Maruyama Tetsushi

There have been numerous Japanese celebrity faces we recognize in China, but the stories of the most ordinary individuals have not been as recognized. The name “Maruyama Tetsushi” may be unfamiliar to the ears of most people, but today, my interview explaining his story as a typical businessman will be revealed. Not a worldwide celebrity, not a well-known artist, or neither an Olympic-winning athlete, Tetsushi is just a man who strives to achieve his original goal of benefitting China.

Maruyama Tetsushi

Living in China but born in Niigata, Japan, Tetsushi is now a 57-year-old man currently serving as the Chief Executive officer (CEO) of Shanghai Jetech Tool Company. He explained to me that he spends work time traveling between Shanghai and Ningbo to balance and organize his company. Through his life experience, I came to find Tetsushi as a kind and passionate individual who is clear of his own purpose as a tool crafter. His unique cultural experience of spending 20 years in China illustrates what diverse cultures and beliefs can bring to the Chinese community.

Arriving in China and Building Bridges

Twenty years ago, when the world was not as accepting of foreigners, coming from a country that did not get along well with China historically was relatively challenging for Tetsushi. He recalled his tough first years in China.

In the beginning, when neighbors in my compound found out that I was Japanese, I was discriminated against with my car window crashed and vandalized.

Nevertheless, these discouragements did not wipe out Tetsushi’s heart and determination into contributing to China. Hoping to build bridges within his new community, Tetsushi worked his best to communicate with the local ones around him, expanding his friendship circles to different areas. Even without the prejudices against him, he still encountered many issues because of his background: “Back then, there were relatively few Chinese people who had substantial formal education, so beliefs and traditions in communication were quite different.” Over time, he found ways to be adjusting to life in China, keeping updated on both Chinese and Japanese media. This way, he could learn the proper colloquialisms in China but also not lose his Japanese heritage. He mentioned, “There were quite a few struggles during my first few years in China, but as time passed, I got used to the environment.”

Throughout Tetsushi’s entire time as a resident in China, he was not on his own. His life in a foreign country feels fulfilled because of the many supporters around him. His friends – who at first even spoke a different language than him – have always been by his side from 20 years ago all the way until now. “Many of my Chinese friends and colleagues were a big help to me, both bringing me joy and good company as well as supporting my business.” Undoubtedly, a heartwarming community gave him the confidence to find his place in society. When Tetsushi fell into struggle, those around him were also the ones who provided comfort; they cared for Tetsushi when he suffered a heart attack ten years ago.

When I suffered a heart attack, I was unconscious for one week. During that period, all my friends came to visit. They were the ones who mainly supported me through that challenging stage when I was in a foreign country that spoke a different language.

For this reason, Tetsushi was and will always be extremely thankful for the support of his friends and colleagues. Knowing the importance of his relationships in life, Tetsushi then was even more determined in staying in China to continue his goal with gratitude.

Setting Up a Business and Weathering the Storm

To establish his ground in China, Tetsushi founded his own business, Jetech Tools, twenty years ago when China’s market was still developing. Even with the possible risks and unpredictability, Tetsushi believed strongly that it would be a great opportunity: “My intention was to bring the developed technology of Japan to China and produce them here at a lower cost.” He himself along with two other partners began expanding the business immediately, setting their target towards local employees in China for product creation through low-wage workers. Because of his dedication and innovative ideas, Tetsushi’s business thrived in the early stages as China’s companies were very fond of his original products. Jetech Tools also cooperated with outside companies to provide them with materials and ideas to increase the quality of their products. These successes prompted Tetsushi’s great progression in his career until time brought along more changes in the Chinese economy.

Unfortunately, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a blow to Tetsushi’s business. It touched me to learn that this might be the greatest challenge Tetsushi has faced throughout all his time in China. His years in China were overall a great success, only with minor issues, but the recent crisis has created a deep impact on Tetsushi’s business. My interview was conducted in the midst of the new outbreak in Shanghai in the Spring of 2022. The months-long city-wide lockdown had veered his career off-track: “My company—located in Shanghai—cannot open. We might potentially face a close.” Tetsushi, while also having to continuously pay employees, has been unable to create products because of online work. However, this spirited man and his partners are still lit by hope to turn things around and continue to strive in China despite this major challenge.

Final thoughts

When I questioned Tetsushi on how he would reflect on all his years spent in China, he said it was a wonderful experience without regret. Upon this, he shared an interesting perspective that reflected his thoughts that he wanted to share with the Chinese society: “Many Chinese people value their money over everything else, but I think that is not the most important goal in life. What’s more important is one’s quality of life, the most essential part is to live a happy and fulfilled life. Life’s goal should not be towards money, but rather for themselves.” Maybe Tetsushi himself did come to China with the original goal of starting a business to make a profit, but within that, what he actually wants is to share his inspiring thoughts with others. Being able to help others with his ideas is what makes him happy, and he feels that is what life should be about.