''Shinise'' (, ) are Japanese businesses that have been in operation for at least for a hundred years, some more than a thousand years. Japan has significantly more very old businesses than any other country, and ''Shinise'' products enjoy a particular prestige in Japan.

Characteristics

Long-established companies are particularly common in Japan, which is home to over half of the world's companies that are older than 200 years. As of 2020, the country had more than 33,000 ''shinise'', of which 3,100 were older than 200 years, 140 older than 500 years and at least 19 who say that they have been operating for over 1,000 years. ''Shinise'' are a source of national and regional pride, and are the subject of governmental promotion, business management books and travel guides. Frequently, ''shinise'' are relatively small family businesses guided by a particular set of principles (''kakun''). These principles tend to emphasize continuity, tradition, longstanding business relationships, sticking to the

core business Core or cores may refer to: Science and technology * Core (anatomy), everything except the appendages * Core (laboratory), a highly specialized shared research resource * Core (manufacturing), used in casting and molding * Core (optical fiber ...

, accumulating cash reserves and avoiding debt and other risk. This limits growth but helps the companies weather even severe crises. Some ''shinise'', however, have grown to be leading players in their fields, such as the video game maker

Nintendo is a Japanese Multinational corporation, multinational video game company headquartered in Kyoto. It develops, publishes, and releases both video games and video game consoles. The history of Nintendo began when craftsman Fusajiro Yamauchi ...

or the general contractor Takenaka. The prevalence of ''shinise'' in Japan is attributed to the particularities of

Japanese culture Japanese culture has changed greatly over the millennia, from the country's prehistoric Jōmon period, to its contemporary modern culture, which absorbs influences from Asia and other regions of the world. Since the Jomon period, ancestral ...

, such as reverence for traditions and one's ancestors, and

Japanese history The first human inhabitants of the Japanese archipelago have been traced to the Paleolithic, around 38–39,000 years ago. The Jōmon period, named after its cord-marked pottery, was followed by the Yayoi period in the first millennium BC when ...

, such as the country's relatively long global isolation prior to the 19th century. To ensure familial continuity, ''shinise'' owners without children of their own sometimes

adopt Adoption is a process whereby a person assumes the parenting of another, usually a child, from that person's biological or legal parent or parents. Legal adoptions permanently transfer all rights and responsibilities, along with filiation, from ...

one of their male employees. One effect of the high prestige that ''shinise'' enjoy in Japan is that

startups A startup or start-up is a company or project undertaken by an Entrepreneurship, entrepreneur to seek, develop, and validate a scalable business model. While entrepreneurship includes all new businesses including self-employment and businesses tha ...

are less respected or appreciated than elsewhere.

''Shinise'' products

Buying something from a ''shinise'' imparts particular prestige in Japan, connoting the "pinnacle of taste". This Japanese preference for ''shinise'' is distinguished from the appreciation most societies have for

luxury goods In economics, a luxury good (or upmarket good) is a good (economics), good for which demand (economics), demand increases more than what is proportional as income rises, so that expenditures on the good become a more significant proportion of ove ...

in that it does not only include expensive, long-lasting items such as cars and watches, but also everyday objects and food. This consumer preference may have roots in Japanese society's predilection for conformity, which makes it so that somebody who owns a ''shinise'' item is certain not to be ridiculed for it, and frequently respected. As a result,

brand loyalty In marketing and consumer behaviour, brand loyalty describes a consumer's persistent positive feelings towards a familiar brand and their dedication to purchasing the brand's products and/or services repeatedly regardless of deficiencies, a ...

to ''shinise'' is often intense, which in turn helps these companies survive for a long time.

List of ''shinise''

This list aims to include all ''shinise'' founded before 1600, and selected notable younger ''shinise''. {, class="wikitable sortable" !Company !Location !Business !Date of establishment !Ref. , - ,

Kongō Gumi is a Japanese construction company, purportedly founded in 578 A.D., making it the List of oldest companies, world's oldest documented company. The company mainly works on the design, construction, restoration, and repair of shrines, temples, ...

Osaka, Osaka is a designated city in the Kansai region of Honshu in Japan. It is the capital of and most populous city in Osaka Prefecture, and the third-most populous city in Japan, following the special wards of Tokyo and Yokohama. With a population ...

Construction Construction are processes involved in delivering buildings, infrastructure, industrial facilities, and associated activities through to the end of their life. It typically starts with planning, financing, and design that continues until the a ...

, 578 , , - , Nisiyama Onsen Keiunkan ,

Hayakawa, Yamanashi 270px, Hayakawa Town Hall is a town located in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. As of 2020, the town had an estimated population of 1,098 and a population density of 2.97 persons per km2. The total area of the town is . It has the smallest populatio ...

, Hot spring hotel , 705 , , - , Koman ,

Toyooka, Hyōgo is a Cities of Japan, city in the northern part of Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. , the city had an estimated population of 78,348 in 37,769 households and a population density of 110 persons per km2. The total area of the city is . Geography Toy ...

, Hotel , 717 , , - , Hōshi Ryokan ,

Ishikawa Prefecture is a Prefectures of Japan, prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region of Honshu island. Ishikawa Prefecture has a population of 1,096,721 (1 January 2025) and has a geographic area of 4,186 Square kilometre, km2 (1,616 sq mi). Ishikawa Pr ...

, Hotel , 718 , , - , Genda Shigyō ,

Kyoto, Kyoto Kyoto ( or ; Japanese: , ''Kyōto'' ), officially , is the capital city of Kyoto Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan's largest and most populous island of Honshu. , the city had a population of 1.46 million, making it the ninth-most pop ...

, Ceremonial paper goods , 771 , , - , Tanaka Iga Butsugu ,

, Buddhist religious goods , 885 , , - , Nakamura Shaji ,

Ichinomiya, Aichi is a Cities of Japan, city located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The city is sometimes called Owarichinomiya to avoid confusion with other municipalities of the same name, including Ichinomiya, Aichi (town), Ichinomiya (now part of the city of Toy ...

, Construction , 970 , , - ,

Ichimonjiya Wasuke is a traditional confectionery company located in Kita-ku, Kyoto, Japan. It was established in the year 1000 and is operated by the 25th generation of the same family. The recent building is about 300 years old and contains many benches and stoo ...

Confectionery Confectionery is the Art (skill), art of making confections, or sweet foods. Confections are items that are rich in sugar and carbohydrates, although exact definitions are difficult. In general, however, confections are divided into two bro ...

, 1000 , , - ,

Shumiya-Shinbutsuguten Shumiya-Shinbutsuguten is a Japanese company that specializes in Buddhist goods, which is located in Kōfu, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. Founded in 1024, the company is one of the oldest still-operating companies. History Shumiya-Shinbutsuguten ...

, , Religious goods , 1024 , , - , Takahan Ryokan ,

Yuzawa, Niigata is a town located in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. , the town had an estimated population of 7,926, and a population density of 22.2 persons per km2. The total area of the town was . The town is famous for its hot springs. Geography Yuzawa is lo ...

, Hotel , 1075 , , - ,

Geto Onsen Geto Onsen is an onsen town with traditional ryokan (inn), ryokan (Japanese inn) and natural hot spring baths. It was founded in 1134, and is one of the oldest establishments in Japan. History The onsen town was founded in 1134 and is located in ...

Kitakami, Iwate is a Cities of Japan, city located in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. , the city had an estimated population of 92,311, and a population density of 210 persons per km2 in 37,085 households. The total area of the city is . The city is famous for the sa ...

, Hotel , 1134 , , - , Sudo Honke ,

Kasama, Ibaraki is a city located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Kasama is the home of Kasama ware and known for Japanese chestnuts. , the city had an estimated population of 73,805 in 29,362 households and a population density of 307 persons per km². The pe ...

, Sake , 1141 , , - , Tsuen Tea ,

Uji, Kyoto is a city on the southern outskirts of the city of Kyoto, in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Founded on March 1, 1951, Uji is between the two ancient capitals of Nara and Kyoto. The city sits on the Uji River, which has its source in Lake Biwa ...

, Teahouse , 1160 , , - , Gorobee Ame , , Confectionery , 1177–1180 , , - , , , Confectionery , 1184 , , - , Kikuoka ,

Nara, Nara is the capital city of Nara Prefecture, Japan. , Nara has an estimated population of 367,353 according to World Population Review, making it the largest city in Nara Prefecture and sixth-largest in the Kansai region of Honshu. Nara is a core ...

, Herbs , 1184 , , - , Sakan Ryokan ,

Sendai, Miyagi is the capital city of Miyagi Prefecture and the largest city in the Tōhoku region. , the city had a population of 1,098,335 in 539,698 households, making it the twelfth most populated city in Japan. The modern city was founded in 1600 by th ...

, Hotel , 1184 , , - , Ito Tekko , , Metalworking , 1189 , , - , Shirasagiyu Tawaraya ,

Kaga, Ishikawa is a city located in southwestern Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. , the city had an estimated population of 67,793 in 29054 households, and a population density of 290 persons per km2. The total area of the city was . Geography Kaga is located in ...

, Hotel , 1190 , , - , Kotabe Foundry ,

Sakuragawa, Ibaraki 260px, Cherry Blossoms of Sakuragawa is a city located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. , the city had an estimated population of 39,072 in 13,721 households and a population density of 217 persons per km2. The percentage of the population aged ove ...

, Foundry , 1190–1199 , , - , Tosen Goshobo ,

Kobe, Hyōgo Kobe ( ; , ), officially , is the capital city of Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. With a population of around 1.5 million, Kobe is Japan's seventh-largest city and the third-largest port city after Tokyo and Yokohama. It is located in the Kansai re ...

, Hotel , 1191 , , - , Arima Onsen Okunobo , , Hotel , 1191 , , - , Yoshinoya Irokuen ,

, Hotel , 1192 , , - , Notoya ,

Komatsu, Ishikawa is a city located in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. , the city had an estimated population of 108,509 in 42,664 households, and a population density of 290 persons per km². The total area of the city was . Geography Komatsu is located in southwe ...

, Hotel , 1311 , , - , Higashiya ,

Yonezawa, Yamagata file:Yonezawa City hall 0295.JPG, Yonezawa City Hall is a Cities of Japan, city in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. , the city had an estimated population of 81,707 in 33,278 households, and a population density of 150 persons per km2. The total ar ...

, Hotel , 1312 , , - , Sankogan ,

Gose, Nara 280px, Gose City Hall is a city located in Nara Prefecture, Japan. , the city had an estimated population of 23,196 in 11958 households, and a population density of 380 persons per km2. The total area of the city is . Geography Gose is located ...

, Pharmacy , 1319 , , - , Korenya Shingetsuan , , Confectionery , 1327 , , - , Kanbukuro , , Confectionery , 1329 , , - , Kuroda Sennendo , , Confectionery , Bef. 1333 , , - , Maruya Hatco Miso ,

Okazaki, Aichi is a Cities of Japan, city located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. , the city had an estimated population of 386,999 in 164,087 households, and a population density of 999 persons per km2. The total area of the city was . Geography Okazaki is in the ...

, Miso , 1337 , , - , Takata , , Textiles , 1346 , , - , , , Confectionery , 1349 , , - , , , Pharmacy , 1368 , , - , Matsumaeya , , Seaweed , 1392 , , - , Namariichi , , Chemicals , 1395 , , - , Kameya Mutsu , , Confectionery , 1421 , , - , Saku ,

Saku, Nagano is a Cities of Japan, city located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. , the city had an estimated population of 97,454 in 41,522 households, and a population density of 230 persons per km². The total area of the city is . Geography Saku is located ...

, Hotel , 1428 , , - , Yunushi Ichijoh , , Hotel , 1428 , , - , , , Confectionery , 1461 , , - , Senkiya , , Tea , 1462 , , - , Owariya ,

, Restaurant , 1465 , , - ,

Inoue Inoue (kanji: , historical kana orthography: ''Winouhe'') is the 16th most common Japanese surname. Historically, it was also romanized as Inouye, and many Japanese-descended people outside of Japan still retain this spelling. A less common varia ...

, , Tea , 1467 , , - , Mizuta Gyokuundo , , Confectionery , 1477 , , - ,

Hiraizumi is a town located in Nishiiwai District, Iwate Prefecture, Japan. , the town had an estimated population of 7,408 and a population density of in 2,616 households. The total area of the town was . It is noted for the Historic Monuments and Sit ...

, , Sake , 1487 , , - , Fukkodo , , Brushes , 1501 , , - , Tsutaya , , Confectionery , 1502 , , - , Chigira Jinsentei , Ikaho, Gunma , Hotel , 1502 , , - , , , Confectionery , 1503 , , - , Ishiga Honten , , Religious goods , 1504–1520 , , - , Kenbishi , , Sake , Bef. 1505 , , - , Toraya ,

Tokyo, Tokyo Tokyo, officially the Tokyo Metropolis, is the capital and most populous city in Japan. With a population of over 14 million in the city proper in 2023, it is one of the most populous urban areas in the world. The Greater Tokyo Area, which ...

, Confectionery , Abt. 1520 , , - , Yamaji , , Sake , 1532 , , - , Honke Kojima , , Confectionery , 1532 , , - , Matsuokaya , , Sauce , 1534 , , - , , , Sake , 1534 , , - , Izumiya Ryokan , , Hotel , 1536 , , - , Shusen Kurano , , Sake , 1540 , , - , Fubokaku , , Hotel , 1546 , , - , Kunitomo Kyutaro , , Gunpowder , 1547 , , - , Yoshinogawa , , Sake , 1548 , , - , , , Sake , 1550 , , - , Sasaiya , , Confectionery , 1550 , , - , Izeki , , Clothing , 1550 , , - , Itamuro Onsen Daikokuya ,

Nasushiobara, Tochigi 270px, Shiobara Onsen is a city located in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. , the city had an estimated population of 115,794 in 48,437 households, and a population density of 67 persons per km². The total area of the city is . Geography Nasushioba ...

, Food , 1551 , , - , Meien Co., Ltd. ,

Nagoya, Aichi is the largest city in the Chūbu region of Japan. It is the list of cities in Japan, fourth-most populous city in Japan, with a population of 2.3million in 2020, and the principal city of the Chūkyō metropolitan area, which is the List of ...

, Salt , 1554 , , - , Chiso ,

, Clothing , 1555 , , - , , , Clothing , 1555 , , - , Kaikodo , , Lacquerware , Bef. 1558 , , - , , , Tea , 1558 , , - ,

Ueda Ueda may refer to: Places *Ueda, Nagano, a city in Japan * Ueda Castle in Japan * Ueda Domain of Japan * Ueda Glacier in Antarctica Other uses * Ueda (surname) *Siege of Ueda Sekigahara campaign Sieges of the Sengoku period Attacks on castles ...

, , Sake , 1558 , , - , Aritsugu ,

, Knives (originally swords) , 1560 , , - , Nabeya Bi-tech Kaisha ,

Seki, Gifu is a city located in Gifu, Japan. , the city had an estimated population of 89,020 and a population density of 190 persons per km2 in 35,366 households. The total area of the city was . Geography Seki is located in central Gifu Prefecture at the ...

, Machine parts (originally kettles, pots, and bells) , 1560 , , - , Okamoto , , Iron , 1560 , , - , Hasemoku , , Real estate , 1560 , , - , Ichijoh , , Hotel , 1560 , , - , Toyahachi , , Pottery retail , 1560 , , - , Yamagatakan , , Hotel , 1561 , , - , Otaya Hanuemon , , Confectionery , 1562 , , - , Shima Tamura , , Hotel , 1563 , , - , Kojiya , , Food , 1563 , , - , , , Confectionery , 1565 , , - , , , Beds , 1566 , , - , Kichijiya , , Oil , 1568 , , - , Suishodo , , Pharmacy , 1570 , , - , Isekusuri Honpo , , Pharmacy , 1570 , , - , Kikuhime , , Sake , 1570–1600 , , - , Yoshida Gennojo , , Religious goods , 1572 , , - , Hosoji Inbanten , , Stamps , 1573 , , - , Nakano , , Fish , 1573 , , - , , , Sauce , 1573 , , - , , , Retailing , 1573 , , - , Shintsu , , Building material , 1573–1592 , , - , Sonodaya , , Confectionery , 1573–1592 , , - , Kanbayashi , , Tea , 1573–1592 , , - , Mitsuboshien Kanbayashi Sannyu , , Tea , 1573–1592 , , - , Ishikawa , , Stone , 1573–1592 , , - , Nikenjayamochi Kadoya , , Brewery , 1575 , , - , Meboso Hachirobee , , Fishing flies , 1575 , , - , Yanagiya Hozen , , Confectionery , 1575 , , - ,

Nippon Kodo Nippon Kodo () is a Japanese incense company that traces their origins back over 400 years to an incense maker known as Koju, who made incense for the Emperor of Japan. The Nippon Kodo Group was established in August 1965, has acquired several oth ...

, , Incense , 1575 , , - ,

Heihachi Jaya Heihachi Jaya is one of the oldest restaurants in Japan, founded in 1576, and located on the bank of Takano River in Kyoto city, Kyoto Prefecture. The restaurant was included in famous literary works and Kyogens, traditional comical theatre p ...

, , Restaurant , 1576 , , - , Kishigon , , Hotel , 1576 , , - , Gyokueido , , Confectionery , 1576 , , - , Kobaien , , Ink , 1577 , , - , Mineyo , , Fish , 1577 , , - , Lamp no Yado , , Hotel , 1578 , , - , Tomihiro , , Clothing , 1578 , , - , Kiguraya , , Clothing , 1579 , , - , Nakaya , , Herbal medicine , 1579 , , - , Higashimaru , , Sauce , Abt.1580 , , - , Hatano Paint , , Paint , 1582 , , - , Indenya , , Leather , 1582 , , - , Koju , , Incense , 1582 , , - , Onomichizousu ,

Onomichi, Hiroshima is a Cities of Japan, city located in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. , the city had an estimated population of 129,314 in 64055 households and a population density of 450 people per km². The total area of the city is . Geography Onomichi is loca ...

, Vinegar , 1582 , , - , Tamaruya , , Udon noodles , 1582 , , - , Minowa , , Lacquerware , 1582 , , - , Godayu Kikuya , , Confectionery , 1584 , , - ,

Yamato Intec was originally the area around today's Sakurai City in Nara Prefecture of Japan, which became Yamato Province and by extension a name for the whole of Japan. Yamato is also the dynastic name of the ruling Imperial House of Japan. Japanese ...

, , Metalworking , 1584 , , - , Kikuya , , Confectionery , 1585 , , - , Mercros , , Retailer , 1585 , , - , Tenshoen , , Tea , 1585 , , - , Matsui , , Construction , 1586 , , - , Oyama Shaji , , Construction , 1586 , , - , Chogoromochi , , Confectionery , 1587 , , - , Josuian , , Confectionery , 1587 , , - , Okeka , , Furnaces , 1588 , , - , Ibasen , , Fans , 1590 , , - , Kogure , , Hotel , 1591 , , - , Yamashina , , Utensil , 1591 , , - , Osugiya Sobee , , Confectionery , 1592 , , - , Meimon Sakai , , Sake , 1592 , , - , Kikyoya , , Confectionery , 1592 , , - , Nezameya , , Restaurant , 1592 , , - , Koya , , Sake , 1593 , , - , Yamamotoya , , Seed , 1593 , , - , Kungyokudo , , Incense , 1594 , , - , Fujinoya , , Fertilizer , 1594 , , - , Chojiya , , Restaurant , 1596 , , - , Toshimaya , , Sake , 1596 , , - , Takimo , , Food , 1596 , , - , Oteramochi Kawaido , , Confectionery , 1596 , , - , Tazen , , Metal , 1596 , , - , Gyokurinbo , , Hotel , 1596 , , - , Nagata Bunshodo , , Publisher , 1596–1615 , , - , Heirakuji , , Publisher , 1596–1615 , , - , Hayashikan , , Clothing , 1596–1615 , , - ,

Kojima Kojima, Ko-jima, may refer to: People * Kojima (surname) Places * Kojima District, Okayama, Japan * Kojima Village, Matsumae, Hokkaido, Japan * Kojima Domain, Suruga Province, Honshu, Japan; an Edo-period domain Islands * Kōjima, an island ...

, , Sake , 1597 , , - , Kuwanaya , , Confectionery , 1597 , , - , Uzu Kyumeigan , , Pharmacy , 1597 , , - , Ryujin , , Sake , 1597 , , - , Chinjukan , , Pottery , 1598 , , - , Wakanoura Imoto , , Pharmacy , 1598 , , - , Watahan , , Construction , 1598 , , - , Nakazato Moemon , , Pottery , 1598 , , - , Minatoya Yurei-kosodate-ame , , Confectionery , Bef. 1599 , , - , Umai Chemical , , Chemicals (originally salt) , 1599 , , - , Boun , , Hotel , 1599 , , - , Kyorin , , Clothing , 1599 , , - , Shichiyama Hospital , , Hospital , 1599 , , - , Takenaka ,

, Construction , 1610 , , - ,

Gekkeikan is a Japanese manufacturer of sake and plum wine based in Fushimi, Kyoto, Japan. Founded in 1637 by Jiemon Ōkura, in Fushimi, it is one of the world's oldest companies, and is a member of the Henokiens group. The name of the company literally ...

Sake Sake, , or saki, also referred to as Japanese rice wine, is an alcoholic beverage of Japanese origin made by fermenting rice that has been polished to remove the bran. Despite the name ''Japanese rice wine'', sake, and indeed any East Asi ...

and plum wine , 1637 , , - ,

, Video games (originally playing cards) , 1889 , , - , Takamatsu Construction Group ,

Yodogawa-ku, Osaka is one of 24 wards of Osaka, Japan. It is located in the north of the city. Economy Nissin Foods has had its corporate headquarters in Yodogawa-ku since moving into its new building in 1977. SNK, a video game company first headquartered near ...

, Construction , 1917 , {{Cite web , title=The History of Takamatsu Construction Group , url=https://www.takamatsu-cg.co.jp/ , access-date=2023-04-01 , website=TAKAMATSU CONSTRUCTION GROUP , language=ja , - ,

Kikkoman is a Japanese food manufacturer. Its main products and services include soy sauce, food seasoning and flavoring, mirin, , and sake, juice and other beverages, pharmaceuticals, and restaurant management services. As of 2002, the company was the ...

Noda, Chiba is a Cities of Japan, city located in the northwestern corner of Chiba Prefecture, Japan. , the city had an estimated population of 154,114 in 69,191 households and a population density of 1500 persons per km2. The total area of the city is . Th ...

Soy sauce Soy sauce (sometimes called soya sauce in British English) is a liquid condiment of China, Chinese origin, traditionally made from a fermentation (food), fermented paste of soybeans, roasted cereal, grain, brine, and ''Aspergillus oryzae'' or ''A ...

and other food , 1917 ,

References

Economy of Japan

Characteristics

''Shinise'' products

List of ''shinise''

See also

References