The world's oldest continuously operating family business ended its impressive run last year. Japanese temple builder Kongo Gumi, in operation under the founders' descendants since 578, succumbed to excess debt and an unfavorable business climate in 2006.
Now, everything does indeed come to an end and yes, I'm certain that the founders didn't think it would last that long either. But has there been any country or political system that has lasted as long? I certainly can't think of any.
For me, this is kinda sad. Business has no compassion but still - couldn't anyone have clubbed together to keep this one afloat?
What a shame! A history that long... you would think the community might have banded together to keep them in business.
ReplyDelete"For me, this is kinda sad. Business has no compassion but still - couldn't anyone have clubbed together to keep this one afloat?"
ReplyDeleteI'd say that was the reason they succumbed to debt.
The business probably tanked long ago, but people clubbed together to help. Unfortunately these were loans and not 'gives'