Is climate change reshaping the seasons we once knew?
Summer Snow is a Japanese drama that was broadcast in 2000. I watched it just before my entrance exams for engineering school, back when I was still living in France. I still remember how the song by Kinki Kids lingered in my head while taking the test—a distraction that wasn’t ideal for such a decisive moment. I had originally planned to write about this drama during the summer, as its title suggests, but the sudden shift in weather, from a harsh winter to an almost summer-like warmth, disrupted that timing. Spring seems to have vanished entirely. I know that, until my death—at most a few decades from now—I will likely still experience the four seasons, but what about the generations that follow? Climate action is no longer just necessary; it must become an absolute priority. Yet, systemic corruption, privileges, and the reluctance to relinquish power continue to block the drastic changes that are needed. Transforming awareness into habit takes time, and people need strong examples—leaders and influencers who show the way. Unfortunately, fear of consequences paralyzes many, while others actively worsen the damage to our planet.
What does Summer Snow teach us about human connection?
Returning to the drama itself, Summer Snow is a touching love story. It follows an older brother who runs a bicycle shop while caring for his younger siblings after the loss of their parents, and a young woman who suffers from a heart condition. The drama employs the familiar emotional cues designed to make viewers empathize with the protagonists, but overall, I found their relationship endearing. While it carries a certain naivety, as is often the case in this genre, there are times when we need such fresh optimism. Since I began writing and reflecting more deeply, I have come to recognize the immense importance of social connections—one of the key pillars of a healthy mind. Personal transformation often stems from meaningful relationships, and I have changed profoundly simply because I met someone whose happiness I want to prioritize above all else. Though I have made mistakes—both before and after meeting her—I now believe that true personal growth occurs when we find someone with whom we genuinely want to build a future.
Why is a romantic relationship different from all others?
Social relationships at work or within a family are fundamentally different from a partnership. A job can be changed. Family is not chosen—we are born into it, without selecting or being selected. Friendships, too, are more flexible; we can take breaks, reconnect, or even drift apart without fundamentally altering our own trajectory. A romantic partnership, however, requires the conscious decision to build something together. It demands growth, compromise, and a departure from self-centeredness. We cannot remain the selfish children we once were. If humans are truly social creatures, then the most significant and transformative bond is undoubtedly that with a life partner.
What do you think? Can love truly change a person, or do we simply mold ourselves to fit into a relationship? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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