In this article, we will take a look at the 5 oldest companies in the world. If you would like to read about more companies, you can go to the 20 Oldest Companies In The World.
5. Genda Shigyō
Founding Year: 771
Genda Shigyō (or Genda Shigyō Kabushiki gaisha) is a Japanese company that makes paper goods commonly used in Japanese cultural and religious ceremonies. The company crafts items such as mizuhiki, gift wrapping materials, and betrothal gifts, maintaining these traditional practices. With a history dating back to 771, Genda Shigyō is recognized as one of the oldest operating companies in the world.
4. Hōshi Ryokan
Founding Year: 718
Hōshi is a traditional inn in Japan. It was founded in 718 in the Ishikawa prefecture, Japan. It has been under the management and ownership of the Hoshi family for the past forty-six generations. Over the years, Hoshi Ryokan has undergone a gradual modernization while retaining the timeless charm that defines traditional Japanese inns. Presently, the ryokan has 70 bedrooms, including suites, distributed across its four wings. The bedrooms are adorned with tatami mats, traditional pillows, and shoji sliding doors crafted from wood and washi paper.
3. Koman
Founding Year: 717
Sennen-no Yu Koman is a Japanese inn (or Ryokan) in the Hyōgo prefecture, Japan. The inn was built in 717, which makes it a long-established business in Japan and one of the oldest companies in the world. Situated near a hot spring and the Shisho Shrine, the inn is owned by Hiuke Gonnokami, and his family has been managing the Ryokan for over 46 generations.
2. Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan
Founding Year: 705
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is a Japanese hot spring spa in the Yamanashi prefecture. The hotel was built by Fujiwara Mahito in 705. This historic establishment offers 37 rooms, a kaiseki restaurant, and a moon-viewing platform, seamlessly combining traditional elements with modern comforts. Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is at the second position on our list of the 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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