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In an era where cultural barriers often seem insurmountable, one man stands out as a bridge between Japan and China. Meet Jiji Saburo (久积三郎), a Japanese billionaire who has captured the hearts of millions in China with his extraordinary mastery of Chinese culture and language.
Saburo, the founder and chairman of Hangzhou Jiji Holdings, has become a social media sensation, leaving both Chinese and Japanese audiences in awe of his seamless integration into Chinese society. His story is one of dedication, passion, and a lifelong love affair with Chinese culture.
Born into a noble Japanese family in 1958, Saburo's journey to China began in 1976 when he enrolled at Peking University, studying under the renowned Chinese scholar Ji Xianlin. Despite the initial challenges of being a Japanese national in China during a sensitive period, Saburo immersed himself in Chinese language and culture, determined to shed any trace of his Japanese accent.
"I worked hard to perfect my Beijing dialect," Saburo recalls. "I didn't want to be identified as a 'little Japanese devil'."
His efforts paid off spectacularly. Today, Saburo speaks over 40 Chinese dialects fluently, switching effortlessly between Shanghainese, Shaanxi dialect, Henan dialect, and Cantonese, among others. His proficiency has left many Chinese netizens questioning his true origins.
"Is he really purely Japanese? Or is he mixed-race?" one netizen asked incredulously.
Saburo's cultural integration goes far beyond language. He cooks authentic Chinese cuisine from various regions, plays traditional Chinese instruments like the guzheng, and even performs pop songs by Jay Chou on the piano. His knowledge of Chinese literature and history often surpasses that of many native Chinese.
Japanese filmmaker Takeuchi Ryo, known for his documentaries about China, found himself utterly humbled during an interview with Saburo. "This is the most frustrating day of my 45 years," Takeuchi admitted, after being repeatedly outmatched in his knowledge of China.
Despite his immense wealth, estimated in the billions of yuan, Saburo maintains a humble demeanor. He uses the same teacup he's had for decades and speaks with the casual air of a neighborhood elder. Yet, his office building in Hangzhou stands as a testament to his business acumen.
Saburo's success story is deeply intertwined with China's economic rise. In 1984, he settled in Hangzhou, where he fell in love with a local woman. Overcoming her father's initial resistance - "I fought against the Japanese for eight years, how could I marry my daughter to a Japanese?" - Saburo won over his in-laws with his diligence and sincerity.
In 1998, Saburo founded Hangzhou Jiji Holdings, becoming the first wholly foreign-owned enterprise in Hangzhou's Binjiang High-tech Zone. The company has since expanded across China and into Japan, specializing in home textiles and pet products. They were even authorized to produce mascots for the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.
Saburo's commitment to China extends beyond business. He actively contributes to local employment and tax revenue and has recently established a branch in Lishui to aid in rural development.
Now 66 years old, Saburo reflects on his 48 years in China with pride and gratitude. "I succeeded here, so I want to continue and end my life's journey here," he says, embodying the spirit of cultural exchange at its finest.
Saburo's story has resonated deeply with Chinese netizens, many of whom see him as a testament to the power of cultural immersion and mutual understanding. As one commenter put it, "A Japanese man with a Chinese heart - this is the true spirit of international friendship."
