This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Rei Onoda, 34, coowner of Kamijyoan, a bakery in rural Japan. Her words have been edited for length and clarity. After graduating from university, I moved to Dubai and worked as a cabin crew member for Emirates for about four years. I got to travel all over the world.Seeing so many places made me realize Japan was actually my favorite. Being away made me appreciate how unique it is. I was also in a long-distance relationship at the time.