Japan is home to the oldest continuously operating business in the world!
Did you know that the oldest hotel in the world still operating today is located in Japan? It's the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan in Yamanashi Prefecture, which opened in 705 AD and has been run by the same family for 52 generations!
Not only that, but the second-oldest hotel in the world is also located in Japan: the Hōshi Ryokan in Ishikawa Prefecture, which was founded in 718 AD.
The Oldest Japanese Companies Still Operating Today
Japan is not only home to the oldest hotels, but also to many of the oldest companies in the world that are still operating today, including:
The oldest sake factory: Sudo Honke, founded in 1141 AD and continued operating until its merger with a subsidiary in 2006 AD.
The oldest construction and engineering company in the world: Kongō Gumi, founded in 578 AD, specializes in temple construction.
The second oldest construction and engineering company in the world: Nakamura Shaji, founded in 970 AD.
The oldest clothing company in the world: Yamanashi Prefecture Company, founded in 1042 AD, specializes in the manufacture of monks' robes and temple services.
The oldest continuously operating confectionery company in the world: Ichimojiya Wasuke, founded in 1000 AD, produces traditional Japanese sweets.
The oldest religious goods company in the world: Tanaka Iga, specializes in the manufacture of products related to Buddhism and its rituals.
Why have Japanese companies survived for centuries?
The secret behind the survival of these companies for centuries is due to several factors, including:
Respect for family traditions and the transfer of management across generations.
Focusing on quality and craftsmanship in production and service.
Adapting with the times while maintaining core values.
Japan proves that success and sustainability depend not only on modern technology, but also on adherence to identity and culture!