NOTE: Sections blacked out in the original are noted by X's, with number of lines where applicable.

-CONFIDENTIAL

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Case originated at:
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
 File No. 100-6335
Report made at:
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Date when made:
1/30/42
 Period of which made:
1/18-27/42
 Report made by:
XXXXX
Title:
ZAIBEI NIHONJIN HEIYAKU GIMUSHA KAI, ZAIBEI NIHONJIN HEIMUSHA KAI, HOKUBEI HEIKEI GIMUSHA KAI, HEIMUSHA KAI, ZAIBEI HEIMUSHA KAI, NIPPON HEIEKE KIMUSHA KAI, NIPPON HEIMUSHA KAI, KEIYEKI GIMUSHA KAI; JAPANESE MILITARY SERVICE MEN'S LEAGUE, ASSOCIATION OF JAPANESE ELIGIBLE FOR COMPULSORY MILITARY SERVICE IN JAPAN, IMPERIAL RESERVISTS ASSOCIATION.
 Character:
INTERNAL SECURITY - J
Synopsis of Facts:

Subject association was organized August 21, 1937, headquarters at San Francisco, California. It has approximately 74 branches with various names located in five western states. Membership reported to exceed 10,000, comprising Japanese in America who are eligible for compulsory military service in Japan, also voluntary "patron members." Dues $1.00 per month. The purpose is to act as a central agency to receive contributions for the Japanese Army and Navy War Relief Fund and to collect Long-Term-Patriotic Donations to defray expenses of the Sino-Japanese War. XXX 4 lines XXX. Funds are raised from dues, motion picture displays, and lectures featuring prominent Japanese speakers. XXX 2 lines XXX. Members in the organization were not required to register with the States Department. Subject organization reported disbanded August 30, 1941, since the freezing order curtailed its activities. No evidence of actual subversive activities, though sympathies are pro-Japan. History and activity of some branches set forth.
-P-
Approved and forwarded:
(signed)
P. P. Honda? Special Agent in Charge
 Do Not Write in These Spaces

97-1160-19
Copies of this report:
5 - Bureau
2 - San Francisco
2 - Honolulu
2 - Salt Lake City
2 - Portland
2 - Seattle
2 - San Diego
2 - Butte
1 - ONI, San Francisco
1 - ONI, San Diego
1 - ONI, Los Angeles
1-G-2, Los Angeles
3 - Los Angeles
ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN IS UNCLASSIFIED
DATE 3/28/86 BY 9145-C1-JC
51288
REFERENCE:
Bureau letter dated October 17, 1941 (No file number).
Bureau letter dated November 15, 1941 (No file number).

DETAILS:
For the purpose of information of the Los Angeles Field Division, the reference letters are contained in Los Angeles File #100-8075.

A literal translation of the Japanese names by which the subject organization is known is interpreted to mean "The Association of Those Japanese in America Who Are Eligible for Compulsory Military Service in Japan." The organization is commonly referred to in English as "The Japanese Military Service Men's League." The variations in the title of the instant report result from a translation of this English name into the Japanese language. For the purpose of convenience in this report, the subject organization will be referred to as "the Association."

Shortly after the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War, the Association was organized by a group of Japanese living in and around San Francisco, California. The exact date of its founding was August 21, 1937. The headquarters of the Association are at 1783 Sutter Street, San Francisco, California. Its founders numbered some fifty or more local Japanese, who agreed to bear the burden of the operating expenses in order that the entire amount of money collected as contributions could be forwarded to Japan. The basic idea behind the formation of the Association was to give those Japanese who lived in America and who were eligible for compulsory military service in Japan an opportunity to fulfill their duty to the mother country. Consequently, the regular members are all between the ages of 21 and 45, inclusive, and are either Japanese aliens or Japanese possessing dual citizenship. The Association also comprised so-called "patron members," who were those individuals who voluntarily contributed funds to Japan through this organization. Both the regular and the patron members were required to pay dues of $1.00 per month and, in addition, contribute whatever funds they deemed advisable, according to their means. The regular members of the Association were required to make annual application for deferment from the military service in Japan.

In the report of Special Agent XXXXX dated July 3, 1941, at San Francisco, California, bearing the same title as the instant report, there is set forth a report of

XXX 19 lines XXX

According to XXXXX the Association is composed of both "regular" and "associate" members who contribute $1.00 per month as dues. This informant disclosed that the members are required to apply through the Central Japanese Association of America for an extension of time relative to their military conscription. Such action is only a formality, as their residence in the United States is sufficient to disqualify them for such conscription. This informant stated that the usual activities of the Association consisted in the showing of patriotic pictures imported from Japan and the sponsoring of lectures by visiting men from Japan. XXXXX

By letter dated October 1?, 1941, from the San Diego Field Division there was transmitted XXXXX by a confidential informant of that office.

XXX 13 lines XXX

On June 7, 1941, ITARU TACHIBANA, Commander in the Imperial Japanese Navy, was taken into custody and his premises were searched under authority of lawful search warrant. Among the effects of TACHIBANA certain records of the Association were seized.

XXX 2 lines XXX

The records of the Association consist of notices sent to various branches by the headquarters in San Francisco, California. A translation of these notices discloses the following officers of the organization:

Chairman: XXXXX
Vice Chairman: XXXXX
Treasurers: XXXXX
Auditors: XXXXX
Recorders: XXXXX
Advisors: XXXXX
Chartered Members:

XXX 28 lines, 2 columns XXX

This notice, which was signed by all the officers and chartered members mentioned above, read as follows: "Whereas it is our duty we assist in the military activities of Japan, we must place ourselves in a position of national unity. We who are living in a foreign land and are unable to show our loyalty in any other way must take this opportunity to send consolation kits, relief donations, and any other contributions of a military nature. The chief reason of our activity while in a foreign country is due greatly to the powerful background of the Japanese prestige. The present emergency which is facing Japan at this time makes it necessary that we proceed in the above-mentioned manner. Consequently, for those reasons we are urging your approval of our cause."

This notice also contained the following resolution: "We, the members of the Japanese Compulsory Military Service Association of America, hereby pledge to assist the Department of Military Relief in Japan on the occasion of the Sino-Japanese Incident." (Dated August 21, 1937, signed Japanese Compulsory Military Service Association of America). Under this resolution was set forth the following application blank:
"Amount
__________ $ __________¢
__________ yen __________

I hereby submit the above amount to the Military Relief Department, Japanese Navy Ministry, in care of the Japanese Compulsory Military Service Association of America."

Date:
Name:
Address:
HEIMUSHA KAI (1783 Sutter Street, San Francisco, California, care of Yokohama Specie Bank, Ltd., S.F. Branch, Sumitomo Bank, Ltd., S.F. Branch).
Continuing, this notice read in part as follows: "In order to establish the Far Eastern eternal peace, we must endure great sacrifices to carry on the Imperialistic policy to guide our fellow Japanese along the right path, and to prosecute the cruel subjects. Since we were born in glorious Japan, we are under the obligation and full responsibility of participating in the military service and take our place in the front line of national defense. We are unable to meet such responsibilities, solely because we happen to be in America. Once we shift our thoughts to the fighting Japanese soldiers, we are unable to sit by and watch their hardships, but we should and must do something. Therefore, on August 21 we called you together to organize the JAPANESE COMPULSORY MILITARY SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, and a resolution was passed to choose the best method to send the Japanese Soldiers Relief Donations. Immediately upon sending out this encouraging statement, we followed it up with actual collections of relief money, which was sent to Japan. This is, of course, only a part of what we accomplished from this resolution. With reference to the Japanese living in America, their loyalty toward Japan is no different from that of those who live in Japan. Since the start of this conflict, we have shown our sincere sympathy by sending consolation kits, national defense contributions, and Relief for Soldiers Donations. We, the members of this Association, felt the importance of such services. We expect your approval of such action, and we expect you to do your part concerning such contributions. It does not matter whether you send your contribution through our organization or any other organization. We are interested only in your sincerity toward the important emergency confronting Japan. At the present time Japan is confronting a serious stage of glory or downfall, and in such a time as this we Japanese must stand by and make our greatest efforts toward the sacred acts being taken in the Far East. We hereby desire your utmost cooperation as a "member behind the guns," and request that you make a contribution." (Dated September 2, 1937).

Another notice from the headquarters of this Association, dated February 11, 1938, read as follows: "Exactly a half year has passed since the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese conflict. During this period the powerful Imperial force has pushed CHIANG KAI-SHEK's anti-Japanese regime to the inner Chinese districts. Although China is still depending on third powers and boasting their long period of anti-Japanese policy, the successful conflict is continuing. China is the evil of Oriental peace. Unless we crush them completely, there never shall be peace. In order that this peace, harmony, good government, and six hundred million Far Eastern people will be guided through this historical undertaking, we must make great sacrifices. The enemy is not merely an anti-Japanese political machine, but apparently with the aid of two or three other great powers, they are stating? to stem? the ?? expansion? of Japan's peace-making civilization. [Next 6 lines illegible]

Another notice from headquarters outlined the following provisions of membership in the Association:
"1. Temporary exemption from conscription. Each member is to donate $1.00 per month Military Relief Contribution until the end of the war.

2. We shall welcome any person to become a patron member and encourage as many as possible to join. These members must also pay $1.00 per month dues.

3. This Association will not be involved with religion or politics. The object is to collect or act as an agency to handle the Military Relief Contributions.

4. Branch organization expenses must be defrayed by its own members.

5. The monthly contribution can be raised or lowered, depending upon the obligations to be incurred. Since this is to be a Long Term Contribution, it will not be advisable to increase the obligations. However, we must consider the living conditions in Japan and donate as much as possible. To you people concerned with the military service, please approve our cause and join our organization at once."
Another notice to the branch organizations dated September 30, 1938, read as follows:

"The Patriotic Bonds: In order to achieve the object of the present conflict, it is very essential to balance the national budget. It is estimated that about eight billion yen have been spent financing the war. This amount is equal to approximately one hundred and ten yen per person in Japan. This is no time for us Japanese in America to stand by and do nothing. Although we have already begun our contribution campaign, we also ought to loan our money to Japan. Therefore, every organization must cooperate in buying the patriotic bonds. If you will approve our great work, we shall be more than thankful to you. The classification of these bonds is as follows: $25.00, $50.00, $100.00, and $500.00. An annual interest of 3½% will be paid semi-annually, and the redemption date will be June 1, 1955."

"Application and Cash Handling Methods: From your Association you solicit at least one $25.00 bond or more per person among the members or the volunteers. The sales price will be at a rate of $30.00 in American money. After the sale of the bonds, please remit the cash to our headquarters, together with the purchaser's name and address."

"Purchase Method: At our headquarters the purchase application will be arranged, and the total money received will be sent to the Minister of Finance, who, in turn, will purchase the bonds from the appointed agency. These bonds and any cash balance due you will be returned to your office."

"Fees: No fee will be charged for the purchase of these bonds. However, please understand that the mailing charge and insurance charge will be added to the cost of your bond."

"Certificate of Receipt: An individual receipt will be issued from your office which, in turn, will receive a receipt from our headquarters."

"Comments: The above provisions may at any time be amended to suit the individual. The purchase of Japanese (yen standard) bonds by American dollars is highly approved by the Japanese Government's financial policy as the most worthwhile scheme. We hope for your cooperation."

On August 19, 1939, a meeting of the Association was held at the Buddhist Church Auditorium in San Francisco. At this meeting various welcoming addresses were made, the representatives were introduced, and the various business reports were submitted to the committees. A dinner was had, and motion pictures were shown. The patriotic marching song, the warship marching song and the theme song of the Association were sung.

The details of the consolation kits and cash contributions were set forth in this report opposite the names of the various branches. The names of these branches will be mentioned later in this report. This report reflected that the total contributions amounted to $93,920.31. This represented the amount of money received from April 7, 1939, to August 7, 1939. This report further reflected that the net proceeds of the second benefit movie contribution amounted to $7,914.12.

A report of the first convention of the Association was also found in the effects of ITARU TACHIBANA. This report was submitted at the representatives convention held at the San Francisco Buddhist Auditorium on June 25, 1938. At this convention XXXXX submitted his report of the past activities. Greeting speeches were given by XXXXX as representative of the Association; XXXXX as representative of the "New World Morning News"; by XXXXX representative of the "United States Japanese News"; by XXXXX representative of the Japanese Association of America; and by XXXXX representative of the Japanese Consulate. XXXXX made a formal reply as a delegate of the entire representative body. This report reflected that forty-one organizations were represented, fifteen were not represented, and the total number of representatives in attendance amounted to 188. A resolution was passed whereby films, a projector, and other equipment was to be purchased, and the remaining money was to be sent to Japan as a patriotic donation through the Consulate. The following resolutions were made and passed:
1. To invite someone from the Japanese Government as speaker at the next meeting.

2. To have no connection whatsoever with any religious or political group.

3. To present an expense report to the members at the Association.

4. To send receipts for contributions to the headquarters, which, in turn, would transmit them to the local branches.

5. To purchase articles for the consolation kits in Japan, instead of buying them in America.

6. To send contributions through the headquarters office from each branch Association.

7. To keep close contact between the headquarters and the various branches.

8. To discuss the dissolution of the organization after the war is over.

9. To entrust to the secretary the matter of choosing the bank through the contributions would be handled.

10. To use Japanese-made goods, rather than American-made goods, but not to publish this in the newspapers, since it was not to be known to the American people.

11. To try to maintain United-States-Japanese friendship.
Cable appreciations were sent to XXXXX of the Japanese Armies in China. Appreciation notes were sent to the head office of the Association and to the chairman and vice-chairman and secretary. The meeting was closed with a cheer for Great Imperial Japan and for HEIMUSHA KAI. The closing remarks of this report were as follows:
"We all wish to accomplish the honorable mission for our Emperor, our country, our race, and our posterity."
According to a report of XXXXX dated December 10, 1941, many Japanese Government agencies are encouraging the financial aid of their nationals in support of the incident in China. This report reflects that many of those contributions are earmarked for the Japanese Army and Navy Ministries. Although the exact total of the contributions was not known, this report stated that they were in excess of $10,000 per month. The source of these contributions are "patriotic savings accounts," dues, and admissions charged for viewing such Japanese propaganda films as "The New Continent," "The Japanese Navy," "The Japanese Naval Airforce," "The
Japanese Marines." This report reflects that the money is usually forwarded direct to the Japanese Consul through Japanese banks, and that receipts are always acknowledged with a flowery letter of appreciation, which is given wide publicity in Japanese circles. XXXXX

Among the various problems which arose shortly after the Association was organized was the question whether or not it had to be registered with the State Department as an agent of a foreign principle. This doubt was resolved by decision of the State Department, deciding that such registration was not necessary. By letter from the Bureau dated April 11, 1940, entitled "XXXXX ET AL, REGISTRATION ACT, AGENTS OF FOREIGN PRINCIPLES" (Bureau file 97-53), a copy of a letter setting forth this decision of the Department of State states that since this organization had discontinued its activities in connection with the sale of Japanese Government Emergency Bonds, the activities were not of such a character as to come within the purview of the act of June 8, 1938, as amended. With reference to the activities in connection with the collections and transmittal of funds for the relief of officers and men of the Japanese Navy, it was decided that since Japan had not been designated as a belligerent at that time, the persons and organizations engaged in the solicitation and collection of funds to be used for relief in that country were not subject to the requirements of registration with the Secretary of State.

Another problem which arose in connection with the Alien Registration Law raised the question whether or not the members should designate their connection with the Association in filling out the forms required by this law.

XXX 25 lines XXX

Another problem which arose concerned the interpretation given to this Association by the American people. Many members feared a misunderstanding due to the name, which was given the Association.

XXX 63 lines XXX

A report of Special Agent XXXXX dated February 10, 1940, at San Francisco, entitled "XXXXX ET AL, REGISTRATION ACT, AGENTS OF FOREIGN PRINCIPLES," discloses that the numbers of the Association received receipts and certificates of thanks issued by the Imperial Japanese Navy. Approximately ten thousand of those certificates were shipped to XXXXX for transmittal to the individual members. These certificates were shipped by the Japanese Foreign Office through the Japanese Consulate General in San Francisco. For the most part, these certificates are signed by some minister of the Japanese Navy or Army, depending upon the department which received the contribution. Many of these certificates were seized under lawful search warrant, especially with reference to the Guadalupe Branch. Those certificates are being retained in the files of the Los Angeles Field Division.

According to a letter from the San Francisco Field Division to the Bureau dated May 10, 1940, entitled "XXXXX ET AL, REGISTRATION ACT, AGENTS OF FOREIGN PRINCIPLES," a shipment of two thousand badges and containers for badges arrived from Japan, presumably for distribution to members of this organization. The container is of light-colored wood with lettering thereon in gilt Japanese characters. The large central characters read "Organization Badge." The smaller characters are an abbreviation of the name of the subject organization. The badge itself, which is a lapel button, consists of a black enameled cloud with a gilt disk in the background.

Though no actual evidence of any subversive activities has been disclosed on the part of this Association, the excerpts from the records of the headquarters office as set out previously in this report reflect that the attitude of the Association is pro-Japanese in sympathy. Furthermore, since many of the branch organizations either disbanded or changed their names at the direction of the Association, fearing that some investigative steps would be taken against them, and since it was disclosed upon the seizure of many records of the branch organizations that their books had been destroyed, it is deemed advisable to continue the investigation with respect to the Association and its affiliated branches.

The names of many of the branches of the Association have been obtained from the records of the minute books of the Representatives Conference held on August 19, 1939, at the Buddhist Church Auditorium in San Francisco, California. These records were obtained from the effects of ITARU TACHIBANA under lawful search warrant upon his arrest on June 7, 1941. The names of these branch organizations have been rearranged in alphabetical order and are being set forth, together with any information which may have been obtained from other sources.

ALAMEDA COUNTY
Alameda, California, Branch: According to the report of Special Agent XXXXX dated July 3, 1941, at San Francisco, which has been previously referred to, this branch is known as the "WAKABA KAI" (Green Leaf Society), 2161 Pacific Avenue, telephone Lakehurst 23339. This name was adopted on February 4, 1941.

XXX 11 lines XXX

Alverado, California, Branch

Berkeley, California, Branch: This branch is known as the "SHINSHU SOCIETY" and announced on January 21, 1941, the collection of $2,234.25 for the Japanese War Relief.

Mt. Eden, California, Branch: This branch is known as the "SEKIEKI KAI" (Sincerity Association). This branch has 28 members at Mt. Eden; 35 - San Lorenzo; 25 - San Leandro; 21 - Ashland; and 18 at Hayward, California. Up to and including June 24, 1941, it had collected a total of $3,624.50.

Oakland, California, Branch: Offices located at 718 Franklin street, telephone Glencourt 9669; District Chairman, XXXXX.
BUTTE COUNTY
Chico, California, Branch
COLUSA COUNTY
Colusa, California, Branch
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Richmond, California, Branch: XXXXX is District leader.
ELDORADO COUNTY
Placerville, California, Branch
FRESNO COUNTY
Bowles, California, Branch

Clovis, California, Branch

Del Rey, California, Branch

Fowler, California, Branch

Fresno, California, Branch

Kingsbury, California, Branch

Parlier, California, Branch

Reedley, California, Branch

Sanger, California, Branch

Selma, California, Branch
The Fresno Branch was recently disbanded and reorganized under the name of "KYUGO KAI," which in this instance means "Relief Association." There are also branches of the Association known as the 20-40 Club located in Fresno, Reedley and Del Rey. The Reedley, California, headquarters are located at Route 2, Box 907, Reedley, California.

IMPERIAL COUNTY
El Centro, California Branch: This branch is known as HOKOKU KAI (Patriotic Society), Post Office Box 179.
LASSEN COUNTY
Susanville, California, Branch
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Compton, California, Branch: This branch is known as HOKOKU KAI (Patriotic Society). There are thirteen members belonging to this branch, namely:

XXX 13 lines XXX

Most of the Long Term Patriotic Donations from this branch were handled through the Los Angeles AIKOKU KAI.

Los Angeles, California, Branch: According to a memorandum received from the San Diego Field Division dated October 16, 1941 (L.A. File 61-69-1265) XXX 2 lines XXX. According to evidence obtained from the Central Japanese Association of America on January 15, 1942, this society is known as AIKOKU KAI. On this same date two record books of this society were taken into possession under lawful search warrant, but were found to have had all the pages torn from them and destroyed. Consequently, no information was available as to the names of members of this society.

Gardena, California, Branch: This branch is known as AIYU KAI, which means "Loving Friends Society," Post Office Box 365, Moneta, California. The president of this Association is XXXXX. According to a translation of notes found in the effects of the Central Japanese Association on January 15, 1942, the purpose of this society is as follows:
"To encourage the proudest Japanese national spirit which has ever existed, to fulfill the fundamental principle behind the wholesome mobilization of the Japanese people, to strengthen the powers of resistance against the many hindrances which are to be faced in the future, and to realize this permanent peace in the Far East which will bring happiness and security to the Asiatic people and make firm the foundation of our mother country, the Great Japanese Empire, as the proudest nation in the world. We who are unable to accomplish our important objective as soldiers on the battle front must adopt the special method of the Long-Term-Donation policy and in this way assist in financing the war with the utmost effort on the part of both the first and second generation Japanese and whoever is a descendant of the Japanese race. Now is the time to awaken the Japanese national spirit in each and everyone who has the blood of the Japanese race in him. We now appeal to the Japanese in Gardena Valley to rise up at this time."
The following Long-Term-Donations were made by this society:
$304.60 May 1940
407.15 June 1940
179.20 July 1940
886.00 August 1940
206.15 September 1940
171.95 October 1940
100.00 December 1940
112.45 January 1941
213.05 February 1941
A report of this society which was obtained from the effects of the Gardena Japanese Association under lawful search warrant reads in part as follows:
"At this very hour the Japanese in the United States are answering the call from the motherland by means of unity, which is the definite conception of our racial intelligence. We are trying our best to achieve the goal of materialistic success in the completion of the Far Eastern Co-prosperity Sphere. As you have already known, since last August 1938, the Gardena Valley Japanese Association has been participating in a dollar-per-month Relief Donation for the Japanese Soldiers Campaign. We decided to change the name of the organization from the Gardena Valley HEIMUSHA KAI to AIYU KAI. This change was made because the people who discuss these matters felt that the importance of the present conditions makes it necessary that we Japanese be protected in this way. Although we changed the title of our organization, please know that the purpose and spirit in the future intentions will remain the same. Furthermore, we wish to beg you to continue to realize the racial awakening and to combat the future for our cause. At this time, regarding the Relief Donation Campaign, we wish to express our thanks to the Gardena Japanese Association executivesfor their efforts in cooperating with us concerning this campaign."
This report is dated November 17, 1940, and signed by the Gardena Valley AIYU KAI, directed to the Gardena Valley Japanese residents.
MADERA COUNTY
Madera, California, Branch
MARIN COUNTY

MONTEREY COUNTY
Chualar, California, Branch

Monterey, California, Branch

Salinas, California, Branch

Spreckles, California, Branch
SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Florin, California, Branch

Sacramento, California, Branch: This society is known as the SAKURA KAI (Cherry Blossom Association), 1309 1/2 Fourth Street, Sacramento, California.
SAN BENITO COUNTY
San Benito, California, Branch
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
San Diego, California, Branch: This society is known as HOKOKU KAI. A report of XXXXX dated December 12, 1941, sets forth the following members of this association:
XXX 6 lines XXX
[note in margin regarding redaction: "b7C per Dept. of Navy]
Chula Vista, California, Branch: This report indicates that XXX 2 lines XXX.

Potrero Heights, California, Branch: Records obtained from the Central Japanese Association of America on January 15, 1942, by Special Agents XXXXX and XXXXX indicate that the following are members of the Potrero Heights Branch:
XXX 7 lines XXX
>From August 1938 through April 1941 this Association made regular monthly Long-Term-Patriotic Donations amounting to $11.00 each month. These contributions were sent to the Central Japanese Association.
SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY
San Francisco, California, Branch: This branch is located at 1766 Buchanan Street, telephone West 1428 and Walnut 6493.
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
Lodi, California, Branch

Stockton, California, Branch: This branch is known as the ISSHIN KAI (One Spirit Society), 44 South El Dorado Street, Stockton, California, telephone 24381. According to the newspaper on February 2, 1941, this branch had contributed $16,884.11 since its inception in 1938.
SAN MATEO COUNTY
Belmont, California, Branch

Half Moon Bay, California, Branch: XXXXX, District leader.

Pescadero, California, Branch

Redwood City, California, Branch: District leader, XXXXX.

San Mateo, California, Branch: District leader, XXXXX.
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
Guadalupe, California, Branch:

[This section (almost an entire page) redacted, revealing the FBI's decision to keep names and information secret]

A minute book of this chapter obtained January 15, 1942, sets forth the following staff members and regular members of this Association as of 1938 and 1939:

[This section (an entire page) redacted, with only the following titles legible]
President:

Vice President:

Treasurer:

Secretary:

Auditors:

Advisors:

Board of Directors:
These minutes disclosed that at the first meeting held October 22, 1938, a resolution was passed whereby the organization was established.

At the staff meeting held December 1, 1938, a resolution was passed to invite XXXXX, correspondent of Domei, to give a lecture.

At the meeting held March 18, 1939, a resolution was passed to negotiate with the headquarters organization concerning a motion picture display. It was also resolved to print and distribute offering books to all the members every six months; also, to make membership badges.

At the meeting held April 15, 1939, it was reported that $164.50 had been sent to Japan as a national offering and represented the proceeds of the motion picture display. It was resolved to make a regular inspection of badges to be presented by the members at each meeting of the Board of Directors.

At the meeting held September 16, 1939, it was recorded that the amounts collected in July and August were sent to Japan through the Japanese Association.

At a meeting on September 20, 1939, it was resolved to invite XXXXX of the "California Daily News" to give a lecture.

At the meeting held January 21, 1940, it was resolved to invite the company of "Patriotic Shows," who were in the midst of an itinerary covering the State of California, to have them sponsor a show, the proceeds to be used to defray the expenses of the organization.

At the meeting held September 17, 1940, it was resolved to donate $300.00 to the Navy Department from the net profit made at the showing of the patriotic movies, the money to be used as a memorial fund for the crew men of the submarine S63.

At a meeting held March 16, 1940, it was resolved to send the contributions directly to the Japanese Army and Navy Departments without the medium of the Central Japanese Association.

At the meeting held July 20, 1940, a notation was made concerning the situation of the Association with respect to the Registration Law. A report on the results of the survey was made by XXXXX and it was decided that "inasmuch as the time is critical, it is advisable that the name of the society should be changed. It is, therefore, renamed HOKO KAI (Service Society)."

At the meeting held November 16, 1940, it was resolved to use the offerings of that month as a contribution to the American Red Cross Society.

At the meeting held January 11, 1941, at the Young Men's Association Hall, 500 were present. The report states:
"Both American and Japanese flags were displayed on the stage and the staff members and advisors were seated behind the rostrum. As soon as President XXXXX declared the meeting open, the entire audience stood up in a silent prayer for the dead soldiers and officers. The secretary XXXXX reported that for the two years and three months since the founding of the society, $10,260 had been sent to the Japanese Navy and Army Departments, and $300.00 had been sent for the Memorial Fund of the wounded soldiers and officers, $50.00 to the Japanese Society to Decorate the Loyal Spirits, and $388.00 to the American Red Cross."
In closing the meeting, under the leadership of Advisor XXXXX, three cheers of "Long live Japan" were uttered.

At the meeting held January 18, 1941, the following notice was directed to the Board of Directors:
"At the present time it appears that the European War is going to turn into a world war by America's aid to England. Japan is confronted with a crisis. Even the China incident is not yet settled, nor do we know when it will be. Japan has a greater task even than the Meiji Restoration with the present problem of breaking the old order and establishing the new order. In such a time as this, we believe that it is the duty of every Japanese who lives in the United States to demonstrate his patriotic loyalty, and to this end we are determined to expand the activities of this society."
At the meeting held April 19, 1941, a resolution was passed to withdraw the membership of all second generation Japanese. This resolution was unanimously passed.

At the meeting held August 21, 1941, it was resolved that after the August collections were made, any further collections should be stopped, and carried over collections with the [sic] of HOKO KAI.

At the meeting held September 11, 1941, it was resolved to send a letter to all members notifying them that collections of patriotic donations had ceased. This letter read as follows:
"When the Japanese Empire commenced the holy war in North, Central and South China for the purpose of chastising CHIANG KAI SHEK'S government, which depends upon European and American powers for protection and which had fallen asleep under the illusion of the anti-Japanese movement, we Japanese in Guadalupe could not be indifferent to the challenge. We, too, must do something to help Japan, and this was the purpose for creating HEIYEIKI GIMUSHA KAI. For three years since its founding on October 22, 1938, our society has been able to collect tens of thousands of yen for patriotic offerings. This is entirely due to the unselfish efforts of staff members, directors and advisors, as well as the cooperation of all members.

"The fact that the Guadalupe Japanese have demonstrated their absolute loyalty to Japan is well recognized by the Government of Japan, as well as all the Japanese in this country. It was decided at the general conference that the activities of this society should be intensified, and plans had been laid for that purpose. However, because of the strained relations between Japan and America, the United States Government has frozen Japanese capital, and there is no longer any way of sending the patriotic offerings to Japan. The society, which was organized solely for raising patriotic funds, can no longer function, and, therefore, it was decided at the last special board meeting held August 21, 1941, to stop the patriotic offerings until the relations between these two countries improve. The money which has not yet been sent to Japan is deposited with a bank under the name of this society."
This letter was dated September 1, 1941, and signed by XXXXX, Chairman of the Board.

At the meeting held November 12, 1941, it was resolved to make a similar contribution to the American Red Cross as had been made the previous year; also, to send the money which was on deposit to the Central Japanese Association to be used for some good purpose. It was also resolved that the society be dissolved and to sponsor a free show for the members of the society.

At the meeting held December 15, 1941, it was reported that this show was sponsored on December 13, 1941, the title being "The Cafe of Beautiful Girls." It was reported that $473.00 had been sent to the American Red Cross, and golden cups were presented to the president, vice-president and treasurer for distinguished service.

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Santa Maria, California, Branch: This society is known as the JUGO HOSHI KAI (Service Behind the Gun Society), 134 North Western Avenue, Santa Maria, California. The following list of members of this society was obtained from the records of the Central Japanese Association of America, procured by Special Agents XXXXX and XXXXX, January 15, 9142. The addresses set forth were procured from the "Rafu Shimpo" "Year Book and Directory, 1940-1941" and are all addresses in Santa Maria, California:

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The records further disclosed that the Santa Maria Society contributed $3,659.00 to the Long-Term-Patriotic Donations, between January 1939 and April 1941. These records further reflected that a society known as the SANTA MARIA SAKURA CLUB contributed $50.00 to the Central Japanese Association of America in April 1938. No record of members of this club was available.
SANTA CLARA COUNTY
Gilroy, California, Branch: The report of Special Agent XXXXX, dated October 24, 1941, at San Francisco, California, previously referred to in this report, discloses that XXX 2 lines XXX.

Mountain View, California, Branch

Palo Alto, California, Branch: The District Chairman is XXXXX.

San Jose, California, Branch: This society is known as KOKKA KAI (National Flower Association), 547 North Sixth Street.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Watsonville, California, Branch: This society is known as HOSHI KAI (Service Association) and also KYUGO KAI (9-5 Association), or IMPERIAL RESERVISTS ASSOCIATION.

Santa Cruz, California, Branch
SONOMA COUNTY
Sonoma, California, Branch
TULARE COUNTY
Dinuba, California, Branch

Lindsay, California, Branch: This branch is known as SEKISHIN KAI (Sincerity Association). According to the report of Special Agent XXXXX, dated October 24, 1941, at San Francisco, California, previously referred to, this chapter is divided into six districts, which are listed below with the person in charge of each district:
Strathmore District: XXX 3 lines XXX

East Section: XXX 3 lines XXX

Town Section: XXX 3 lines XXX

North Section: XXX 1 line XXX

West Section: XXX 3 lines XXX

Exeter Section: XXX 3 lines XXX
A report of XXX 1 line XXX, dated December 12, 1941, sets forth the following list of members of the Lindsay Chapter. The addresses set forth were procured from the "Rafu Shimpo" "Year Book and Directory, 1940-1941," and are all addresses in Lindsay, California:
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