The longest-running company in history

Kongō Gumi, founded in 578 AD, has an astonishing 1446-year history in temple construction, making it the world's oldest company. 

Image source: By Kusakabe Kimbei - The New York Public Library Digital Collections : Gallery :Info, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org

The beginning of Kongō Gumi

In 578 AD, Shigemitsu Kongō, a skilled artisan from Korea, founded Kongō Gumi in Osaka to construct Buddhist temples in Japan. 

Image source: By 663highland, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org

Shitennō-ji: Japan's first Buddhist temple

Prince Shōtoku Taishi commissioned Kongō Gumi to build Japan’s first Buddhist temple, Shitennō-ji, in 593 AD. 

Image source: Eclipse2009, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Secrets behind Kongō Gumi’s longevity

Kongō Gumi survived over 1400 years by valuing craftsmanship, selecting competent leaders, and adapting to change. 

Image source: By I, KENPEI, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org

The art of temple carpentry

Kongō Gumi’s skilled carpenters train for 10 years to master temple construction techniques. 

Image source: By 663highland - Own work, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org

A family business across generations

Kongō Gumi appointed leaders based on skill rather than seniority, ensuring strong management across 40 generations. 

Image source:By 撮影者 不明 http://www.kongogumi.co.jp/enkaku.html - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Kongo.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org

Surviving war and destruction

Despite wars and natural disasters, Kongō Gumi repeatedly rebuilt Shitennō-ji and Osaka Castle over centuries. 

Image source: By Unknown author - Japanese magazine "Historical Photograph, November 1934 issue" published by Rekishi-Shasin Kai., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org

Innovating during the Meiji Era

Facing modernization, Kongō Gumi expanded into residential and commercial construction, using concrete alongside wood.

Image source: By Yanajin33 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org

Women in leadership: Yoshie Kongō’s impact

Yoshie Kongō became the first female leader of Kongō Gumi, introducing key business reforms in the 20th century. 

Image source: By Chris Gladis from Kyoto, Japan - Flickr, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org

The fall and acquisition of Kongō Gumi

Financial struggles in the 21st century led to Kongō Gumi’s liquidation in 2006, and its acquisition by Takamatsu Construction. 

Image source: Photo by Osaka - Shitennō-ji, licensed under CC BY-ND, via flickr.com

The legacy continues

Though now a subsidiary, Kongō Gumi continues to build and maintain temples, keeping its 1400-year-old tradition alive.

Image source: By 663highland - Own work, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org

Honoring tradition and Prince Shōtoku

Every month, Kongō Gumi workers honor Prince Shōtoku and their founder, preserving their deep-rooted heritage.

Image source: Photo by Shitenno-ji Temple Precinct, Tennoji, Osaka, Japan, licensed under CC BY-ND, via flickr.com

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Image source: By Kusakabe Kimbei - The New York Public Library Digital Collections : Gallery :Info, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org