Japan is home to some of the oldest family-owned businesses in the world, with some dating back over 1,000 years. Companies like Kongo Gumi, a 1,400-year-old construction firm, and Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, one of the world’s oldest hotels, have survived through a combination of adaptability and dedication to tradition.
Kongo Gumi, once a temple-building company, was bought by the Takamatsu Construction Group in 2006 but remains family-run. “We are proud of our heritage, but we understand the need to evolve to meet modern-day challenges,” said Masakazu Kongo, the current family representative. The company has now expanded into building modern commercial structures while maintaining its reputation for quality and craftsmanship.
This blend of tradition and innovation has allowed Japanese family businesses to endure through economic crises, wars, and social change. The country’s respect for longevity and craftsmanship ensures these enterprises remain pillars of Japan’s economy.
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