud conviction. It appears from investigation reports on the case that YAMAMOTO's guilt was suggested to Government officials by one Hideichi YAMATODA, 1937 head of the TOKYO CLUB whose position was being threatened by YAMAMOTO. Tasaburo WAKATAKE, who had preceded YAMATODA as TOKYO CLUB president and who favored YAMAMOTO to succeed to the leadership of the syndicate, returned to Japan in February 1937; thus, when YAMAMOTO, too, was removed from the scene by his above-mentioned conviction, YAMATODA was left free to engineer a coup and assume full control of the club chain.
It was reported (March, 1938) that YAMAMOTO, for the sake of the future of the organization, had initiated efforts to patch up relations between the syndicate members, the TOKYO CLUB, and NICHIBEI KOGYO KAISHA. E. MORII of Vancouver, B.C., and S. YASUMURA of San Francisco acted as mediators, apparently motivated by the fear of what YAMAMOTO might report "to his principals in Japan."
YAMATODA KIDNAPING CONSPIRACY CASE (1938-): Having once gained the upper hand in the TOKYO CLUB and its affiliates, Hideyoshi YAMATODA was unable to maintain the strong and widespread organization which his predecessors had ruled through the use of gangster methods. Accordingly the syndicate broke down into separate clubs, the TOKYO CLUB remaining largest and most powerful and still controlling those clubs located at El Centro, Guadalupe, Visalia, Lodi, and elsewhere. In addition YAMATODA separated the JAPANESE THEATRlCAL ASSOCIATION AND FILM EXCHANGE from the activities of the TOKYO CLUB. Since 1938 YAMATODA has posed as a film executive, using the NICHIBEI KOGYO KAISHA as his headquarters and front.
In the Fall of 1938 a group of New York Japanese gamblers, headed by one Kamenosuke YUGE, united with a group of West Coast Japanese gamblers, led by Mitsui TAGAWA, and formed a conspiracy to oust YAMATODA, seize control of the TOKYO CLUB and the JAPANESE THEATRICAL ASSOCIATION AND FILM EXCHANGE, and apparently, to rebuild the original TOKYO CLUB and unite it with the New York gambling hook-up. They obtained the assistance of certain Los Angeles police officers and in September 1938, managed to have YAMATODA arrested. YAMATODA later asserted that the police thereupon ordered him to leave Los Angeles and return to Japan within three months.
In the meantime YUGE and his associates had united with one Richard YOSHIDA and taken over the Japanese gambling club at El Centro, California, ousting Ryotaro IWAHASHI, who had operated the club some 10 years "as a lieutenant of the TOKYO CLUB." They also obtained the aid of the El Centro police chief, one J. Sterling OSWALT, in making the attempt to reconstruct the original gambling syndicate.
In December 1938, there occurred a kidnapping from the El Centro jail in which YAMATODA was the victim and YUGE, YOSHIDA, OSWALT, and others the kidnapers. Taken eventually to Mexico, YAMATODA escaped, gathered his friends to his aid, and returned to Los Angeles to press charges against the kidnapers. As a result of this charge, YUGE, OSWALT, and eight others were indicted by the Los Angeles Federal Grand Jury (9/6/39). The trial was never completed, owing to YAMATODA's flight to Japan in April, 1941, to avoid his prosecution for murder, which was scheduled to follow, but did result in YUGE, among others, being convicted of conspiracy and confined to McNeil Island Penitentiary.
CONCLUSION: The present status of the TOKYO CLUB in Los Angeles and its affiliated clubs and activities along the West Coast of the United States and in Alaska, British Columbia, Mexico, China, and Japan, is undetermined. However, in view of the extremely widespread and diversified nature of its operations in the past few years and, more particularly in the light of recently intensified Japanese espionage activities, it is deemed advisable to maintain a strict watch on the chief individuals formerly identified with subject club (inasmuch as they may resort to new "fronts" for their operations) and to investigate further their numerous interlocked connections with such subversive activities as canneries, fishing, espionage, propaganda, sabotage, etc.
(See schematic diagram, copy attached.)
Former Personnel and Members:
COUGHLIN, Ray T. -- Sacramento (Calif.) attorney (White American) who reportedly managed the legal aspects of the establishment of the TOKYO CLUB syndicate.
FURUSAWA, (Mrs.) Koko -- Class "A" suspect, wife of Dr. Takashi FURUSAWA who is likewise an "A" suspect. She is reported to have formerly been the wife of a Japanese naval officer (in Japan), whom she left to become a maid in a Japanese inn. Subsequently she came to the U. S. to work as a waitress in the Lil' Tokyo section of Los Angeles, and while there helped Takashi FURUSAWA through college, marrying him when he became established.
"Street scene in 'Little Tokyo' near the Los Angeles Civic Center." (04/11/1942)
To date Mrs. FURUSAWA is the only woman member of the extremely suspect SAKURA KAI [Cherry Association], and, with her husband, was a member of the group who founded the equally suspect KAIGUN KYOKAI [Navy League]. She holds office in the AIKOKU FUJIN KAI [Women's Patriotic Society] in California, a popular society for women, and is also a director of the SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF JAPANESE WOMEN'S CLUBS. Her widespread activities among Japanese naval and army officers warrant her being classified as an espionage and "post office" suspect.
HIRAO, Kana -- Class "B" suspect, in frequent communication with Kanekichi YAMAMOTO and associated with him in the gambling syndicate from 1926 to 1938; thenceforth (after YAMAMOTO's deportation) until 1940, he continued his affiliation in the TOKYO CLUB. Was tried and convicted for illegal shipment of arms to Shanghai in 1939-1940.
ICHIKAWA, Hakui -- Class "A" suspect, chief lieutenant of Kanekichi YAMAMOTO at the TOYO CLUB in Seattle prior to the latter's deportation in 1938. In 1937 he became active head of the club. Did much traveling and had repeated contacts with suspects "George" Naokazu ISHIBASHI, Dr. Benjamin Masayoshi TANAKA, OHTA, Takeyaki SASAKI, and consular and military-naval representatives.
Some time later he became proprietor of the STAR POOL HALL (517 Jackson Street, Seattle), reputed to be another gambling place. Is believed to have been behind the gun smuggling attempt of Kane HIRAO, and in turn probably had YAMAMOTO behind him at the time.
Most recent reports on ICHIKAWA (9/5/41 and 10/22/41) indicate that he has been extremely outspoken in his criticism of the appeasement efforts of certain Japanese statesmen which have prevented Japan's southward expansion. These same reports suggest that he hoped to return to Japan in the near future, that he had sold his pool parlor and had sent considerable sums to a former TOYO CLUB leader (probably Takeyaki SASAKI) at the KUMAMOTOYA HOTEL, Yokohama.
MARUYAMA, Norio -- Nothing is known other than the fact that he was one of the officers who assumed control of the TOKYO CLUB syndicate when Hideyoshi YAMATODA took over its management in 1937.
MATSUMOTO, Ken (or Tai) -- A lieutenant of Kanekichi YAMAMOTO in the TOYO CLUB and interested with him in the fishing-cannery business and labor contracting. May possibly be the Ken MATSUMOTO who is presently national vice president of the J.A.C.L.
MORI, Yatsuma -- Closely affiliated with Kanekichi YAMAMOTO and the TOKYO CLUB chain through his position (1936) as official of the Los Angeles TOKYO CLUB, manager of LITTLE TOKYO CLUB, and director of the NICHIBEI KOGYO KAISHA (see case history of the latter).
MORII, Eitsuji -- Alien, Class "A" suspect. Head of the JAPANESE CANADIAN AMUSEMENT SOCIETY, a part of the TOKYO CLUB syndicate, and reputedly leader of the Japanese in Vancouver. He was for a long time associated with Kanekichi YAMAMOTO in the TOKYO CLUB and NICHIBEI KOGYO KAISHA, does extensive traveling, and is classified as an espionage suspect.
OHTA, --- -- Early in 1939 he was reported to control Japanese gambling in Imperial Valley, California, and to be endeavoring to re-open the TOKYO CLUB in Los Angeles. (OHTA was supposed to have "fixed" the police to such an extent that he had complete control of Japanese gambling throughout Southern California.)
SMALLPAGE, Lafayette -- Stockton (California) attorney (White American) who participated in the organization of the TOKYO CLUB as legal adviser.
SUZUKI, Makoto -- Class "B" suspect who has posed as a member of the Japanese fishing colony at Terminal Island. He is suspected of being a Japanese agent and of having recently traveled in South America.
TOMINAGA, Keisuke -- Aide to Hideyoshi YAMATODA in the TOKYO CLUB (1937- ) and also a contact of Kanekichi YAMAMOTO (1936). Was for some time suspected of participation in a dope smuggling ring as "delivery man" for the CLUB.
WAKATAKE, Tasaburo -- Nothing known other than his early leadership in subject syndicate. Is believed to have returned to Japan.
YAMAMOTO, Kanekichi (or Kinpachi) -- Head of the Seattle TOYO CLUB and one of the heads of the NICHIBEI KOGYO KAISHA (see case history) who was slated to assume leadership of the TOKYO CLUB system, under the sponsorship of WAKATAKE, as stated above in the summary. This plan was thwarted by the income tax case which resulted in YAMAMOTO's imprisonment and subsequent deportation in 1939. He was also interested in the fishing-cannery business and the organization of related labor unions (see case histories on the ALASKA CANNERY WORKERS UNION and the CANNERY WORKERS AND FARM LABORERS UNION). At present he is reported to be in Shanghai, probably active in the Chinese-Manchurian clubs of subject organization for which SASAKI used to be the contact.
YAMATODA, Hideyoshi (or Hideichi) -- Class "A" suspect and for some time (1938-1941) the "boss" of the TOKYO CLUB syndicate and the closely affiliated NICHIBEI KOGYO KAISHA (see case history). In addition he was a member of the dangerous SAKURA KAI and maintained intimate contacts among Japanese consular and military-naval officials. It should also be noted that the TOKYO CLUB's murder trade was quite brisk during the period of YAMATODA's leadership; he himself is suspected of having committed some of the crimes (see Summary above).
Following his kidnapping and the unfinished trial which resulted from it, YAMATODA fled to Japan via Mexico and is presently being sought there by the U. S. Department of State.
YASUMURA, S. -- Nothing is known save his membership in subject club.
(For further information on above individuals see schematic diagram and supplement on TOYO CLUB.)
TOKYO CLUB -- Supplement
Summary:
The club which ranked second, next in importance to the TOKYO CLUB in Los Angeles, was the TOYO CLUB of Seattle. While posing as a gambling establishment, as have the parent and other sister organizations, this club actually carried on such "extra-curricula" activities as dope smuggling, police "fixing," espionage, cooperation with labor unions in fishing-cannery interests, etc.
It is reliably reported that subject club was established by a Japanese named SASAKI (probably Takeyaki, alias Tosayama, SASAKI, see pp. 3, 5 of this report), who returned to Japan a number of years ago to become the gambling syndicate's representative there as well as in North China and Manchoukuo. After SASAKI's departure the club was operated by Kanekichi YAMAMOTO, who employed Seiichi "Sam" TAKENO (since deceased), Hakui ICHIKAWA (see p. 3), and one J. NAKATSU -- all of whom are suspects -- to assist him. When YAMAMOTO left the U. S. in 1939, after serving his prison term, his three assistants inherited the club and its business, ICHIKAWA eventually becoming the most active of the group. Shoichi NOJIMA, son-in-law of NAKATSU and a Class "A" suspect, does the bookkeeping for the club.
In connection with TAKENO, who died August 17, 1941, it should be noted that he resided with a Japanese woman known as Mrs. S. FURUMOTO and, with her, operated the NEW CENTRAL CAFE of Seattle.
Listed under Personnel are names of a few of the Japanese who were at one time or another in recent years, identified with the TOYO CLUB. ONI also has in its possession a comprehensive list of the contacts of Kanekichi YAMAMOTO, acquired at the time of his arrest in 1937. Many of them are Class "A" suspects.
Personnel:
ASAKURA, Makutaro -- Class "A" suspect, proprietor of the STACY STREET TAVERN (see appended list of Restaurants, Cafes, etc.). Entered the United States illegally but have been here too long for deportation. Was at one time connected with the TOYO CLUB as dealer both at the club and in logging camps.
FUKAO, "Paul" Kenichi -- Class "A" suspect and a henchman of Kanekichi YAMAMOTO. In January, 1941, was reported to be employed by the TOYO CLUB as lottery ticket salesman and driver of the car operated by the club to transport Japanese crews back and forth between ship and club.
HASHIMOTO, "Hashi" -- Class "A" suspect.
IMAIZUME, Yasugi -- Class "A" suspect.
KANAGAWA, Sho (Tadashi or Masa).
KOMATSU, Ryo (Riyo) -- Class "A" suspect.
KONO, Junsaku -- Class "A" suspect and special henchman of Hakui ICHIKAWA. In February 1941, was reported to be employed as a dealer at the gambling tables of the STAR POOL HALL (owned by ICHIKAWA).
MORIMIZU, "Tony" Rinta -- Japanese citizen, Class "A" suspect. Was, in January, 1941, president of the PUGET SOUND VEGETABLE GROWERS ASSOCIATION and considered to be one of the three most influential Japanese in the White River Valley area. In 1938, 1939, and 1941 was president of the JAPANESE ASSOCIATION of Sumner, Washington. Was also active in the KUMAMOTO PREFECTURAL ASSOCIATION in 1939 and 1940.
NAGAMATSU, Henry Heiji -- (See case history on JAPANESE CANNERIES).
NAKATSU, Jiutaro (alias Jintaro, Gintaro, etc.) -- Class "A" suspect. Subject was active in the 1937 Sumo Tournament at Seattle and for some time gunman for the TOYO CLUB and private bodyguard to YAMADA (once head of said club). In March 1941, was still a leader in sumo groups and an adviser of the KUMAMOTO OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION. It is believed his son-in-law has returned to Japan, but NAKATSU continues to participate in the management of the TOYO CLUB.
OBATA, K. -- Class "A" suspect and operator of a restaurant located at 604 Main Street, Seattle (probably the ROSE CAFE). During fishing-canning season OBATA had worked as foreman at an Alaskan Cannery. It should also be noted that it was at his residence that Kanekichi YAMAMOTO went into hiding from U.S. Treasury authorities in 1937.
OGAMI, Teiichi -- Japanese citizen, Class "A" suspect. He is proprietor of the OGAMI SACK CO., which handles second hand gunnysacks and is located at 809 Maynard Avenue, Seattle. As early as 1935 and 1936, OGAMI was known to be an intimate of Kanekichi YAMAMOTO and of other Japanese suspects, Sataro MINAMI (deceased) among them. He has also been active in Japanese activities in the Seattle region. In 1938 he was one of the vice presidents of the suspect HOKUBEI BUTOKU KAI [Military Virtue Society of North America]. In 1939 he was treasurer and in 1940 vice president of the OKAYAMA PREFECTURAL ASSOCIATION. Was also one of the Japanese who were honored with a wooden sake cup by the Japanese Foreign Office on the occasion of the 2600th Anniversary Celebration held in Tokyo in November, 1940.
This past year he has been reported as having donated money to the SEATTLE JAPANESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, the HOKUBEI BUTOKU KAI, the BUDDHIST CHURCH, and to a local kendo club.
The U. S. Immigration Service reports that he entered the United States in 1921. Business associates state that he is of good reputation and not outspokenly pro-Japanese.
SAITO, (Dr.) Moriya -- Class "A" suspect and a dentist with office at 670 Jackson Street, Seattle. In February, 1941, he was reported to operated gambling tables at the NIPPON POOL HALL on Main Street, Seattle (see appended list of Restaurants, Cafes, etc.) and to have been intimate with Kanekichi YAMAMOTO.
Subject may possibly be the "Hori SATO" of Seattle who is listed as a member of the suspect HINOMARU KAI [Round Sun (flag) Association; similar to usage of "Stars and Stripes" to describe the US flag].
SAKAINO, Bunro (Fumiro) -- Class "A" suspect, editor of "THE COAST TIMES" a newspaper of Portland, and secretary in 1940 of both the JAPANESE ASSOCIATION of Portland and the suspect SOKOKU KAI [Ancestral Country Society]. Is an intimate of "George" Haoichi ISHIBASHI (see case history on JAPANESE CANNERIES) as well as of Hakui ICHIKAWA (see above). SAKAINO was one of 17 Japanese residents in 13 ND who were honored with wooden sake cups by the Japanese Foreign Office on the occasion of the 2600th Anniversary Celebration held in Tokyo in November, 1940.
SAKAMOTO, Tamizo -- (See case history on JAPANESE CANNERIES).
SUYETANI, "Roy" Kiyoshi -- Class "A" suspect, listed in the Seattle City Directory as a chauffeur. Was, for some time, bodyguard and gunman for Kanekichi YAMAMOTO and other leaders of the TOYO CLUB. His wife (?) is connected with the NIPPON POOL HALL referred to above, and he himself is presently reported to be head of subject club and "fixer" for the local Japanese community.
TATEOKA (TAKEOKA), Hisashi -- Class "A" suspect.
NICHIBEI KOGYO KAISHA (Japanese-American Theatrical Company)
NICHIBEI KINEMA., INC.
NICHIBEI KINEMA KAISHA
GREAT FUJI (FUJII) THEATER
Headquarters: Yokohama, Japan
U.S. Main Branch: 201 N. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, California
Officers:
| KUMAMOTO, Shunten (Shinsuke) | - |
President | |
| NARUMI, Jutaro | - | Vice President | |
| HASUIKE, George Susumu | - | Vice President | |
| UYEDA, Yaozo | - | Treasurer | |
| KIDA, Masataro | - | Treasurer | |
| TSUDA, Noboru | - | Director | |
| KIMURA, Muneo | - | Managing Director | |
| MUKAEDA, Katsuma | - | Auditor | |
| BAN, Takeshi (Rev., Dr.) | - | Auditor |
Summary:
Subject company was first incorporated in December, 1937, and was originally controlled as a front for the LITTLE TOKYO GAMBLING CLUB, owned by Hideichi YAMATODA. After the latter's kidnapping in 1937, however, the leader of the Japanese community advised him that they believed the operation of subject company was a matter of vital interest to the community, and through pressure brought upon him, his interest in the company was reduced to two shares of a total of fifty. The remaining shares are held chiefly by officers in the CENTRAL JAPAN ASSOCIATION and the LOS ANGELES JAPANESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
Articles of incorporation, dated April 22, 1939, show the purpose of the company to be buying and selling, and importing and exporting of still and motion pictures, films, and musical records; the contracting of players and actors; the booking of lectures, plays, and musical acts at theatrical places.
This organization has been distributing highly nationalistic Japanese films which portray Japanese expansion in Asia and the might of the Japanese Army. It is also believed to have booked lectures which praised Japanese customs as being superior to American.
On March 30, 1940, capitalization was increased from $25,000 to $250,000. Subject organization was reorganized March 5, 1941, and its names changed to NICHIBEI KINEMA COMPANY, INC. It is also known under the title JAPANESE THEATRICAL ASSOCIATION, INC., this being the name to which newsreels are consigned by the Yokohama headquarters.
Personnel:
BAN, (Rev., Dr.) Takeshi -- Japanese citizen, Class "A" suspect. In 1938 was reported to be a Doctor of Divinity, head of the JAPANESE SOCIETY OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION, and minister of the CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. A news articles in a Los Angeles Japanese paper (September, 1938) described BAN as having been an Imperial Army Officer during the Russo-Japanese War and as having won the Seventh Order of the Rising Sun for outstanding conduct. At about the same time (i.e. September, 1938) he reportedly joined the suspect HOKUBEI HEIEKI GIMUSHA KAI. For the past several years he has been active in the leadership of the TAIHEIYO BUNKA KYOIKU KAI (Pacific Cultural Education Society) and at present is reported to be president of this organization. Recent information also shows him to hold office in the suspect NANKA TEIKOKU GUNYU-DAN.
Since 1937 and up to the present time subject has been exceedingly active as a propagandist. He has lectured and has directed the distribution of nationalistic motion picture films along the West Coast and inland as far as Colorado. (In 1939, it was reported that he received subsidies from the JAPANESE TRADE PROMOTION BUREAU of the Ministry of Commerce for his propaganda activities.) In this connection it might be noted that the automobile which he used for his travels in 1938 carried, in addition to films and projector, all the necessary equipment for taking and developing motion pictures.
Because of the nature of his activities and the wide area over which he operates he is classified by ONI as an espionage suspect.
HASUIKE, Susumu -- Citizenship unknown. Class "A" suspect. In 1940 subject was reported to be owner of the THREE STAR PRODUCE COMPANY (932 Wall Street, Los Angeles, Calif.), also to be a member of the suspect SAKURA KAI, and to have donated $1,000 to the equally suspect NIPPON KAIGUN KYOKAI. In addition he has been very prominent in Japanese circles in Los Angeles and holds, or has held, office in several Japanese organizations other than those mentioned above.
KIDA, Masataro -- A native of Shizuoka Prefecture, and probably a Japanese citizen, Class "B" suspect, occupation restaurant owner. In addition to his affiliation with the NICHIBEI KOGYO KAISHA, in which he is also a stockholder, KIDA is president of one of the Los Angeles Buddhist kendo organizations.
KIMURA, Muneo -- Native of Yamaguchi Prefecture and probably a Japanese citizen, Class "B" suspect. As business manager of the NICHIBEI KOGYO KAISHA, KIMURA has made frequent "business trips" to the Hawaiian Islands and was one of the group of Japanese, lead by Shunten KUMAMOTO, who went to Japan in 1940, ostensibly to engage a theatrical troupe for a U. S. tour. This troupe arrived in San Francisco on November 13, 1940, traveled extensively, and reportedly made numerous contacts for espionage purposes.
KIMURA has been reported as a member of both the SAKURA KAI and the NIPPON KAIGUN KYOKAI, but his affiliation with these organizations has not yet been confirmed.
KUMAMOTO, Shunten (Shinsuke) -- Citizenship unknown, Class "A" suspect. During the past three years has been exceedingly active in Japanese organizations in the Los Angeles area. He is known to be auditor and director of the CULTURAL CENTER OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA and is also connected with the Los Angeles branch of the JAPAN TOURIST BUREAU, both of which organizations are Japanese propaganda agencies. Is an ex-president of the CENTRAL JAPANESE ASSOCIATION at Los Angeles, as well as of the LOS ANGELES JAPANESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, and has for some time been influential in the suspect SAKURA KAI.
His business concern, known as the S. K. PRODUCE CO., is reportedly backed by Keisuke TOMINAGA and the TOKYO CLUB (see case history on TOKYO CLUB).
In the latter part of 1940, KUMAMOTO visited Japan with Muneo KIMURA for the purpose of organizing a theatrical troupe (allegedly espionage agents) and also to participate in the 2600th Anniversary Celebration. It is believed that at this latter convention he represented the CENTRAL JAPANESE ASSOCIATION, and, furthermore, that during the six months he was abroad he made an extensive study of conditions in various sections of Japan. Reports on the convention in Tokyo indicates that KUMAMOTO had entré to the Japanese Foreign Office, probably as member of its "non-official" staff, and that he participated in round table discussions sponsored by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Overseas Affairs.
MUKAEDA, Katsuma -- Native of Kumamoto Prefecture, Class "A" suspect. He is a prominent attorney-at-law and pro-Japanese propagandist who has, in the past, been closely associated with the Japanese Consulate in Los Angeles. For the past eight years he has been active in Japanese nationalistic organizations and has, at the same time, been in contact with Japanese Navy and Army Officers.
In reward for his services to the Japanese Empire he was recently decorated by the Emperor and honored with a letter of commendation from the Foreign Office.
In 1933 MUKAEDA served as president of the FEDERAL JAPANESE ASSOCIATIONS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA; in 1935 was president of the CENTRAL JAPANESE ASSOCIATION and a member of the organizing committee of the SOCIETY FOR ORIENTAL STUDIES of Claremont, California; in 1939 he was identified with both the SAKURA KAI and the JAPANESE CULTURAL CENTER OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. It is also known that for some years past he has been contact man on the Pacific Coast for the JAPAN INSTITUTE (formerly of New York City), and that he is also a supporting member of the NIPPON KAIGUN KYOKAI. When the Japanese spy Lt. Cmdr. Itaru TACHIBANA, IJN [Imperial Japanese Navy], was arrested by the FBI in the Spring of 1941, MUKAEDA's name was mentioned in the material seized.
While president of the CENTRAL JAPANESE ASSOCIATION, subject established a new department with the name "JOHO-BU" (Intelligence Bureau), the main activities of which were to procure speakers to lecture on Japanese culture and, with the cooperation of the Los Angeles, and the KOKUSAI BUNKA SHINKO KAI (Society for the Promotion of International Cultural Relations) in Tokyo, to invite prominent Japanese lecturers to this country. Professor Ken NAKAZAWA, of the University of Southern California, assisted in this project.
Within the last several months it has become apparent that MUKAEDA has been cooperating with the CENTRAL JAPANESE ASSOCIATION of Los Angeles in attempting to gain control of the JAPANESE AMERICAN CITIZENS LEAGUE in Southern California. Fred TAYAMA, president of the Los Angeles branch of the J.A.C.L., is reported to be heavily indebted to MUKAEDA and to one Gongoro NAKAMURA (Class "A" suspect), which fact puts these latter two individuals in a position to dictate the policy and action of the local J.A.C.L. through TAYAMA.
NARUMI, Jutaro -- Native of Wakayama Prefecture, and believed to be a Japanese citizen, Class "A" suspect. For some time he has been manager of the ASIA CO. in Los Angeles. In 1935 was treasurer of the LOS ANGELES JAPANESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; for the past several years he has been closely associated with the SAKURA KAI and has been a regular member of the NIPPON KAIGUN KYOKAI. In 1939 he was known to be collecting donations for the Japanese war fund, and in 1940 represented the SUMO KYOKAI [Sumo Wrestling Association] in the local 2600th Anniversary Celebration of the Japanese Empire, held in Los Angeles.
TSUDA, Noboru -- Native of Fukushima Prefecture, and probably a Japanese citizen, Class "A" suspect. Has been a resident of the United States since 1906, but has made many trips to Japan in the interim and has five sons residing there. Serves as manager and is one of the chief stockholders of the GREAT FUJI (FUJII) THEATER. For some years past he has been very active in Japanese nationalistic organizations and, among other things, was in charge of some of the various Japanese theatrical troupes which came from Japan and toured Hawaii and the West Coast.
In addition to these activities, TSUDA is a regular member of the suspect NIPPON KAIGUN KYOKAI and is considered by ONI to be a potential Japanese agent.
UYEDA, Yaozo -- Subject himself is treasurer of the NICHIBEI KOGYO KAISHA, and his wife, Yoshiye C. UYEDA, is listed as a member of the suspect NIPPON KAIGUN KYOKAI. (It is believed that subject is actually a member of the latter organization but attempts to hide the fact by having his wife pay his dues.)
Branches:
| El Centro | - |
IWABASHI, Yoshitaro | San Francisco | - | YASUMURA, Sadakichi (Class "B" suspect) MIZUNO, Hiroshi (Class "B" suspect) |
|||
| Guadalupe | - | ITO, Setsuji | Suisun | - | ISHIBASHI, Chokichi | |||
| Lodi | - | YAMADA, Tomosaburo | Vallejo | - | NAKATA, Manabu | |||
| Pismo | - | HANAI, Otoichi (Class "B" suspect) | Visalia | - | HAGIHARA, Yonekichi | |||
| Sacramento | - | SERA, Katsutaro NAKASHIMA, Kenkichi |
||||||
| (All branches are in California, officers as of 1938) | ||||||||
JAPANESE CANNERIES
Alaska and West Coast
Owners and Operators:
| ISHIBASHI, "George" Naoichi | - |
Portland, Oregon. |
| NAGAMATSU, "Henry" Heiji | - | Seattle, Washington. |
| NISHIMURA, "George" Yasukichi | - | Seattle, Washington; and Yokohama, Japan. |
| SAKAMOTO, Tamizo | - | Seattle, Washington. |
| TAKAHASHI, Chas. Theodore (Takeo) | - | Seattle, Washington. |
| TAKASAKI, Yaichi (Yoichi) | - | Kingston, Washington. |
Summary:
A comprehensive survey of Japanese activity in the U. S. fishing-canning industry has not yet been made. This present report is merely an account of such circumstances as were revealed through a study of the TOKYO CLUB syndicate.
Reports on hand indicate that Alaskan canneries, whether floating or shore-based, American- or foreign-owned, employ a considerable amount of Japanese capital and labor. Those modern floating canneries based in Japan and their companion fishing fleets are, of course, composed entirely of alien personnel and operate in a manner which permits of very little surveillance on the part of American investigative agencies. Shore-based canneries, on the other hand, are often American-owned but employ laborers of foreign birth or ancestry.
With regard to occupational activity these individuals may be classified as (1) fishermen; (2) "inside" cannery laborers; and (3) superintendents, foremen, carpenters, machinists, etc. In 1939 the above-mentioned cannery labor group numbers some 9,680 workers, of whom the major portion were native Alaskans and Filipinos. The Japanese among them totaled 685 (about 7%), of whom approximately 300 were believed to have returned to Japan at the conclusion of the season. A second detailed check, initiated August, 1941, and still unfinished, shows the proportion of Japanese to be slightly over 6%, or just about what it was in 1939. This percentage is composed almost equally of U. S. citizens and aliens.
American leaders in the fishing-canning industry have endeavored to provide ONI with full information of this situation, stressing the fact that the Japanese involved are scattered in definitely strategic places throughout Alaska, and that there exists the possibility that some of these Japanese, particularly those who go back and forth to Japan, may have Japanese military or naval connections. These allegations are substantiated by reliable reports which specifically refer to suspicious land, sea, and aerial activity in strategic areas by Japanese military or naval officers and others supposedly affiliated with fishing-cannery interests.
Keeping in mind this general background of the situation, one must regard as significant the following data on subject cannery owners and operators and their affiliations. While there is not sufficient evidence to permit of any blanket or categorical conclusions, the information does appear to suggest an entirely logical connection between the Japanese fishing-cannery interests and other known subversive individuals and organizations. It is hoped that further investigation will clarify the affiliations and reveal any major Japanese subversion hook-up which may exist.
Personnel:
ISHIBASHI, "George" Naoichi -- Alien, Class "A" suspect. In 1935 was believed to be leader of narcotic smuggling gang as well as a Japanese intelligence agent. Mail communication with Lt. Comdr. Shigeru FUJII of IJN. In 1941 reported as labor contractor, restaurant owner, and head of KOSHIN CLUB, Portland gambling house affiliated with the TOKYO CLUB chain. Active in Buddhist circles. Intimate with Dr. "Benjamin" Masayoshi TANAKA, Portland Japanese intelligence chief and president of suspect SOKOKU KAI; also close to Kanekichi YAMAMOTO and others of the Seattle TOYO CLUB group.
NAGAMATSU, "Henry" Heiji -- Alien, Class "A" suspect. Head of H. H. NAGAMATSU AND COMPANY, cannery contractors, also president-manager of the NORTH COAST IMPORTING COMPANY. Was reported to be a frequent visitor of Kanekichi YAMAMOTO and to be intimately associated with him in cannery union affairs.
NISHIMURA, "George" Yasukichi -- Alien, Class "A" suspect. Cannery contractor and operator (plant located at Koguang, Bristol Bay, Alaska) and exporter-importer (owner G. Y. NISHIMURA AND COMPANY, Seattle). Leader of Seattle Japanese. Maintains home in Yokohama to which he used to make annual trips. Heavy contributor to Japanese War Fund. Mail communication (1936-37) with Kanekichi YAMAMOTO, Tamizo SAKAMOTO, and Hakuta FUJIOKA. (All three of these are suspects, YAMAMOTO and SAKAMOTO being active leaders in the TOKYO CLUB chain (see case history
on same), as well as having cannery interests; and FUJIOKA, being cannery superintendent for NISHIMURA.) In addition, NISHIMURA was in 1936-37 closely affiliated with Dr. Seiji KANDA (or KONDA), Takuzo SUZUKI, and Koji UCHIDA, Japanese espionage agents who posed as "fishing school instructors" or KYODO SUISAN KAISHA [Marine Cooperative Company] agents while undertaking Alaskan surveys. In April, 1938, was investigated by U. S. Treasury Department on income tax charges, and is believed to have left the country.
SAKAMOTO, Tamizo -- Class "A" suspect. Professional gambler, associated with G. Y. NISHIMURA AND COMPANY cannery (manager; also has financial interest). Prior to 1933 was affiliated with ISHIBASHI and SASAKI in narcotic smuggling. Since 1936 intimate with Lt. Comdr. Shigeru FUJII (IJN; now deceased) and Kanekichi YAMAMOTO. Is reported also as operating a card room in the basement of the L. C. Smith Building, Seattle, said project being backed by the TOYO CLUB (TOKYO CLUB chain) or by YAMAMOTO personally.
TAKAHASHI, Charles Theodore (Takeo) -- American-born, Class "A" suspect. Wealthy head of C. T. TAKAHASHI COMPANY, an export-import firm dealing mostly in lumber and scrap metal and formerly known as the ORIENTAL TRADING COMPANY. (Same firm is sometimes called the CHINA IMPORT AND EXPORT COMPANY, probably with the intention of hiding its Japanese ownership.) Also head of RESILIENT H???ER, INC., AND O. T. CONTRACTORS, INC., the latter supplying labor to fisheries, lumber camps, and railroads. All of these firms are reported to be fronts for widespread and diversified activity of a subversive nature; contacts and affiliations and known Japanese and Occidental pro-Nazi elements in the U. S. and Mexico have been both consistent and of long standing.
TAKAHASHI himself does considerable travel, frequently to Japan, and acts as go-between in arranging for so-called "inspection trips" to important plants, airports, strategic areas, etc., by visiting Japanese military-naval officers and business men. Over a long period he was in intimate contact with such key men as Colonel Usaburo OKA, Inspector of the Imperial Japanese Army Ordnance Inspector's Office in New York City, Commanders Shigeru FUJII and Taro ISOBE, IJN, and also Majors Otoji NISHIMURA and Munemichi TONAMI (now Lt. Col.). He was also reported to have been a silent partner of Kanekichi YAMAMOTO in the TOKYO CLUB chain prior to the latter's deportation from this country in 1939. Other activities of interest are his recent concentration upon the purchase of apartment houses and hotels in and about Seattle, and his apparent assumption of control of Mitsubishi (Seattle branch) funds for the duration of the "freezing order."
TAKASAKI, Yaichi (or Yoichi) -- Alien, Class "A" suspect. During the fishing season is employed as cannery foreman by G. Y. NISHIMURA COMPANY of Seattle. Little else is known of him except for his connection with sumo, or Japanese wrestling.
JAPANESE CANNERIES -- Supplement
TAKAMOTO, Felix (with aliases Felix QUINAL, Marsek QUINAL) and Mary TAKAMOTO (alias Mary QUINAL) -- Felix is believed to be a Malayan with some Japanese blood. Both subjects are known active Communist organizers in the fish canneries at Terminal Island, California. They are also reported to act as go-betweens for certain Japanese organizations and members of the fishing fleet believed to be engaged in subversive activities off the Mexican Coast.
HOSHI, Hiroshi ("Paul") -- An American-born Japanese, age 26, HOSHI is considered a dangerous suspect and has been recommended for custodial detention. In 1933, he was reported to be President of the SEATTLE JAPANESE AMATEUR RADIO CLUB and operator of Station W7CFJ. He was employed in 1937 as operator for the Van Camp Sea Food Company's fishing boat SAN RAFAEL, based at San Diego.
In the summer of 1938 he was reported to be an officer and member of ARTA, American Radio Telegraphists Association (C.I.O.), and also to be acting as a contact man between the Communist Party, the C.I.O. and the Japanese in the fishing industry. At this time, he was employed as radio operator on the Van Camp Co.'s boat DESTINY. In the winter of 1940 he was reportedly employed as radio operator on the SANTA INEZ operating between San Diego and Mexico.
ALASKA CANNERY WORKERS UNION
(A. F. of L. Affiliate, Local #2054)
519 Main Street
Seattle, Washington
Officers:
| ARAI, Clarence T. | - |
One-time leader and organizer (1937). |
| OKAZAKI, "Robert" I. | - |
President (1937-38). |
| WATANABE, Yozo | - |
Organizer and president (1937). |
| (Recent officers not reported.) | ||
Summary:
When last reported (1938), the 200-300 membership of this union was mostly Japanese. Like its rival, the C. I. O. Local #7 (see case history), the group is apparently connected, through the Japanese Consulates and Japanese labor and cannery contractors (see case history on JAPANESE CANNERIES), with large-scale fishing-cannery interests which are known to be deeply involved in various types of subversive activity. It might also be noted that the A. F. of L. union, in a test of strength wherein the bargaining agency of the salmon packing industry was at stake, lost to the C. I. O. group, and has since been definitely subordinate as a representative group.
It is felt that description of the interlocking affiliations of those who once held key positions in the union will do more to identify the exact nature of the organization than will any further general statement.
Members:
ARAI, Clarence T. -- Class "A" suspect, Captain U.S.A. Reserves (commission expired 6/1/41). Prominent attorney and civic leader in Seattle. Local leader (and one-time national head) of the JAPANESE AMERICAN CITIZENS LEAGUE, also of the ALASKA CANNERY WORKERS UNION, which union he helped organize. Has had active contacts with influential Japanese Army, Navy, and consular officials over a long period (Major TAKAHASHI and Consul OKAMOTO among others) and is reported to travel extensively. It is also worth noting that a 1936 report records the belief that ARAI was a member of an exceedingly clever and astute intelligence ring, and that inquiry into the case at that time was not advisable.
KANAYA, Richard T. -- One of the organizers of the ALASKA CANNERY WORKERS UNION; at present an officer of the ASSOCIATION OF JAPANESE CANNERY WORKERS, which was recently organized to supplant the so-called "JAPANESE EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY." (The ASSOCIATION OF JAPANESE CANNERY WORKERS apparently aims to unite both A. F. L. and C. I. O. labor union members under Japanese control. See case history on the association.)
MATSUMOTO, Ken -- One-time officer in the TOKYO CLUB syndicate (see case history) and interested, with Kanekichi YAMAMOTO and others in the syndicate, in the formation of the ALASKA CANNERY WORKERS UNION.
NAGAMATSU, "Henry" Heiji -- Class "A" suspect, Japanese citizen. Head of the H. H. NAGAMATSU AND COMPANY, cannery contractors; also president-manager of the NORTH COAST IMPORTING COMPANY, both of Seattle. Was observed to be a frequent visitor of Kanekichi YAMAMOTO and is believed to be involved, through YAMAMOTO and his own work as a labor contractor, in the affairs of the ALASKA CANNERY WORKERS UNION.
NISHIMURA, "George" Yasukichi -- Class "A" suspect. Cannery contractor and operator (plant located at Koguang, Bristol Bay, Alaska) and exporter-importer (owner G. Y. NISHIMURA AND COMPANY, Seattle). Leader of Seattle Japanese. Maintains home in Yokohama to which he used to make annual trips. Heavy contributor to Japanese War Fund. Mail communication (1936-37) with Kanekichi YAMAMOTO, Tamizo SAKAMOTO, and Hakuta FUJIOKA. (All three of these are suspects, YAMAMOTO and SAKAMOTO being active leaders in the TOKYO CLUB chain (see case history on same), as well as having cannery interests; and FUJIOKA, being cannery superintendent for NISHIMURA.) In addition, NISHIMURA was in 1936-37 closely affiliated with Dr. Seiji KANDA (or KONDA), Takuzo SUZUKI, and Koji UCHIDA, Japanese espionage agents who posed as "fishing school instructors" or KYODO SUISAN KAISHA agents while undertaking Alaskan surveys. In April, 1938, was investigated by U. S. Treasury Department on income tax charges, and is believed to have left the country.
OKAZAKI, "Robert" Iwao -- Was president of the ALASKA CANNERY WORKERS UNION in 1937-1938. Nothing known to ONI of his earlier background. In 1939 was contacted in Los Angeles by M. A. AKIYAMA, who was reported as having just come from Japan on a "secret mission."
WATANABE, Yozo - Class "A" suspect. One of the original organizers and one-time president (1937) of the ALASKA CANNERY WORKERS UNION; owner of a Seattle clothes cleaning and pressing shop. In frequent telephonic communication with Kanekichi YAMAMOTO, to whom he is alleged to have reported union affairs.
YAMAMOTO, Kanekichi -- Class "A" suspect. Until 1938 was one of the leaders in the TOKYO CLUB chain (see case history); was also affiliated with the NICHIBEI KOGYO KAISHA (see case history).
He has long been interested in cannery business and is reported to have been one of the chief forces behind the formation of the ALASKA CANNERY WORKERS UNION. Frequently in the company of Lt. Commander Shigeru FUJII, IJN, and Consul Issaku OKAMOTO. Deported in 1939, and at present believed to be in Shanghai (perhaps operating the Chinese branches of the TOKYO CLUB gambling-smuggling syndicate).
CANNERY WORKERS AND FARM LABORERS UNION
(CIO Affiliate, Local #7)
Seattle, Washington
Officers:
| HAMA, Carl (Aliases: YONEDA, Karl or George; HAMA, Kiyoshi; UCHIDA, Tsutomo.) | - |
Vice President (1939). | |
| ITO, Kenji (or Kenzo) | - |
Legal representative (1941). | |
| KUMAMOTO, Yukio | - |
Member Executive Board (1937-1938). | |
| MINATO, "George" Masao | - |
Delegate (1938) to national convention of the UNITED CANNERY, AGRICULTURAL, PACKING AND ALLIED WORKERS OF AMERICA. | |
| MIYAGAWA, "Dyke" Daisuke | - |
Member Executive Board (1937-1938) in
charge of publicity. |
|
| TAKIGAWA, "George" | - |
Vice President (1937-1938) and delegate to
national convention of the UCAPAWA (1938). |
Summary:
As stated in the report on JAPANESE CANNERIES (see case history), the interests of cannery laborers are represented by the A.F. of L. ALASKA CANNERY WORKERS UNION and the above-mentioned CIO CANNERY WORKERS AND FARM LABORERS UNION. Of these two unions the latter is by far the larger and more influential; at the same time both groups are related through a newly organized ASSOCIATION OF JAPANESE CANNERY WORKERS (see case history), which ostensibly aims to consolidate the Japanese elements into a united labor front.
While the Japanese membership of subject union (1939 total about 700) is numerically inferior to the Filipino, it is obvious that the Japanese are in control of key positions and have utilized the union as a front for activities far removed from the demands of normal cannery business. An inspection of the attached diagram and a study of the individual affiliations set forth below will indicate that the union's connections with the West Coast Japanese consulates, Army and Navy agents, officials of the TOKYO CLUB chain, and other suspects have been more than coincidental. It must constantly be kept in mind in this connection that Japan strove to put into operation in the United States and its territories a highly integrated and specialized intelligence network which could "take over" from regular established agencies in wartime.
Under such circumstances, Japanese nationals and pro-Japanese nisei who are well settled in normal and yet strategic occupations are likely to be the mainstay of Japanese espionage-sabotage operations in this country.
Members and Associates:
HAMA, Carl (with aliases) -- Class "A" suspect. West Coast Communist Party organizer and labor agitator. Editor (1936) of the San Francisco HODO SHIMBUN, a Communist Japanese-language news organ (no longer published); contributor (1941) to the Communist DOHO newspaper of Los Angeles, which is also printed (in English) by Japanese. Credited with having organized the Los Angeles JAPANESE WORKERS ASSOCIATION in 1936. Active in AMERICAN LEAGUE AGAINST WAR AND FASCISM. Vice president of subject union in 1939.
ITO, Kenji (or Kenzo) -- Nisei (second generation) Japanese, Class "A" suspect. Active in JACL (1935- ). One-time Japanese Consul at New Orleans and, since October, 1937, legal adviser and "special member" of the Seattle Consulate assigned to propaganda. Was reported in April, 1941, to be legal representative of subject labor union. Extremely active since 1937 as propagandist defending Japanese foreign policy; reported for naval espionage in 1940. He has done extensive traveling in the U. S. and Latin America as well as in the Orient.
KUMAMOTO, Yukio -- A U. S. citizen, Class "A" suspect. Former president of the Seattle chapter of the KIBEI NIKKEI SHIMIN KYOKAI (a society composed of American-born Japanese who have been brought up and educated in Japan from childhood until majority). Office manager of Seattle Branch of MITSUBISHI SHOJI KAISHA until very recently. Member of the Executive Board of subject CANNERY WORKERS AND FARM LABORERS UNION, Local #7.
MINATO, "George" Masao -- Formerly student at University of Washington. In 1938 made unsuccessful bid for office in subject union; was, however, elected delegate to national convention that year. Has short wave radio license (W-7-FNG). Treasurer (1941), ASSOCIATION OF JAPANESE CANNERY WORKERS (see case history).
MIYAGAWA, "Dyke" Daisuke -- American-educated nisei, suspected of membership in the Communist Party. Has for some time been striving to consolidate the West Coast Japanese into a political bloc to exploit the power he feels due them. Member (1937-1938) of Executive Board of subject union, in charge of publicity. President (1941) of ASSOCIATION OF JAPANESE CANNERY WORKERS (see case history).
OKAMARU. "Welley" or Welly" Shoji -- American-educated Nisei (with Kibei classification), Class "A" espionage suspect. Reported (July, 1941) to have repudiated his American citizenship. For the past six or seven years has been in the Japanese Consular Service (Seattle), first as Secretary, then as Consular Assistant and more recently as Chancellor. Is known to have cooperated closely with Lt. Comdr. Sadatomo OKADA and Chancellor Kanji KANEKO (both of Seattle) in the local Japanese intelligence system; OKAMARU is reported to head a unit which contacts labor unions, particularly members of the Communist party in the A.F. of L. and C.I.O.
TAKIGAWA, "George" Kiyoshi -- American-educated Nisei, active as political and labor leader among West Coast second-generation Japanese. Vice president of subject CANNERY WORKERS AND FARM LABORERS UNION, Local 07, and delegate to the 1938 national convention. President of the JAPANESE EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY from 1938 or 1939 until the dissolution of the society in 1941. (TAKlGAWA was actually forced to resign sometime before the group disbanded, having been charged with conduct unsupportable by the organization and specifically with having accepted money in return for job favors. The society was then reorganized and renamed the ASSOCIATION OF JAPANESE CANNERY WORKERS.)
TAKIGAWA (or TAKI), William -- Class "B" Nisei suspect, brother of "George" Kiyoshi TAKIGAWA. Believed to be either a Communist party member or a "fellow-traveler;" has done some work among the Negroes. Was an unsuccessful candidate for office in subject union in 1939. Has done some traveling between Seattle and Alaska.
ASSOCIATION OF JAPANESE CANNERY WORKERS
(Formerly the Japanese Educational Society)
Seattle, Washington
Officers:
| MIYAGAWA, "Dyke" Daisuke | - |
President |
| KANAZAWA, Hiroshi | - |
Secretary |
| MINATO, "George" Masao | - |
Treasurer |
| OKAMOTO, Eddie M. | - |
Trustee |
| UYENO, Tom | - |
Trustee |
| HIRAHARA, Davis | - |
Member of Advisory Board |
| KANAYA, Richard T. | - |
Member of Advisory Board |
| KAWANO, M. | - |
Member of Advisory Board |
| KIKUCHI, Chihiro | - |
Member of Advisory Board |
| MIYAMOTO, Frank | - |
Member of Advisory Board |
| OKAZAKI, Masayuki | - |
Member of Advisory Board |
| WATANABE, Taul | - |
Member of Advisory Board |
Summary:
Subject association was originally known as the JAPANESE EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY, and under that title functioned as a headquarters for Japanese aliens and nisei connected with the canning business. President of the JAPANESE EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY during the three years of its existence (1938-1941) was "George" Kiyoshi TAKIGAWA (see case history on CANNERY WORKERS AND FARM LABORERS UNION, C.I.O. Local #7). He was forced to resign his office shortly before the group was dissolved, having been charged with "conduct unsupportable by the organization," and specifically with having accepted money in return for job favors.
Information is lacking to indicate whether or not the JAPANESE EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY had membership covering the A. F. of L. ALASKA CANNERY WORKERS UNION as well as the aforementioned C.I.O. group, but the newly formed organization (viz. The ASSOCIATION OF JAPANESE CANNERY WORKERS) is definitely known to cover both unions. (It should be noted that, while these unions are predominantly of native Alaskan and Filipino membership, the Japanese manage to retain a large measure of control. Union affiliation with Japanese consulates and other Japanese offices or agents are described in the case histories of the respective unions.)
Members' Affiliations:
MIYAGAWA, "Dyke" Daisuke -- American-educated nisei (second generation Japanese), active in political and labor spheres among the West Coast Japanese. Is suspected of Communist affiliations, though his membership in the CP has not been definitely ascertained. Has been a member of the Executive Board of the C.I.O. CANNERY WORKERS AND FARM LABORERS UNION, Local #7, in charge of publicity (1937-1939).
MINATO, "George" Masao -- American-educated nisei. Has short wave radio license (W-7-FNG). Delegate of the C.I.O. CANNERY WORKERS AND FARM LABORERS UNION, Local #7, to the international convention of the UNITED CANNERY, AGRICULTURAL, PACKING AND ALLIED WORKERS OF AMERICA at San Francisco (December 1938).
MIYAMOTO, Frank Shotaro -- American-educated nisei, instructor in sociology at the University of Washington (1941). Has done considerable research on sociological conditions among Japanese in the Seattle area. Worked in
Alaska the summer of 1941 (exact duties unknown). Nothing of a derogatory nature has yet been reported concerning him. (It may be possible that this is not the same Frank MIYAMOTO listed above under "Officers.")
KANAYA, Richard T. -- One of the speakers at the first organization meeting of the A.F. of L. ALASKA CANNERY WORKERS UNION.
UYENO, Tom -- One of twenty-one delegates of the C.I.O. CANNERY WORKERS AND FARM LABORERS UNION, Local #7, to the Washington State C.I.O. Convention (1938).
| HOLLAND HOTEL 504 Fourth Avenue Seattle, Washington |
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MINAMI, S. - Manager prior to 1/14/41 LARKIN, ---) - Present managers (1/14/41) VERNON, ---) |
| KASHU HOTEL 1701 Laguna Street San Francisco, California |
- | NAKANO, Sakutaro - Owner (August, 1941) Class "A" suspect |
| N. P. HOTEL 306 Sixth Avenue, S. Seattle, Washington |
- | SHITAMAE, Niroku "Frank" - Senior partner SHITAMAE, Shihei "George" - Brother and joint operator (2/27/41) N. S. INVESTMENT CO. (believed to be operated by SHITAMAE BROS.) - Owner (1/14/41) |
| OHIO HOTEL 1215 S. W. Front St. Portland, Oregon |
- | SUMIDA, James Yoshio - Lessee |
| OLYMPIC HOTEL (also referred to as NEW OLYMPIC HOTEL) 117 N. San Pedro St. Los Angeles, Calif. |
- | SAWANO, J. - (Contact man) - Manager (May,
1935) WATANABE, Kyohei - (Contact man and agent) - Assistant manager (May, 1935) FUKUI, Soji (Soki) - Organizer and stock-holder (9/15/36) |
| PORTLAND HOTEL | - | Location and management unknown |
| S. P. HOTEL 123 West Burnside Ave. Portland, Oregon |
- | SUMIDA, James Yoshio - Lessee |
| STEVENS HOTEL | - | Location and management unknown |
| TACOMA HOTEL 822 Jackson Street Seattle, Washington |
- | HARA, Seiichi ) - "Hotel partners"
(1/30/41) KAWAKAMI, Kakuzo ) (Another report (1/14/41) lists HARA, Seiichi - Manager WAHLSTROM (Mrs.) - Owner) |
| U. S. HOTEL 315 Maynard Street Seattle, Washington |
- | MIYAGAWA, "Joe" Genke - Manager (6/3/41) Is the brother of the MIYAGAWA (probably "Dyke" Daisuke) who owns GOLDEN DONUT CAFE PRENTISS REALTY CO. - Owner (1/14/41) |
| The FRISCO CAFE 560 Fifth Avenue San Diego, California |
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| GOLDEN DONUT CAFE Seattle, Washington |
- | MIYAGAWA, "Dyke" Daisuke - Owner (6/3/41) |
| KOSHIN CLUB Portland, Oregon |
- | ISHIBASHI, "George" Naoichi - Proprietor (1941) |
| NEW CENTRAL CAFE 653 Weller St. Seattle, Washington |
- | FURUMOTO, S. (Mrs.) - Proprietor (1941) |
| NIPPON POOL HALL 608 Main Street Seattle, Washington |
- | SAITO, Moriya (Dr.) - Owner (1941) |
| The SHINKO CLUB 1725 Laguna Street San Francisco, California |
- | YASUMURA, Sadakichi - Manager (4/22/38) |
| STACY STREET TAVERN 2401 First Ave., S. (corner of Stacy St.) Seattle, Washington |
- | ASAKURA, Makutaro - Proprietor (1/30/41) |
| The STAR POOL HALL 517 Jackson Street Seattle, Washington |
- | ICHIKAWA, Hakui - Proprietor (11/4/41) |
| The SUN CAFE 421 Market Street San Diego, California |
- | OBAYASHI, J. U. - Operator (1940) |
| TOKYO CAFE 239 Elm Ave. Long Beach, California |
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To: All Naval Districts except ND 6, FBI, MID, COI, State Dept., Special Defense Unit of Dept. of Justice
B-7-J
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