The World’s Oldest Companies: Secrets of Japan's Thousand-Year-Old Enterprises

Running a successful business is no small feat, let alone one that spans centuries or even millennia. Surprisingly, Japan is home to 21 companies that have stood the test of time for over a thousand years. In fact, the top five oldest companies in the world are all located in Japan! Let’s uncover the mystery behind these ancient enterprises.

The World’s Oldest Company Has Over a Millennium of History

According to statistics, Japan not only boasts a population known for its longevity but also hosts a significant number of long-standing businesses. With 25,321 companies that have been in operation for over 100 years, Japan leads the world. Among these, 21 have been around for more than a thousand years, predominantly family-owned businesses. So, which are the five oldest companies globally?

1. Kongo Gumi: The World’s Oldest Company

Industry: Construction
Years in Operation: Over 1,400 years

Kongo Gumi is a construction company in Japan, established in 578 AD, making it the oldest operating company in the world. The company’s primary focus is the construction and restoration of temples and shrines. They have mastered the ancient art of traditional wooden construction, a craft passed down through generations. Remarkably, they construct without using nails at the joints of pillars and beams, embodying the spirit of craftsmanship. Their works include two of Japan’s most significant historical sites: Horyuji and Shitennoji Temples. The company is also credited with the creation of Japan’s three most famous gardens: Kairakuen, Kenrokuen, and Korakuen.

Official Website

2. Keiunkan: The Oldest Hotel in the World

Industry: Hospitality
Years in Operation: Over 1,300 years

Keiunkan, located in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, was established during the Keiun era (704-708 AD) and has been in operation for more than 1,300 years. Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest hotel, Keiunkan continues to serve guests with its natural hot springs, which were discovered in 705 AD. Despite its remote location, about a 3.5-hour drive from Tokyo, the hotel’s serene hot springs and beautiful natural scenery attract many visitors.

Official Website

3. Sennen-no-Yu Koman: A Historic Japanese Hot Spring Inn

Industry: Hospitality
Years in Operation: Over 1,300 years

Sennen-no-Yu Koman is a renowned hot spring inn located in Kinosaki, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. The inn, which has been operating for over 1,300 years, features traditional Japanese architecture known as "sukiya-zukuri," which dates back to the 17th to 19th centuries and originates from tea rooms. This style is evident in the elegant lattice ceilings, giving guests the feeling of stepping back into ancient Japan. The inn is famous for its various therapeutic hot springs, which are a significant draw for visitors.

Official Website

4. Hoshi Ryokan: A Legacy of Japanese Hospitality

Industry: Hospitality
Years in Operation: Over 1,300 years

Hoshi Ryokan, located in Awazu Onsen, Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, was established in 718 AD. With a history spanning over 1,300 years, this hot spring inn is known for its continuous flow of healing spring water, once believed to have curative properties. The inn’s Japanese garden, which changes with the seasons, is a nationally designated historic site, adding to the inn’s timeless appeal.

Official Website

5. Genda Shigyo: Japan’s Oldest Paper Company

Industry: Paper Manufacturing
Years in Operation: Over 1,200 years

Founded in 771 AD, Genda Shigyo is Japan’s oldest paper company, specializing in ceremonial paper products, including mizuhiki (decorative cords), wedding and funeral papers, and gift wrapping papers. Although rumors surfaced in 2021 that the company had ceased operations due to declining demand, its millennial legacy remains a significant chapter in history.

Official Website

The Secrets to Longevity in Business

After learning about the world’s top five oldest companies, one might wonder what secrets have enabled these enterprises to thrive for over a thousand years. Japan's abundance of long-lived companies is not just due to the country’s lack of internal strife and colonization; these companies share common values and principles. They view their purpose as more than just making money—they aim to serve society. Additionally, labor and management do not see each other as adversaries but as partners in fulfilling their mission and self-realization. This shared sense of purpose and commitment has allowed these companies to be passed down from generation to generation, like a mission that transcends time.

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