Yoshi’s parents arrive in BR

Slain Japanese student inspires gun conference

Advocate staff photo by HEATHER MCCLELLAND -- From left, Masaichi Hattori, Mieko Hattori and Sachiko Hattori are greeted by Holley Haymaker and Richard Haymaker as the Hattoris arrive at the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport on Wednesday. The Hattoris are the parents and sister of Yoshihiro 'Yoshi' Hattori, a Japanese exchange student who was staying with the Haymakers, and was shot while on his way to a Halloween party in Central 20 years ago Wednesday. The Hattoris have come to Baton Rouge to mark the the 20th anniversary of Yoshi's death by speaking at a gun violence conference and attending a rededication ceremony of the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge's peace stones from Nagoya, Japan.

The parents of a Japanese exchange student shot and killed in Central 20 years ago said Wednesday that they would like to host American exchange students in Japan in the future so the students can change their thinking on owning guns.

“A number of people think that they can protect their lives with a gun, but that’s not the way it is in Japan,” Mieko Hattori, mother of Yoshihiro “Yoshi” Hattori, said through an interpreter. “We don’t have guns in our lives, and we are safe without guns.”

Masaichi Hattori, Yoshi’s father, and Mieko Hattori flew to Baton Rouge on Wednesday for a conference Friday and Saturday at the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge about gun violence in the city and nationwide.

The conference is being held in Yoshi Hattori’s memory.

Mieko Hattori is scheduled to speak at the conference, as is Baton Rouge Police Chief Dewayne White.

The Hattoris are also expected to meet with Mayor-President Kip Holden on Thursday.

Yoshi Hattori and Webb Haymaker were on their way to a Halloween party in Central on Oct. 17, 1992, but pulled up to the wrong house, belonging to Rodney and Bonnie Peairs.

Rodney Peairs shot Yoshi Hattori that night, thinking he was an intruder. Hattori died on the way to a hospital.

Peairs was found innocent of manslaughter in 1993 but was found liable in a civil suit filed by the Hattoris.

Yoshi Hattori’s death drew intense media attention from Japan as well as across the United States.

A group of about five Japanese reporters interviewed the Hattoris at the airport Wednesday and filmed them as they were greeted by Richard and Holley Haymaker, who hosted Yoshi Hattori while he was attending McKinley High School.

The Hattoris and Haymakers have become outspoken gun control advocates following Yoshi Hattori’s death.

The Hattoris sent a petition with more than 1 million signatures to President Bill Clinton in October 1993 urging him to tighten gun control laws in the United States. The Hattoris and Haymakers also met with Clinton in the White House the following month to discuss gun control, Holley Haymaker has said.

Mieko Hattori said Wednesday she wants to keep working with Americans to change the gun culture here.

“We’re going to challenge for a better society,” Mieko Hattori said.

Holley Haymaker has said that Yoshi Hattori was an energetic and outgoing teenager who loved American culture.

Masaichi Hattori said his son was shy back in Japan, which is why he tried to be gregarious in the United States.

“All of a sudden, he disappears,” Masaichi Hattori said. “That’s really sad for every parent.”

Peace stones from Nagoya, Japan, the Hattoris’ hometown, reside at the Unitarian Church in Yoshi Hattori’s honor. They will be rededicated on Sunday.

Masaichi Hattori said 2,000 origami cranes were created in his son’s honor.

“Japan and U.S. are divided by an ocean, but we’re trying to express our feelings against guns and try to make a better world without guns,” Masaichi Hattori said.

The trip to Baton Rouge is the first for either of Yoshi Hattori’s parents in at least a decade. Mieko Hattori said she traveled here 10 years ago, and Masaichi said he last came to Baton Rouge 18 years ago.

“The airport is much cleaner,” Mieko Hattori joked.

Rodney Peairs has declined comment to The Advocate about the 20-year anniversary of the shooting.

The conference at the Unitarian Church, at 8470 Goodwood Blvd., begins at 7 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Saturday. The peace stones will be rededicated at 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

Comments

1) Comment by gumbo33 - 18/10/2012

Japan =/= USA. I'm not going to get all crazy about it, but trying to compare the Hattori's Homogenized island nation to this place is almost laughable. Too many on the far right and the far left and all the people in-between who stopped caring decades ago.

2) Comment by DMJ - 18/10/2012

Ahh yes, George Soros, the liberal Boogieman and the Fast and Furious campaign- the real source of gun violence in America. And to think...we almost had a substantive discussion. Almost. Well...since we're at it...you know who's really to blame? The Koch Brothers and Haliburton!! Yeah!! Let the truth come out!!

3) Comment by wadep66 - 18/10/2012

THE PARANOIDS ARE COMING!!! How did I know that when I saw the title of this article that there would be a gun control discussion full of empty arguments and fear? Sad yet typical. Folks in the US thrive on being afraid of stuff and fall for it hook, line and sinker from the politicians. Watch out, the dems are tryiing to take your guns away! Watch out, the Muslims are trying to kill you! Watch out, the gays are going to ruin your family! Watch out, the blacks are out to get you! As usual, hiding behind hate disguised as religion gets thrown in too. What happened to Yoshi is a terrible tragedy, regardless of who you think was right or wrong or who should or shouldn't have guns. The point is that there is an effort to understand why it happened and what can be done to prevent it from happening again. Heaven forbid there might be something we could learn from the evil Japanese who people still hold in contempt for stuff done by their ancestors.

4) Comment by Tea_Slayer - 18/10/2012

Simply closing a door would have prevented this tragedy

5) Comment by Springer98 - 18/10/2012

I have carried a gun, concealed, ever since it became legal. I owned my own service related business for 16 years. I went into all areas of Baton Rouge, good & bad. Twice I had to draw my gun, TO PREVENT VIOLENCE! I was about to be assaulted by a much younger & larger person (one white & one black) on seperate occasions. I always keep my guns locked in a gun safe, when I'm away. My dad trained me in gun safety when I was young, as did his dad. My family has eaten much more venison than beef! It's better for you than any meat you buy at the store (no growth hormones, etc.). If any of you feel like you need to unarm yourself, feel free to do so. I'll keep my gun, thank you!!

6) Comment by JohnRingaux - 18/10/2012

DMJ wrote, "JohnRingaux, no one is trying to take away your guns." You're very wrong on this matter, DMJ. There are many people hard at work to take away my guns, and George Soros has contributed much money in an effort to do just that. One more liberal activist on the Supreme Court could give the anti-gun crowd the victory they've been seeking for years. As to the point at which guns become illegal, several thousand of them achieved that status in Arizona when Eric Holder's boys let them be sold to straw buyers and then allowed them to cross the Mexican border. Many of them came back into the U.S., carried by illegal aliens who killed one Border Patrol agent and fired at others.

7) Comment by DMJ - 18/10/2012

JohnRingaux, no one is trying to take away your guns. Even if, by some miracle, real gun control was passed in this country, the guns everyone already owns would be granfathered in. Secondly, you mention thugs that get guns illegally. Where did they get them, you figure? At some point, every gun is legal. No one is making guns out in the woods of Kentucky like moonshine. No one is cooking up guns in a trailer park in Denham Springs like meth. All guns are legal at some point. At which point do they become illegal? Are there simply so many guns that we don't even bother to try to learn how criminals get their hands on guns in the first place? Who's fault is that?

8) Comment by jedleland - 18/10/2012

so what? you miss the point it was never said by anyone and wasnt the reason for japanese miltiary reticence. it was a made up quote to justify armed citizens but like DMJ said its your right so go ahead. ive never held a gun and havent been inside a church in 40 years i feel better for both of those facts and a lot less afraid of either other poeple with guns or made up gods with hell and damnation. but how does that equate with persecution? thats called apersecution complex. as you well know paul, or saul, only 'found grace' after his moment haeding to damascus and changing his name and his behavior and choosing to be like jesus and embrace peace and nonviolence and no longer resist evil. noone is persecuting christians here as they are heavily armed and the great majority but that never answers my simple and honest question of how you bridge an obvious gap between what is instructed as a religious directive by god himself (do not resist evil) and how those people recieving that directive and claim to follow his example choose to behave (resisting evil). it just doesnt add up now i dont care if thats what people choose to do but i reckon if you believe in jesus which i dont then that would make me think twice about doing stuff he told me not to do. i would protect my own children but i havent chosen to believe in a religion that tells me specifically to 'not resist evil' so you see my confusion at the contradiction im sure.

9) Comment by JohnRingaux - 18/10/2012

DMJ wrote, "Gun advocates never can seem to realize the irony that is: the reason you think you need a gun is because of all those with guns." And those who would deprive me of my right to own a gun seem to ignore the fact that the thugs who are committing most of the murders will not be deterred by laws prohibiting them from possessing a gun. Many of those arrested for crimes in which guns are found are already barred from lawfully possessing guns because they have been convicted of felonies. Those laws haven't slowed them down at all.

10) Comment by Whatnow - 18/10/2012

DMJ, thank you. The point is that it is our right and yes, people need to be smart about gun ownership. It's a gun owner's responsibility to learn to control his weapon and his mind. Mr. Peairs didn't have the control and that is so sad for a wonderful young man and his family. My heart has always gone out to them.

11) Comment by Whatnow - 18/10/2012

jedleland, so what? It was said either way! Geesh! Why so literal? Anyone who invades my space with a weapon will not find me an easy target. If I go to hell for protecting me and mine, then so be it. It is not a sin. Even Paul persecuted Christians and had them killed. Yet, he found grace. How in the heck did this turn into a persecution of Christians anyway? Boy, you guys are desperate to find any argument about gun control. Why don't you worry instead about the thugs and murderers, who have no value for life and get guns no matter what, instead of those who choose to protect it? You'd think you were on their side. Poor criminals. They may be shot by someone who won't take it and is prepared. Boo hoo. One scared man who made a horrible mistake is not enough to justify changing the right to bear arms.

12) Comment by DMJ - 18/10/2012

"I have handled and owned guns for 68 years, have had to go into areas that you probably wouldn't want to go, and I have never had to shoot anyone." Thanks for proving my point. Look...carry a gun. It's your right. But for christ's sake...be smart about it. Don't leave it in your car. When they're in your home- put them in a safe. Gun advocates never can seem to realize the irony that is: the reason you think you need a gun is because of all those with guns.

13) Comment by JohnRingaux - 18/10/2012

DMJ wrote, "Just because you have the right to have a gun doesn't mean it's a good idea. " It would probably be a bad idea for you to have a gun, DMJ. For me, it's a good idea. I have handled and owned guns for 68 years, have had to go into areas that you probably wouldn't want to go, and I have never had to shoot anyone, although I am always prepared to do so to protect my life or even yours. Remember, DMJ, when seconds count, the police are only minutes away.

14) Comment by jedleland - 18/10/2012

but of course i realise people are contradictory things everyone of us but it is something i would like to try to understand

15) Comment by jedleland - 18/10/2012

for a start that Yamamoto quote was never successfully atributed and has been considered false for decades nowand also attributed to the emperor but no matter. the japanese could not invade becuase the pacific was too great to traverse, because they were mired in a land war in china, and because they had no interest in invading the mainland of the US as it served to strategic purpose. no army in history has ever refrained fom invading any country for fear of an armed civilian populace ever. but beside the point. jesus clearly said do not resist evil and offer the other cheek. he also did that himself when going to his own death he could have run away or fought but didnt. it seems to me if someone invades your home and threatens you with harm then that is an evil and a christian is told clearly and plainly to not resist evil but to offer the other cheek. thats what paul did too and the christians sent to the lions as well. i dont see how you can square that circle. jesus didnt resist. jesus said you shouldnt resist. where is the confusion? i dont get a gun in one hand and a bible in the other cuase they are a complete contradiction if you take either one seriously i refer you back to the story of the amish children taking their own execution peacefuly and without resistance.

16) Comment by Whatnow - 18/10/2012

Chucky, Christians are sinners and fall short. They are human just like you and have the right to protect themselves and their loved ones. But, Christians believe in grace. "You cannot invade the mainland United States. There would be a rifle behind every blade of grass." is a quote by Isoroku Yamamoto, Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. Maybe we should have just laid down our weapons and turned the other cheek like the Jews had to, because the Nazi's had the guns. Anyone who invades my space with a weapon will not find me an easy target.

17) Comment by Whatnow - 18/10/2012

@DMJ, Ask the Marchand's whose throats were slit. How effective was that? Assault is a type of behavior, not a type of hardware.

18) Comment by Chucky - 18/10/2012

@jedleland – Christians are supposed to preserve life and to do that at times they have to go to war and kill people who would kill even more. It really is a lot of mental gymnastics, but it comes down to what I believe is survival and avoidance of suffering at another hand. Some Christians believe YOU are the hand of God, I say “God protect me from your followers” When your Country or home or personal well-being is at stake you must protect, and you should expect your neighbor to help. ( for those who do not carry guns that means calling for those who do ,or yelling, or going in with fist & teeth)

19) Comment by jedleland - 18/10/2012

traning the other cheeck? how about turning the other cheek that makes a bit more sense

20) Comment by jedleland - 18/10/2012

reminds me of those freedom riders heading south knowing what violence awaited them and traning the other cheeck and not reisting and eventually shaming our country into progress. isnt that what jesus would do? they too werent armed and offered the other cheek to the good ol boys with brickbats waiting for them so i cant figure out how it comes together a bible in one hand and a gun in the other just doesnt seem to make sense

21) Comment by jedleland - 18/10/2012

jesus didnt resist his execution and neither did paul and neither did any early christian and in fact he told his followers to 'not resist evil' and offer the other cheek that it too might be smote. with that in mind why do modern day christians need a gun to defend themselves and why are they armed to resisit evil when they arent supposed to? its not a trick question and as an atheist liberal college boy pantywaist who has never owned a gun and has no desire to, i cant get my head around what seems to be a real contradiction

22) Comment by DMJ - 18/10/2012

Right. Cause knives are just as effective at killing people as guns. Like that teenage couple a couple of years ago that were hit by stray throwing knives while walking on the levee.

23) Comment by Whatnow - 18/10/2012

Ban knives in Japan. The sickos will always find a weapon. Some people just shouldn't have a weapon without a straight head or training.

24) Comment by Chucky - 18/10/2012

How many homes advertise 'No Guns on Premisses' ? Like you want every one to know.

25) Comment by Chucky - 18/10/2012

Stop the killing, stop driving.

26) Comment by DMJ - 18/10/2012

If this story, and the dozens of similar tragedies that happen every year, have taught us anything is that if you're a gun owner, the most dangerous person you'll encounter is you. There was no danger in this sleepy Central neighborhood 20 years ago...except in the gun owner's head. Parnaoia + firearms = tragedy. Just because you have the right to have a gun doesn't mean it's a good idea. Statistically, it's a terrible idea.

27) Comment by DMJ - 18/10/2012

Yeah, too bad..right, Host. Look, you guys are the one who made this a political issue. Thank the NRA. I consider it a public safety issue.

28) Comment by The_Host - 18/10/2012

Sad story. To bad we have to still politicize it today. We evaporated a few 10's of thousands of Japanese but we still have nukes. Nukes that would make those we dropped look like water balloons by comparison. Never forget what the Emperor of Japan said while fighting us in WWII... He would never attack the mainland of America because there would be a gun behind every blade of grass. Japan is an island and closed to society. You think its hard to get into the US try going to Japan. Been arrested for drugs ever in your life, your not going to Japan etc. I'll pass on the Japanese way of doing things after all I am not Japanese and don't press my ideals down their countries throat. Just Japan still field a military or did they give that up too after realizing the ATTACKING us first might have been a mistake? Nope they still have a military. Seems the only one being suggested by them to give up something would be, ME. Still not going to happen.

29) Comment by Being_Stupid - 18/10/2012

I want a Japanese peace stone.

30) Comment by Chucky - 18/10/2012

The fact that Japan is pretty much still a 'closed society' has a lot to do on violence and two atomic bombs detonated on your Island will change your mind-set.

31) Comment by Elderly Man - 18/10/2012

The cavalier and even indifferent way the killer gunned down this lad still haunts us. The killer was my butcher.