Japanese finds sense of belonging in SZ

Editor’s note: 

From May 12-14, 2025, the China Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka will host "Shenzhen Week."

To mark this occasion, Shenzhen Daily and EyeShenzhen, a multilingual international portal, have produced a special video and report series about Japanese in Shenzhen. The collection features diverse perspectives from Japanese corporate executives, chamber of commerce leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and community volunteers, all sharing their unique "Shenzhen Stories."

Video by Lin Jianping

When we met Sayaka Nakano, she was participating in a cooking event organized by the Shenzhen Women’s International Club (SWIC) at a reading club in Shekou. The gathering brought together more than 20 women, and Nakano explained to us that this was one of the club’s monthly culinary activities. That day, the group was preparing Thai dishes under the guidance of two Thai members. 

After enjoying a delicious homemade lunch served with papaya salad and curry chicken, the Japanese woman shared with us, “Participating in community events like this is very meaningful to me. I cherish every day here in Shenzhen.”  

Sayaka Nakano (C) at a cooking event organized by the Shenzhen Women’s International Club held in Shekou. Photos by Lin Jianping except otherwise stated

Nakano worked as a wedding magazine editor in Japan after she graduated from a university in Osaka. Her journey in China began in 2009 and in 2014, she moved to Shenzhen with her husband.  

Now a mother of two adorable daughters, Nakano dedicates much of her time to household responsibilities. However, community events and friendships with people from around the world provide her with cherished moments for herself. An active participant in local activities, she also contributes to the community in return. 

Feeling the sense of belonging 

“These events help me rediscover my identity—not just as ‘a mother,’ but as ‘myself,’” Nakano told Shenzhen Daily. 

Nakano at an interview with Shenzhen Daily journalists. 

Nakano recalled one of her early experiences in Shenzhen when she attended a Mandarin class with her young daughter. That day was the monthly game day organized by the Nanshan International Cultural Exchange and Service Center (NSIC) for locals and expats. There, they played "Chinese whisper."

“It was hilarious to see how the original phrase completely transformed as it passed through friends from different countries,” Nakano said. “It reminded me of my carefree student days.”  

These events connected her with more organizations offering community activities. Through NSIC, the Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats (Shekou MSCE), and SWIC, Nakano developed new hobbies like hiking, jogging, cycling, and dancing.  

“If I miss a yoga or Zumba session, friends immediately check on me or share updates,” said Nakano. “These genuine human connections make expat life feel strong sense of belonging.”

An inclusive community 

“Once you come, you’re a Shenzhener.” This is one of Nakano’s favorite sayings about the city. She said that Shenzhen’s community events are vibrant, with organizations frequently hosting diverse activities to bridge locals and expats, helping people expand their social circles across cultures.  

“Once, a foreign friend asked me in surprise, ‘Is this common in China?’ From my perspective, these activities help people from different cultures quickly form friendships,” Nakano said.  

Nakano (in pink kimono), fellow Japanese volunteers, and staffers of Shekou MSCE pose for a photo at the 2023 Conference on International Exchange of Professionals. Courtesy of the interviewee

During the 2023 Conference on International Exchange of Professionals in Shenzhen, Nakano volunteered at a booth organized by Shekou MSCE to introduce Japanese culture. Dressed in a traditional kimono, she showcased various aspects of her home country's heritage, including a live matcha tea ceremony, which was popular among Chinese visitors. What surprised Nakano most was the attendees’ knowledge of Japanese culture—many engaged in discussions about famous novelists and filmmakers like Hayao Miyazaki.  

She also participated in an NSIC event where international members recited the poem "A Story in Spring." Despite varying levels of Chinese proficiency, the group rehearsed tirelessly. “We were all nervous back then, but now it’s a treasured memory,” Nakano said.  

Welcome to Osaka 

When discussing her hometown, Nakano enthusiastically recommended Osaka as a travel destination. “People there speak the Kansai dialect and are known for their outgoing, humorous, and hospitable characters, which is much like Shenzhen residents,” she said.  

She explained that Osaka has been the economic and cultural hub of Japan’s Kansai region since the Edo period (1603-1868). Rooted in merchant traditions, the city embodies a spirit of warmth and openness. 

With Expo 2025 Osaka underway, Nakano encouraged people to visit: “Why not plan a future-forward journey to Osaka and explore the expo?”