The Japanese secret to maintaining a century-old business

(Baonghean.vn)- The lifespan of a business is similar to that of a human being. Some businesses dissolve at an average age, while others dissolve not long after their establishment. Therefore, what the world pays attention to in long-lived businesses or longevity businesses is the secret to maintaining the business.

One of the construction projects of Kongogumi enterprise. Photo: Internet.

According to a Korean bank, there are currently 5,586 companies in the world that are over 200 years old. Of these, Japan has 3,146 companies, accounting for 56.3%. Next is Germany with 837 companies, accounting for 14.9%, the Netherlands with 222 companies, accounting for 4%, and France with 196 companies, accounting for 3.5%.

The world's three oldest businesses - Kongumi Construction Company (1,438 years old), Keiunkan Hot Spring Hotel System (1,311 years old), Sennennoyu-koman Hot Spring Hotel System (1,299 years old) are all from Japan.

So what is the secret that makes Japan a country with many long-lived businesses?

Compared to Europe, Japan is a country with less war and has special geographical conditions, which are two conditions for producing many long-lived businesses. European countries, the Middle East, and China are greatly affected by war, invasion, civil war, and colonization, while Japan is less affected. This creates favorable conditions for businesses to develop sustainably. In addition, Japan is an island nation, so the risk of being invaded by other nations is very low, so location is also a huge factor in Japan having many long-lived businesses.

However, to be able to own many long-lived businesses like that, the above two factors are not enough. Most of the business motto of those long-lived businesses is not simply doing business to make profit but doing business is an action with social meaning. That is the foundation in the business method, not only for oneself, or only for one's business, all business actions must aim for the common benefit of the community and society.

Inside the room of Sennennoyu koman hot spring hotel. Photo: Internet.

What many Japanese businesses aim for to become long-lasting businesses is that they carry out three business goals: “beneficial for the seller”, “beneficial for the buyer” and “beneficial for the community”. Through that, Japanese businesses always have a positive impact on the development of society, providing high quality services, creating products that bring human values ​​to humanity, with little impact on the environment… Businesses will exist with society, and enjoy the fruits of business together.

Moreover, long-lived businesses are often businesses that value their employees, they see employees as family members, always create conditions for the development of each employee, and let the employee's family feel stable economically and mentally.

In addition, there is a common characteristic in longevity businesses that they attach importance to performing rituals for the gods, and have absolute faith in the gods. The offices of longevity business directors in Japan mostly have places of worship, they believe that there are things that human power cannot do, only the supreme god can change. This seems to be contrary to the business motto of European countries.

Le Quyen

(According to hyakkei-online)