On September 15, 1994, the parents of Yoshihiro Hattori won
the civil case with the amount of $653,000 as the compensation
for damage against Mr. Peairs who killed Yoshihiro by gun and
his home owner's insurance company.
Out of $100,000 paid by the insurance company, the Hattori received
about $45,000 after the lawyer's fees and expenses had been paid.
The Hattoris created Yoshi's Gift from this money. The Hattoris
hope that, with the help of Yoshi's Gift, many gun control groups
will grow up and become stronger lobby groups against NRA. Consulting
with the Haymakers, Yoshi's host family in the US, the Hattoris
decided to establish the foundation. Yoshi's Gift was named by
Holley Haymaker, Yoshi's host mother.
Active civilian movement needs funds to pay transportation
and correspondence expenses. The Hattori thought they couldn't
change the American law because they are Japanese, but could support
the civilian movement both materially and morally.
Now Washington Ceasefire in Seattle are entrusted of running it
with board members in both America and Japan.
In Japan, members of YOSHI Coalition and other people are helping
raise fund by organizing public lectures and other events.
Two groups are awarded $3,000 each every year. The list of winner
is as follows.
2000 Texas Against Gun Violence Education
2002 WAVE (Wisconsin Anti Violence Education)
2004 support for the Democratic Party at the Presidential race (by telephone)