ForbesAsia-April2018

PROMOTION

Haruhisa Handa wears many hats. Not only
is he president of HANDA Watch World, a
chain of boutiques that specialize in luxury
watches, he is also a philanthropist and edu-
cator. When Jackie Chan first heard from a
friend that Handa is “fluent in eight languages
and well versed in Chinese opera and a dedi-
cated philanthropist,” it piqued his interest.
One thing led to another and before he

knew it, the Hong Kong actor had agreed to

become the company’s ambassador. He then

flew to Tokyo for the sole reason of meeting

face-to-face with Handa at a HANDA Watch

World event where the two quickly realized

their common interests.

“Over several decades I’ve built about

30 schools for underprivileged children in

China,” says Chan. “In comparison, Mr. Handa

has built over 130 schools. It made me won-

der what kind of person he was. Somehow

it doesn’t feel like we just met. It helps that

Mr. Handa is so personable. I’m excited about

working together on future projects.”

Worldwide Success

In the early 1980s Chan’s popularity soared

in Japan and throughout Asia, and by the

Last December international lm star and HANDA Watch World ambassador Jackie Chan traveled

to Tokyo where he discussed his dreams to make the world a better place—and the journey to turn

them into reality—with fellow benefactor Harushisa Handa.

Jackie Chan was born in Hong Kong in 1954. At age seven he entered the China Drama Academy, a Peking opera school run by Master Yu Jim-Yuen.

For the next 10 years he studied classical opera, acrobatics, martial arts, acting and singing, cultivating the necessary talents to be the superstar

he would one day become. After graduation he distinguished himself as a skilled stuntman. By the time he reached his 20s he was a well-known

action star with a broad cinematic range that included directing, lighting and props.

HANDA WATCH WORLD:

TIME FOR THE FUTURE