Atomic Echoes: Preserving the Voices of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

In this episode of the Tango Tango podcast, host Lloyd Knight welcomes authors and filmmakers Karin Tanabe and Victoria Kelly to share the journey behind their PBS documentary Atomic Echoes. With family histories connected to both sides of World War II, Victoria’s grandfather served as a medic in Nagasaki and Karin’s grandfather was a Japanese soldier, the longtime friends uncover powerful stories of resilience, reconciliation, and hope.

They discuss how the project began, the challenges of interviewing veterans and survivors, and the intensive research required to capture voices long overlooked. From faith communities in Japan to American veterans who were never recognized for their post-war service, Atomic Echoes offers a respectful and human lens on history.

Karin and Victoria also reflect on the lessons they gained from the filmmaking process, from fundraising to finishing the project in just 11 months. More than a story about the past, their film underscores the urgent need for peace and the unifying power of storytelling today.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(02:05) Meet Victoria Kelly

(05:23) Meet Karin Tanabe

(10:45) The making of Atomic Echoes

(18:38) Challenges in finding veterans

(22:23) Veterans’ desire to share their stories

(23:19) Planting trees and symbolic acts

(25:07) Inspirational stories from the journey

(29:47) Learning from the filmmaking process

(32:23) The intersection of history and hope

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Victoria Kelly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-kelly-618b4314a/
• Connect with Karin Tanabe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karintanabe/
• Learn more about Atomic Echoes: https://www.pbs.org/show/atomic-echoes-untold-stories-from-world-war-ii/
• Learn more about Tango Tango: https://supplychainnow.com/program/tango-tango
• Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
• Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
• Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk

Tango Tango is proudly sponsored by Supply Chain Now. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/atomic-echoes-preseving-voices-hiroshima-nagasaki-1tt13