Hisazumi Saburo（Right One） with his staff Photo provided to Hangzhoufeel
By Chen Miaolin
In a modest office adorned with traditional Chinese calligraphy and offering a panoramic view of Hangzhou’s bustling skyline, Hisazumi Saburo sat back in his chair, wearing a faint smile on his lips, and reminisced about his decades-long journey in China.
Born into a family with deep roots in Confucianism, the Japanese entrepreneur’s fascination with Chinese culture began at an early age. “Our family has always seen Japan’s cultural roots in the teachings brought back by envoys from the Tang Dynasty,” Saburo explained in fluent Mandarin, his eyes twinkling with pride. “It was my destiny to continue this legacy.” This cultural curiosity led him to Peking University studies in Chinese philosophy and history.
He first went to Hangzhou during his studies, and his first impressions of the city were a stark contrast to the bustling metropolis it is today. “The train station was surrounded by simple teahouses and bathhouses,” he recalled. “I stayed in a place that served as a teahouse by day, a bathhouse by evening, and a lodging house at night--all for just a few cents.”
“Hangzhou was a living poem,” Saburo said, his voice softening as he described the narrow streets filled with rickshaws and the sound of wooden flags tapping on buses, signaling turns. Despite its simplicity, Hangzhou’s potential was evident to Saburo. “I saw the future in its history,” he remarked. In the early 1980s, Saburo returned to Hangzhou as part of a friendly city exchange program representing a Japanese enterprise.
In 1992, Saburo took a bold step and established his own business in the Xixi Industrial Park. His enterprise quickly outgrew its initial space, prompting a move to the National High-Tech Zone in 1998. His company, Hangzhou HISAZUMI Holdings Co., Ltd., which specializes in the household textile industry, has thrived in Hangzhou’s dynamic economic environment. “Hangzhou is a city of innovation and opportunity,” he explained. “It has a unique blend of traditional culture and modern technology, which creates a fertile ground for business.”
Saburo’s success was not just about business acumen; it was also about his deep connection to Chinese culture. “I learned to speak over 40 Chinese dialects,” he smiled. “Language is the key to understanding a culture.” He also immersed himself in the rich cultural heritage of Hangzhou, drawing particular inspiration from the legend of “The Butterfly Lovers”. The story is a timeless masterpiece that reflects the essence of Chinese romanticism and perseverance, he said, “It’s a tale of pure love and unwavering commitment, qualities that I deeply admire and strive to embody in my own life.”
Saburo also found a sweet romance in this romantic paradise. It was within his company that he met a young Hangzhou native who had come for an internship. There was hesitation from the girl’s family over the possibility of marrying a foreigner. However, his talent, knowledge, and sincerity eventually won them over. This experience further solidified Saburo’s determination to build a life in Hangzhou.
Over the years, Saburo has witnessed Hangzhou’s transformation into a global economic powerhouse. “Hangzhou is now known as China’s Silicon Valley,” he said. However, he believes that the city’s future lies in its cultural and educational strengths. “Hangzhou should focus on high-end industries and sustainable development,” his conviction in this is also a reflection of his own business philosophy. “We must be zero-emission, zero-pollution, and contribute positively to society.”
Saburo’s journey is not just a story of success but also a testament to the power of cultural affinity. “I came to China to study philosophy, but I stayed to build a life,” he said. His advice to young foreign entrepreneurs is to leverage their unique cultural backgrounds. “Focus on tourism and cultural exchange,” he suggested. “These are the areas where you can truly shine.”
Saburo’s connection to Hangzhou is not merely a matter of circumstance but a profound bond forged through shared values and mutual respect. “This city has given me so much—success, love, and a sense of belonging,” he concluded. “I am honored to be a part of Hangzhou’s story, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to its vibrant cultural tapestry.”