Haikou: As dusk settled over Haikou, capital of south China's Hainan Province, Japanese restaurateur Kato Tetsuya moved between tables in his softly lit bistro, chatting with diners in his halting Chinese beside his wife.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the 62-year-old from Tokyo, Japan, was working in the hair and fashion industry when a friend invited him to Beijing in 2008, marking the beginning of a nearly two-decade chapter of his life in China. Kato, who was caught by his Chinese wife, Niu Qian, found his life busy and fulfilling, transitioning from hairdressing to opening his first Japanese bistro in Beijing in 2016.

Kato's integration into Chinese life was facilitated by cultural differences he found complementary. He noted that the straightforward nature of Chinese people suited his personality, making him feel at ease. Last winter, Kato was invited by the Hainan Free Trade Port Japanese Enterprise Cooperation Center to explore new opportunities in Hainan. The rapid development and favorable policies of the free trade port inspired him to relocate from Beijing to Haikou in May.

In August, Kato opened "Jijiz Uncles," a bistro in Haikou, with two Japanese friends. The establishment process, supported by the Japanese Enterprise Cooperation Center and the government, was accomplished in just two months. The restaurant has since attracted a diverse clientele, including locals and visitors from Beijing and Shanghai.

Looking to the future, Kato plans to expand "Jijiz" and showcase Japanese ingredients and culinary techniques in Hainan. With the upcoming launch of special customs operations at the Hainan Free Trade Port, Kato envisions combining local and Japanese flavors to create new fusion dishes. He hopes to contribute to cultural exchange and growth by promoting Japanese cuisine and culture in Hainan.