{"id":4706,"date":"2016-01-11T13:42:28","date_gmt":"2016-01-11T12:42:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.deolububble.com\/general\/ndb\/?p=4706"},"modified":"2016-01-11T13:42:28","modified_gmt":"2016-01-11T12:42:28","slug":"10-oldest-companies-still-in-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.deolububble.com\/general\/ndb\/10-oldest-companies-still-in-business\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Oldest Companies Still In Business"},"content":{"rendered":"
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1\u00a0Kong\u014d Gumi \u2014 Construction\/578 AD (Japan)<\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n
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\"Kong\u014d<\/div>\n

Japanese construction company Kong\u014d Gumi was the world’s oldest continuously operating independent company until it was absorbed as a subsidiary of another larger construction company in 2006.<\/p>\n

Headquartered in Osaka, the once family-owned company traces its origins back to 578 AD when one of the engineers Prince Shotoku brought from Baekje to Japan to build the Shitennoji Temple decided to start his own business. A 10-foot, 17th-century scroll traces 40 generations back to the company’s start. As with many distinguished Japanese families, sons-in-law often joined the clan and took the Kong\u014d family name. Thus, through the years, the line has continued through either a son or a daughter.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, nothing can last forever. Kong\u014d Gumi fell on hard times and went into liquidation in January 2006, but the company continues to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Takamatsu Construction Group. It should also be noted that the Kong\u014d family still continues to practice as Miya Daiku (carpenters). (Source<\/a> | Photo<\/a>)<\/p>\n

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2.\u00a0Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan \u2014 Hotel\/705 AD (Japan)<\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n
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\"Nishiyama<\/div>\n

In 705 AD, the natural hot springs surrounding Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan allowed for the creation of a number of healing baths that drew visitors to come to the hotel and relax. Among its early patrons were Samurai and Shogun. 52 different generations of descendants have cared for and operated the inn, growing the space and modernizing it slowly with each passing epoch.<\/p>\n

Keiunkan is considerably larger than it was over a thousand years ago, but both the look and feel of the inn have remained unchanged, despite its modern amenities. (Source<\/a> | Photo<\/a>)<\/p>\n

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3.\u00a0St. Peter’s Stiftskeller \u2014 Restaurant\/803 AD (Austria)<\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n
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\"St.<\/div>\n

The St. Peter Stiftskeller is mentioned in a document by the scholar Alcuin, a follower of Charlemagne, in the year 803 AD. The Salzburg establishment claims to be the oldest documented restaurant in continuous operation.<\/p>\n

The Stiftskeller, located in St. Peter’s Archabbey, was at one time indistinguishable from a monk’s pub. Not only is it the oldest restaurant, but it’s also the seventh-oldest company in the world and the oldest company outside of Japan. (Source<\/a> | Photo<\/a>)<\/p>\n