Kongo Gumi Co.,Ltd., which joined our Group in 2005, is said to be the oldest company in the world. Kongo Gumi is a shrines and temples architecture company with its history of more than 1440 years since Shigemitsu Kongo became the first president in 578A.D. as the "Sei-daiku", a carpenter in charge of protection of Shiten-no-ji temple built by Shotoku Taishi. Throughout its long history, the Kongo Gumi has consistently dealt in architecture of shrines and temples.

Although shrines and temples architecture technology has its origin deriving from China and Korea, as it passed through generations it developed into a traditional technology and culture that Japan can take pride of over a long period of time. The core portion of the technology and tradition was maintained and developed for many years by shrines and temples architecture organizations, with Kongo Gumi having an exceptionally long history and rich know-how. The core portion of know-how that Kongo Gumi maintained for a long time lies in apprentice organization where the carpenters who are involved in the construction and repair of shrines and temples passed down their know-how from generation to generation.

The expertise that Kongo Gumi inherited over the years is not limited to organization and technology but also various and unique cultural events. One of the events is "Chon-na Hajime" Ceremony (Start of the Hand Axe Ceremony). It is a traditional ceremony in which shrine carpenters mark the beginning of work for the year. Taking part in the "Chon-na Hajime" ceremony is a great honor for shrine carpenters, whereby as for generations the head of the Kongo family has taken on the duty of joining this traditional and solemn performance every year as the primary carpenter of Shiten-no-ji. The tradition continues to this day.

Although contributing to the Japanese culture with its unique organization, Kongo Gumi has suffered and overcome numerous crisis of generation breakdown that were triggered by wars, natural disasters and management crises. One of the biggest breakdown crises took place in 2005, when Kongo Gumi stepped into reinforced concrete architectures and ran into deep financial crisis. In a desperate situation where their lawyers declared Kongo Gumi that their own recovery is impossible, Takayasu Takamatsu, then the Chairperson of Takamatsu Corporation said, "Its a shame of Osaka if Kongo Gumi goes bankrupt!" and took immediate action. On the other hand, he maintained a rational thinking that "Takamatsu Corporation can only invest to a project that can gain the understanding of our shareholders. Please immediately check whether Kongo Gumi is worth existing in the future or not." and decided to conduct management support and finally, Kongo Gumi joined Takamatsu Construction Group.

<Kongo-Gumi Co.,Ltd. Cooperates with the Japanese Cabinet Office for International Public Relations Project>

Starting from February 22, 2019, "Inspiring Cities of Japan - Osaka" will be delivered to G20 member countries. This program is an international public relations project delivered by Japan Cabinet Office with the goal to globally disseminate the culture and appeal of nine cities of Japan where the G20 Meeting of June 2019 will be held.

This program was jointly produced by Hakuhodo Corporation and Discovery Channel, the world's largest documentary channel. Two companies were taken up as representatives of Osaka, and Kongo-Gumi was interviewed as a company with the oldest history in the world. Shooting took place on January 8, 2019, where Kyokudo Nanshun (a US citizen, real name Ms.Carol Rose), who is the only non-Japanese female working as a professional Kodanshi (classic Japanese story teller), interviewed Kongo-Gumi's Master carpenter Mr. Kiuchi. The completed "Inspiring Cities of Japan - Osaka" can be viewed from the site shown below:

URL : https://www.japan.go.jp/g20japan/video/
(Broadcasting period: February 22, 2019 to February 22, 2020)

It is a work with good introduction of Kongo-Gumi. Please have a look.

Nakamura Shaji Co.,Ltd : Founded 970A.D. (1st year of Tenroku)

With its history of more than 1,100 years, Nakamura Shaji Co.,Ltd., which joined our Group in 2007, is said to be the eighth oldest company in the world. Nakamura Shaji also deals in architecture of shrines and temples. Since its foundation in 970A.D. when the first president was invited from Kyoto, the Company cultivated and passed on the skills and mindsets of traditional Japanese architecture as the group of Japanese traditional architecture professionals. Similar to Kongo Gumi, Nakamura Shaji plays an important role in our Group by possessing not only a long history but also an outstanding technology and track record resulting in top share of shrine and temple architecture of Aichi Prefecture.

Shimada Gumi Co., Ltd. : A Major Player of Excavation and Research of Buried Cultural Properties

Shimada Gumi Co.,Ltd. that joined our Group in 2012, is a company dealing in excavation, research, analysis, relocation and maintenance of buried cultural properties, as well as development of historic sites. Shimada Gumi Co.,Ltd. records a top share in this field of business among the Japanese private companies. The preservation and investigation methods of buried cultural properties are stipulated by The Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties, and companies like Shimada Gumi need to conduct the excavation when these buried cultural properties were found, and to research buried cultural properties and investigate the cultures of ancient people.

Shimada-Gumi regularly holds "Local Explanatory Meeting" to disclose archaeological site information to provide opportunities to learn about the importance of buried cultural properties as well as local culture. At the Meeting, Shimada Gumi also exhibits discovered artifacts where many historical archaeology enthusiasts and local residents participate to listen eagerly to the comments of the researchers.