Established in 578 AD, Japan’s Kongo Gumi holds the distinction of being the oldest operating company in the world for nearly one and a half millennia. It stands as a testament to its resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing world.
Kongo Gumi’s origins are intertwined with the early spread of Buddhism in Japan. The company traces its roots to the construction of Japan’s first Buddhist temple, Shitenno-ji, in Osaka. In the late 6th century, as Buddhism began to take hold in Japan, the royal family sought skilled craftsmen to build a temple that would mark this significant cultural shift. Lacking the necessary expertise domestically, Japan invited three specialized carpenters, known as miyadaiku, from Baekje, a kingdom on the Korean peninsula. Among them was Kong? Shik?, who founded Kongo Gumi after completing the Shitenno-ji temple.
Kongo Gumi’s role in constructing and restoring Buddhist temples and shrines throughout Japan solidified its reputation over centuries. The company’s work is even documented in “Nihon Shoki” (“Chronicle of Japan”), the oldest official history of Japan, underscoring its historical significance. However, the company’s longevity is not solely attributed to its early successes.
Hidekazu Sone, an associate professor at the Shizuoka University of Art and Culture, attributes Kongo Gumi’s endurance to the exceptional skills of its craftsmen and the astute management decisions of its leaders. Throughout its history, Kongo Gumi employed some of Japan’s most talented carpenters and craftsmen. This internal competition among skilled artisans led to the development and refinement of techniques that kept the company ahead of its rivals.
The leadership of Kongo Gumi also played a crucial role in the company’s survival. Over its 1,446-year history, Kongo Gumi was managed by 40 generations of the Kongo family. However, the family prioritized the company’s well-being over tradition. During the Edo Period (1603-1868), when competition among carpenters was fierce, the Kongo family chose leaders based on merit rather than birthright. If the firstborn lacked the necessary skills or dedication, they were not chosen to lead. The family even arranged marriages between their daughters and talented carpenters to ensure the continuation of the business.
Despite its remarkable history, Kongo Gumi faced significant challenges. The Showa Depression in the 1920s was a particularly difficult period, leading to the tragic suicide of Kongo Haruichi, the 37th leader, due to financial struggles. World War II also brought hardships, as demand for Buddhist religious buildings plummeted. Despite these obstacles, Kongo Gumi managed to stay afloat until 2006, when it was acquired by Takamatsu Construction Group due to mounting debts.
Today, Kongo Gumi operates as a subsidiary of Takamatsu Construction Group, with its legacy serving as an inspiration for the parent company and others in Japan.
While no Kongo family members are involved in the company’s management, the clan’s legacy remains deeply respected among Japanese carpenters.