No Reservations did an excellent show on Osaka. An ok show on Tokyo/Kyoto. As Tony likes to bring liberal politics into parts of his shows as he did in Chile, U.S. Southwest and others, it would be wonderful to show the recoveries from an A-bomb and P-bomb of beautiful cities like Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The devastation of the WW-II was horrific but the cities have been re-built with their own culture and wonderful food scene.

Does this mean okonomiyaki with otofuku sauce when in Hiroshima?

I was really impressed with Hiroshima but annoyed with the blatant propaganda at the A Bomb Museum. The rest of Asia doesn't think Japan was engaged in liberating them as the displays imply. What was the end result? As usual, innocent people get killed because of the stupid, murderous policies of their leaders.

It's Hiroshimayaki which is very similar to Okonomiyaki with grilled noodles in middle. The oysters off Hiroshima/Miyajima were spectacular especially when grilled along with a wild fermented squid in fish guts and it's own ink. The beef was a little different from Kobe and a host of other stuff.
Every country has their interpretation of history, right or wrong. The Peace Memorial can take a day to get through if you read everything. It did explain the head of Japan's Military was preparing for an invasion of the mainland by the U.S. Somewhat supporting the U.S claim we would have lost 250 million soldiers if we attacked and using the A-Bomb to end the war. War is hell! Purpose of mail was to suggest No Reservations see both cities for their recovery, beauty and food. I go every year to Japan and Hiroshima is stunning.

Hi jamerican: I agree about the oysters, they were terrific. My best friend is from and lives in Hiroshima (she and I went to college in the States at the same time)so my wife and I had the grand tour, of course including Miyajima.

But I've also lived in Taiwan and Shanghai, and especially in China there is still an oft expressed hatred of Japan for what happened during that war. So having heard from that side, I'd say it goes beyond "interpretation" into "a gross misrepresentation of history". I can't tell you how many Chinese have told me stories about the death or rape of family members. When it hits your family, you don't forget so easily. They can't understand why Japan doesn't address its wartime behavior as Germany did.

If you're going to build a show around the theme of cities that have suffered from nuclear attack, there's no way you can avoid that issue and consider yourself objective in any way, especially when Anthony Bourdain is involved.

The actual number of estimated casualties for the invasion of Japan from the US side was 1 million US and 5 million casualties. Not sure where you came up with 250 million. The US population didn't reach 200 million until well into the '60s.

The other factor Japan doesn't mention is that if the US had invaded from the south, Russia would have invaded from the north and Japan would have become another Germany, divided with the likelihood of Tokyo also being divided. I think most Japanese are glad that didn't happen.

When I'm in Tokyo, I feel like I'm in just another big international city. But when I'm in Hiroshima, I feel like I'm in Japan. I like Japan much better.
(Steve from San Diego)

Hi Swamp Rat, thanks for the catch. I had meant to say 250,000 or 1/4 million.

As far as the show, maybe No Reservations does talk about Japan's past with China, Russia and Korea. Today the country is pacifist, which I don't particularly agree with considering the current situations of the U.S. Military and our alliance, but it doesn't take away from the beauty of the country.

I agree with you in not being a fan of Tokyo but Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Yokohama, Aomori amd Sapporo to mention a few are magnificent. Hiroshima and Miyajima are the absolute best.

Hi jamerican: You've been to more places in Japan than I have. I will say I'm partial to the food in Osaka, though. I was also lucky enough to catch the Aoi Matsuri or Hollyhock festival when we were in Kyoto, where they dress up in traditional Heian garb. We just lucked into it.

I agree with you that Japan needs to think more about its military situation now that the balance of power is shifting in Asia.

Did you get a chance to visit the Himeji castle while over there? The lady who gave us our tour was fantabulous! She was retired and did this for fun. What a great representative of the city and country!

My wife is originally from Taiwan so I'm more familiar with that culture and the culture in the mainland. I was also struck by how much Korea reminded me of Japan; I expected them to be completely different but they seemed more alike than Japan and China. I love the mixture of old and new in Japan, especially in those places you mentioned. And the Japanese have to be some of the most helpful and courteous people in the entire world.
(Steve from San Diego)

Hi Swamp Rat, Without a doubt Osaka is the best food scene. Made a point to hit all the places Tony did in Osaka. The Kwidaray (ms) area and by Osaka Station had some of the best eateries. Did visit the Himeji Castle and more temples than ever imagined in Kyoto, Nare to mention a few.

My wife is born and bread WI so I travel alone. I'm 1/2 Japanese and 1/2 American. I was born in Gotemba Japan which is also beautiful sitting on the east side of Mt Fuji. Moved to the San Diego area when I was 6. On my travels to any of the cities in Japan I have found the best way to get the feel and understand the cities is to take a cab from the hotel to a restaurant in the middle of the city and walk back. You learn where everything is with a help of a local map.

According to recent history checks the Japanese originated not from just Korea but are also Mongolian. Some Japanese deny this but recent statements seem to support the facts.

(Leo from Carlsbad)