Mentioning the changes he has witnessed in the three decades of him living in Shanghai, Hata Norio has a lot to say.

“The changes are enormous! Back then, people were either dressed in navy blue or green and hair-dying or skirts were not a thing. On the facades of buildings on Middle Huaihai Road and West Nanjing Road was ‘No spitting’ while now it is all world class brands.”

Apart from these tangible changes, Hata Norio has also noticed some intrinsic ones.

“People are much more disciplined and well-mannered. When I first came here and stopped at the red traffic light, people would look at me as if I am strange.”

“Another interesting thing. My two subordinates were also Japanese and they did not speak Chinese. When we went on business travel and stayed at hotels I got different prices because my driver’s license said I was Chinese and I spoke the language. It is the same when I was buying train tickets. The reform and opening up has integrated China with the world and foreigners are now treated equally. I know that a lot of Japanese enjoy living in Shanghai.”

(Hata Norio’s words for the continuation of China’s reform and opening up:“I wish China’s reform and opening up policy will contribute to world peace.”)