Der Hammer: Kongo Gumi , (Construction/Osaka, Japan), Founded: 578, 40th generation www.kongogumi.co.jp
Prince Shotoku brought Kongo family members to Japan from Korea more than 1,400 years ago to build the Buddhist Shitennoji Temple, which still stands. Over the centuries, Kongo Gumi has participated in the construction of many famous buildings, including the 16th-century Osaka castle. Today the family continues to build and repair religious temples and manage general contracting from its Osaka headquarters. Current president is Toshitaka Kongo; his 51-year-old son, Masakazu Kongo, is waiting in the wings.
(aus der Liste der 100 ältesten Unternehmen der Welt, siehe auch MEX Artikel über Top Familienunternehmen in D)
