5 Oldest Companies In The World

1. Kongō Gumi

Founding Year: 578

Kongō Gumi, a construction firm rooted in Osaka, Japan, has a legacy spanning over 1,400 years. A 17th-century scroll documents the company’s lineage across 40 generations, showcasing its rich history. The unique tradition of sons-in-law adopting the family name upon joining the business played an important role in sustaining Kongō Gumi’s longevity, enabling the company to maintain its identity even in generations without male heirs. The company constructs Buddhist temples, which have a reliable demand. Over the centuries, Kongō Gumi has been involved in the construction of many famous buildings like the 16th century Osaka Castle. Kongō Gumi now operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Takamatsu Construction Group.

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