Kongō Gumi
Kongō Gumi Co., Ltd. (株式会社金剛組, Kabushiki Gaisha Kongō Gumi) was the world's oldest continuously ongoing company, operating for over 1,400 years. Headquartered in Osaka, the family-owned construction company traced its origins to 578 when Prince Shotoku brought Kongō family members from Baekje to Japan to build the Buddhist Shitennō-ji, a temple that still stands. Over the centuries, Kongō Gumi participated in the construction of many famous buildings, including the 16th century Osaka Castle and Hōryū-ji in Nara.
A 10-foot 17th century scroll traces the 40 generations back to the company's start. As with many distinguished Japanese families, sons-in-law often joined the clan and took the Kongō family name. Thus, through the years, the line has continued through either a son or a daughter.
The company fell on hard times and went into liquidation in January 2006. Its assets were purchased by Takamatsu Corporation.[1] [2] Before its liquidation, it had over 100 employees and annual revenue of ¥7.5 billion $70 million) in 2005; it had still specialized in building Buddhist temples. The last president was Masakazu Kongō, the 40th Kongō to lead the firm. As of December 2006, Kongō Gumi continues to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Takamatsu.
References
- ^ Template:Ja icon Announcement of business transfer from Kongo Gumi Takamatsu Corporation IR Topics, 14 December 2005
- ^ "End of the Road for World's Oldest Firm" Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition), 15 December 2005