Hannah Kobayashi’s disappearance in November 2024 dominated the news cycle for months. First, we learned of several of her family members traveling from Hawaii to California to search for her. Then, in the middle of their search, her father died by suicide. Finally, authorities found her in Mexico and classified Kobayashi as a “voluntary missing person.”
Her story ultimately ended with more questions than answers. But recent social media activity and cryptic messaging seems to suggest that Kobayashi’s story is far from over.
Kobayashi said she’s focused on healing.
When the 31-year-old Hawaiian returned to the United States, she told People that she was unaware of the attention her disappearance had garnered. “My focus now is on my healing, my peace, and my creativity,” she said. Now, she’s elaborating on those efforts via Instagram, People reports. She recently posted for the first time since 2024, recording a series of videos for her Instagram Stories.
In them, Kobayashi began by thanking “every single person who dedicated time and energy into looking for me,” SFGate reports. She didn’t speak about her father’s death specifically, but she did address gratitude for life amid the loss.
“Every day is such a gift, especially after such loss and pain and suffering. We should all learn to be kind to one another,” she said. In addition to the videos, Kobayashi shared an image of herself at the base of a redwood tree. In the comments, some users questioned Kobayashi about not addressing her father’s death. She had a response for that as well.
People want to know why she didn’t attend her father’s funeral.
When one user asked why she didn’t attend her father’s funeral, Kobayashi said, “You don’t know the whole story,” she wrote. “My intention in this post is to acknowledge that I am going to speak about my experience — and to stand up against all the hate that was cast upon me. I hope that in your darkest hours, you are shown compassion and love versus hate and judgment,” she continued.
Kobayashi understands why people have judged her.
Later, in an interview with SFGate, Kobayashi shared that she understands the skepticism with which people regard her.
“Given my particular situation on the other side of my experience, I understand how some people would choose to cast me in a negative light, she said. “But I know who I am, I know my truth and one day, I will share it. I do believe that we can all learn to be kinder to one another because we never really know what someone else has been through unless we’ve walked in their shoes.”
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
