HAIKOU, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) — As dusk fell over Haikou, the capital of China's Hainan Province, Japanese restaurateur Kato Tetsuya moved between tables in his softly lit bistro, chatting with diners in his halting Chinese alongside his wife.

The 62-year-old from Tokyo, Japan, worked in the hair and fashion industry until a friend invited him to Beijing in 2008. He couldn't have known then that this move would launch nearly two decades of his life in China.

"I was caught by my Chinese wife," Kato said with a smile, explaining why he stayed. He recalled meeting Niu Qian just a year after arriving in Beijing—from falling in love and getting married to starting a business, his life in China has been both busy and fulfilling.

Although Kato worked in hairdressing, many of his Japanese friends knew he was a skilled cook of homemade Japanese dishes. Acting on their suggestion, he ventured into the catering industry. In 2016, he opened his first Japanese bistro in Beijing, which has since become a beloved destination for locals seeking authentic Japanese cuisine.

According to him, the cultural differences between China and Japan have actually helped him adapt to life here. "Most Japanese people tend to keep their thoughts to themselves, while Chinese people are more straightforward and frank, which fits my personality perfectly. That's why I feel at ease living in China," Kato said.

Last winter, Kato and his family and friends visited Hainan at the invitation of the Hainan Free Trade Port Japanese Enterprise Cooperation Center. The port's favorable policies unveiled new opportunities. "I heard Hainan is developing rapidly, and I believe this place is full of potential," he said, adding that the friendly locals and pleasant climate further inspired him to start a business there.

In May, Kato and his wife relocated from Beijing to Haikou, marking the start of a new chapter in his entrepreneurial journey in China. In August, he partnered with two Japanese friends to open a bistro called "Jijiz Uncles."

"In Japanese, 'Jijiz' means 'uncles,' and it represents the three of us," said Kato. The entire process—from selecting the location to designing and decorating the restaurant and sourcing ingredients—took just two months, far quicker than expected, and would not have been possible without support from the Japan Enterprise Cooperation Center and the government.

Since opening, the restaurant has welcomed many customers—including local Japanese speakers and travelers who have visited Japan, as well as friends from Beijing and Shanghai. "We expect to attract even more customers in the future," he said.

With the Hainan Free Trade Port set to launch island-wide special customs operations by the end of 2025, Kato is already making long-term plans. He aims to open more branches and position "Jijiz" as a showcase for Japanese ingredients and culinary techniques.

"Hainan boasts many unique local ingredients and flavors. These can be paired with Japanese cuisine to create new taste experiences," Kato said. He plans to continue researching and developing new fusion dishes, hoping that more Chinese diners will not only enjoy Japanese food but also experience the distinctive atmosphere and culture of a Japanese bistro.

"After Hainan Free Trade Port launches island-wide special customs operations, it will attract more diverse international influences. However, cultural integration takes time," Kato said, adding that he is willing to serve as a promoter and contribute to this cultural exchange and growth.

Source URL: https://english.news.cn/20251106/1954193ed62942bf841b77283949e589/c.html