Coming back to my hometown of Sassari is always a unique experience. This time, I chose to wander through the historic center, camera in hand, mirroring my habitual strolls in Tokyo. Yet, here in Sassari, the experience is markedly different. I'm not just a discreet observer as I am in Japan; in these familiar streets, I feel like I'm an integral part of the scene.

During the pre-Christmas season, Sassari's main streets bustle with life, yet the city maintains its usual calm, adorned with modest Christmas lights. The less-frequented back alleys, with fewer shops, remain unchanged. Old buildings are bathed in warm light that spills through the narrow lanes. As evening falls, this light casts a nostalgic glow on the walls and buildings that have been a backdrop to my life since childhood. I remember walking these streets with my father, enjoying ice cream in this historic center. Unlike the relentless pace of modern Tokyo, time in Sassari flows more gently, like an old friend warmly welcoming me home.