Authors

Katsumi Fujiwara¹;  ¹ University of Osaka, Japan

Discussion

Founded in 1867, the Churin Company was a prominent conglomerate that operated department stores and factories, primarily in Siberia and the Russian Far East. Following the rise of the Soviet regime, the company relocated to northeast China, subsequently coming under the influence of the UK, Japan, and the USSR, before ultimately being transferred to Chinese ownership.

The Churin Company was regarded as one of the most successful enterprises as early as the early 20th century and continued to maintain its reputation as a well-established department store chain in North China. However, the company’s nearly 150-year history saw numerous changes in ownership and management, along with significant fluctuations in its performance. These shifts occurred against the backdrop of major historical events, including World War I, the Russian Revolution, the establishment of the puppet state of Manchukuo, World War II, the Chinese Civil War, and the Cultural Revolution. This presentation aims to explore where and how Russian characteristics were preserved within the company throughout these turbulent times.Although the original Russian owners departed in the 1930s, a significant majority of the employees remained Russian until the 1950s. Different owners and managers continued to emphasize the "Russianness" of the company, leading many to regard, and still regard, the Churin Company as a Russian enterprise. This presentation will highlight specific aspects of "Russianness," particularly in the management practices, while arguing that the most enduring legacy of this Russian-owned company was its "goodwill."