Japan, the world’s third-largest economy and one of Asia’s most advanced nations, is attracting an increasing number of Chinese entrepreneurs. Six years ago, two brothers from Shanghai, Fan Wenjun and Li Zhiyun, driven by passion, ventured to Japan with just 50,000 RMB. Today, JS GROUP has transformed from a single real estate developer into a multinational conglomerate. At the 2023 JS Oriental Culture Night event, they shared the highlights and challenges of their entrepreneurial journey.

2023 JS Oriental Culture Night

Trust is the First Capital of Entrepreneurship

Fan Wenjun started with a real estate company in Osaka. Through continuous learning and observation, he discovered that there was still much to explore in Japan’s real estate development sector, which led him to decide to start his own business. His first deal came from the unconditional trust of a friend, and under this encouragement, his first renovation project for a detached house turned into a huge success.

JS GROUP CEO Fan Wenjun

‘With the first successful case, my confidence soared. I discussed it with Jet (Li Zhiyun), and we decided that I would be responsible for finding houses to renovate in Japan, while he would handle sales back in Shanghai. Thus, a specialized Japanese developer focused on detached houses—JS Corporation—was born,’ Fan Wenjun shared.

JS CHINA Chief Product Officer Liu Yuan (left) and JS GROUP Chief Marketing Officer Li Zhiyun (right)

Li Zhiyun was responsible for sales and gradually built a complete and reliable sales channel system based on his resources. This system includes Liu Yuan, the Chief Product Officer of JS CHINA, who created sales miracles even during the pandemic and provided strong support for JS’s cross-border sales.

Chief Product Officer of JS GROUP, Shusuke Suou

Moreover, as one of the core competencies of the enterprise, the importance of product development is undeniable. Shusuke Suou, the Chief Product Officer in charge of JS project design and construction, ensures the quality of hundreds of detached house products developed by JS.

Repaying Trust with Sincerity

Over the past three years, you were the only company that transferred payments to me on time,” commented one client about JS. The ability to live up to customer expectations during special times is attributed to another core competency of JS—sincere attitude and dedicated service.

Zhu Shihua, Chief Operating Officer of JS GROUP

The Chief Operating Officer, Zhu Shihua, shared a story about Xiaozhai Bed & Breakfast: “We once had a carefree guest who lost $8,000 at our B&B, and we returned it in full. Another guest broke the lock, and we arranged to have it cut open in the middle of the night. The most absurd case was when a guest reported a cat stuck inside the wall, and we demolished the wall to rescue the cat.” Relying on such meticulous and sincere service, Xiaozhai Bed & Breakfast won the Tujia Dark Horse Award in its first year of operation and remains a Superhost on Airbnb, forging deep friendships with guests from all over the world.

Chen Shu, Chief Administrative Officer of JS GROUP

To further enrich the travel experiences of clients in Japan, JS, under the leadership of Chief Administrative Officer Chen Shu, has expanded into the food and entertainment sector, aiming to ensure that JS clients “feel the warmth of our company’s companionship from the moment they step off the plane.”

A One-Stop Service Provider for Life in Japan, Starting from Osaka

In the venture capital field, Japan is considered a market with a “two-way time machine.” According to CB Insights, there are currently only three unicorn companies in Japan. While changes in new technology sectors are slower, Japan enjoys a “late-mover advantage.” However, in terms of social development stages, Japan entered the “new consumption era” earlier than China, known as the “Fifth Consumption Era,” characterized by “solo living, aging population, and virtualization,” which has generated many new business opportunities.

Guo Rui, Chief Technology Officer of JS GROUP

With a keen sense of opportunity, JS GROUP has developed its business affairs and trade segments, led by Chief Technology Officer Guo Rui.

Zhang Chunyu, Chief Financial Officer of JS GROUP

JS GROUP has risen in the vibrant city of Osaka, Japan, and after six years of relentless exploration, it now has offices and service teams in both Shanghai and Hong Kong. In 2023, under the leadership of Chief Financial Officer Zhang Chunyu, JS will expand globally, engaging in more diverse and extensive business activities. JS will be present in places like Karuizawa in Nagano, Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort, and Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture.

Core Members of JS GROUP (Partial List)

Two brothers from Shanghai have been building their inspiring entrepreneurial story in Japan step by step. Moving forward without pause, the future holds great promise, and we look forward to JS GROUP continuing to create even more brilliant chapters.