Shimada Kouji comes from Fukuoka, Japan. In May 2010,he was invited by a Wuhan student who studied in Japan to teach the skill of making curry（咖喱）. At that time, Shimada had visited some cities in China, including Wuhan,since 1982. 

"I really love China and Chinese culture," he said. "After several months' living in the city,I decided to stay here. "In November 2010,he opened his first restaurant in Wuhan. It became highly popular with young fans of curry and later he opened the second restaurant near Wuhan University.

"Wuhan people are warm,kind and energetic," he said. "I fell in love with the city and got used to life here. "

Over the past 10 years，his restaurants have also attracted（吸引）lots of young people who are interested in Japanese language and culture, so he's set up a free Japanese language course at his restaurant. 

After the city was shut down in late January to fight against COVID-19, all restaurants were closed,including Shimada's. This seriously influenced his business. Although his relatives and friends in Japan advised him to return to his hometown,he still chose to stay in Wuhan. "I've seen Wuhan as my second hometown,and I hope I can join together with the city when it's in trouble，"he said. "Through the epidemic（疫情）,we can clearly see how great the Chinese government and the Chinese people are. "