To me, a “place I want to return to” is a sanctuary where I can ultimately remain, no matter what happens—through the scorching heat of summer, the freezing depths of winter, or the gale-force winds of spring and autumn.
Japan’s four seasons are beautiful. However, isn’t that beauty only perceivable because we have a place to return to? We can enjoy the heat of summer and cherish the landscapes of spring and autumn precisely because of that security.
In modern society, positive thinking is especially encouraged. People often ask how to stay positive or what methods to use. On the other hand, I feel we rarely question why it is even possible to remain positive in the first place.
I believe that having a place to return to is exactly what allows people to maintain a positive outlook. Nowadays, positive thinking is demanded in every corner of society. Could the background of this demand be the loss of a personal “home” for many individuals? A place where you can simply be, regardless of the circumstances. I truly believe that our ability to feel the beauty of Japan’s changing seasons stems from the existence of such a place.
