Top 10 oldest companies in the world that still wax strong till date

Japan is home to the majority of the oldest companies in the world. This isn’t particularly surprising given Japan’s long history and robust economy. A business must have been in business for at least 200 years to qualify as an “old company.”

Naturally, each of the businesses listed below has survived a variety of natural disasters, wars, and other periods of destruction. This is impressive when you consider that nations can change hands, empires can be overrun by invaders, and so on. Eager to know more about these businesses? Keep reading! 

Oldest companies in the world #1: Kongo Gumi

Kongo Gumi is the world’s oldest continuously operating business. It was established in 578 AD. It has its base camp situated in Osaka, Japan. An immigrant who was given the task of building the Shitenn-ji Buddhist temple by Prince Shotoku started this construction company.

It was a family-owned business for approximately 1,400 years until 2006, when the company experienced financial difficulties and became a Takamatsu subsidiary. The business had over 100 employees and an annual budget of approximately $70 million prior to the merger. It still focuses on Buddhist temples till today.

Oldest companies in the world #2: Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan

This is one of the oldest companies in the world. It is a hot spring hotel that was founded in 705 AD. Since it was established, the same family has run this 37-room hotel for more than 1,300 years. It is located close to the Akaishi mountains and gets its heated water from the close by Hakuho Springs.

The onsen’s therapeutic waters became so well-known in Japan during the company’s early years that even Takeda Shingen and Tokugawa Ieyasu were regular visitors. In 1997, the hotel underwent extensive renovations, but the original onsen’s traditional architectural style was not altered. Every room now has private, free-flowing hot spring baths, which the company installed in 2005.

It was named the world’s oldest hotel in 2011 by The Guiness Book of Records. 

Oldest companies in the world #3: Genda Shigyō Paper Industries

While China may be credited with the invention of paper, Japan did not invent it. Instead, this is the world’s oldest paper delivery system. It is remarkable that a business that has been around for well over a thousand years has not succumbed to economic constraints like competition.

Genda Shigyō was founded in 771 AD. It moved its headquarters to Kyoto when the city became the capital of Japan in 794. Today, its offices are located between Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

By printing, the company creates ceremonial paper goods like wedding invitations. The company is best known for making cords from twisted paper. Additionally, its artistic paper patterns make it possible to wrap gifts.

Oldest companies in the world #4: Staffelter Hof Winery 

The Staffelter Hof Winery in Germany is the place to go if you want to see the oldest winery in the world. It also doubles as a guest house. The place was once used by Roman soldiers to purchase wine. It was founded in 862. 

This winery not only survived the fall of the Holy Roman Empire, but it also escaped the devastation of World Wars I and II, which resulted in the deaths of over 10 million Germans and the destruction of numerous locations. It also cultivates over seven hectares of vines.

Oldest companies in the world #5: Koman

The Koman Hotel was established in 707 AD. It is a traditional Japanese hotel known as a ryokan. The hotel has rooms with tatami mats and communal baths. It was founded by Gonnokami Hiuke. He was inspired to start the hotel after a dream.

In his dream, he saw four gods who told him that he needed to live there to keep his family safe over the years. He then built a sanctuary dedicated to the gods in the hotel. His heirs then opened bathhouses in Kinosaki Onsen, which is nearby.

#6: Monnaie de Paris 

Before the European Union began producing Euros for use in buying and selling throughout Europe, the Monnaie de Paris produced coins that were in widespread use throughout France. This shows that this mint has issued currency for a wide range of political groups, including the Nazis during World War II. 

It is interesting to note that this mint even began printing Euros immediately following France’s movement to the EU. This is the oldest mint in human history, and it has employed locals to produce a variety of money denominations. It didn’t start producing Euros until 1998. 

#7: Tanaka Iga 

Even though Mardel is a relatively new brand, the term “religious goods store” may bring up images of a chain like it. However, Buddhism, the religion for which the Tanaka Iga sells merchandise, was created earlier than today due to its age. The most intriguing aspect is possibly the fact that this company manufactures a significant portion of the products it sells. It was the first known trader in Buddhist commodities. And it is probably the oldest store in the world that doesn’t sell food or drinks.

#8: Royal Mint

For more than a millennium, this company, which is run by the government, has been making money and employing Britons. The mint’s primary responsibility is to produce coins that can be used as the country’s currency. The location is now a museum where you can see a brief history of how the British pound developed. You can also take a look at how coins are made now. However, they will not disclose all of their financial information to you.

Over the course of its 1,000 year history, the business has operated from a variety of different headquarters. It used to produce medals that officials could wear as rewards. At the moment, it produces about 5 billion coins annually. 

#9: Nakamura Shaji

Even though this construction company has been in operation for almost a thousand years, it is not the oldest company ever recorded. In reality, it comes in second only to a company with its headquarters in the same country. However, this company is currently leading the building market after the oldest construction company and human organization went out of business. The business is the oldest continuously operating construction firm in the world. It has constructed numerous traditional Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples and specializes in woodworking.

#10: Chateau de Goulaine 

It deserves its spot on list of the oldest companies in the world. Despite the fact that it is unsure the way in which this old palace has been working as a winery, the groundworks of the palace surrounding the winery dates back to the fifteenth century. Since the company has been making wine for so long, no one knows when exactly it started. The same family has created wine on the property for over a thousand years.

The company might soon stop the production of wine as it was recently put up for sale. Regardless, it will continue to be a family business and one of the oldest wineries in history. Henry IV and Louis XIV were also once guests of the property’s owners.

Conclusion 

Owners of the oldest companies in the world can attest that it is not easy to keep a business running, and those that have managed to survive deserve accolades.The list above includes businesses that deal in wineries, construction, mint, hotel services, and other related fields. It demonstrates that some of these businesses are still in existence, while others have merged with other businesses to form subsidiaries.

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