When we released our video about Hiroshima, some viewers may have noticed that there were no personal reflections from Abigail about the atomic bomb or her reactions to the Peace Memorial Museum. What many don’t know is that this part of the video was originally scripted—but we ultimately chose to cut it.
In this post, I want to explain why.
Abigail’s Quiet Strength
Before we began filming, I asked Abigail to remain composed during our visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. As someone with a strong sense of empathy, this wasn’t an easy request. She had a lot she could have said. When she was just 15, Abigail wrote a detailed essay about the atomic bomb—spanning dozens of pages. Her heart, her thoughts, and her understanding of history go deep.
Yet, she chose restraint. She guided our viewers calmly and professionally, even though the museum experience clearly moved her. I’m deeply grateful for how well she handled such a heavy topic.
As for me, I carry my own family’s war legacy. My great-grandfather died in Okinawa—not as a soldier, but as a railway worker. He left behind my grandfather and great-grandmother. His body was never recovered. Like many in Japan, our family history is interwoven with the tragedy of war. If I wanted to, I could speak at length about it. But we made a different choice for this video.
So Why Did We Cut That Scene?
Here are the four main reasons.
- Our Channel Is Not a Political Platform
Our goal has always been to share useful, trustworthy travel information for people visiting Japan. We’re not here to make political statements or take sides in historical debates. History—especially when it comes to war—is complex. There is no single, clear-cut truth. And the more you try to stand in the middle, the more criticism you often attract from all sides.
Instead of debating history, we choose to focus on what makes Japan—and in this case, Hiroshima—worth visiting today.
- Emotional Reactions Are Often Taken Out of Context
We’ve seen this happen before: a foreigner cries in the museum, gives a heartfelt opinion, and soon their clip is reposted across Japanese social media with mistranslations or misleading subtitles. The person’s words and feelings are often misunderstood or twisted into something they never intended.
That’s not what we want for Abigail, or for our channel. We believe it’s more respectful and honest to let the experience speak for itself.
- Hiroshima Is Not Frozen in 1945
Yes, the atomic bomb is part of Hiroshima’s identity—but it is not the whole story. If visitors come only to see the museum, they may leave with the impression that the city is defined entirely by tragedy.
But it’s been nearly 80 years since 1945. Hiroshima has rebuilt, thrived, and once again become the heart of the Chugoku region. The people here live full, joyful lives. That’s also a part of Hiroshima’s story.
We wanted to show the vibrant, modern side of the city—the beauty of Miyajima, the delicious local foods like soupless dandan noodles, okonomiyaki, and momiji manju. There is so much happiness and resilience here, and we hope visitors feel that too.
- The Museum Speaks for Itself
Ultimately, we believe that explaining what happened in Hiroshima is the role of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. That institution is dedicated to preserving and presenting this history with care, detail, and accuracy.
Abigail’s job was not to tell you what to think or how to feel. That’s something each visitor should discover for themselves, in their own way. If you come to Hiroshima, we encourage you to visit the museum, walk through the exhibits, and reflect quietly. Your experience, your emotions—that’s what matters most.
To Those Who Wanted More
If you were hoping to hear Abigail’s personal thoughts, we’re truly sorry. We understand the interest, and we hope you’ll consider joining one of our tours and asking her directly. She’s always happy to share in person, where conversations can be deeper and more thoughtful.
And above all, we want to say this: there is so much more to Hiroshima than what we could fit into a single video. Beyond the heavy history is a city filled with culture, kindness, and life. Please, if you can—visit Hiroshima. Feel the past, witness the present, and let both shape your understanding.
