Japan as Only 1

"Do we have missions of our own? " The answer should be 'Yes.' I believe everyone has their own mission for life. If you feel you don't have any missions, maybe it's just not clear enough, or you haven't tried to find them. If we don't have missions, how do we figure out what the right decision is for ourselves? Because of our missions, we would know which way to go for them and could confidently say 'No' to other paths. What about companies? Do you think all of them have missions? The answer would be 'No.' Some companies insist they have missions and visions, but most of the time, they are just words or phrases without hearts and souls. Often, companies don't even have those words or phrases. A true mission gives us the power to keep going. A true mission gives us the courage to take risks and the confidence to choose our own path while rejecting others. There is no single right mission for all of us. Each company can have its own...

Based on my observation of over 100-year-old companies in Japan, including ours, many of them tend to prefer a gradual growth approach, similar to tree rings. Tree rings, also known as growth rings or annual rings, are formed as a result of the annual growth cycle of a tree. Each year, a new layer of wood is added to the tree's trunk, forming a ring. While rapid growth may be exciting and give a sense of immediate success, it can sometimes lead to serious problems in the long run. On the other hand, gradual growth may not attract media attention or big players in the market, but it helps maintain a strong connection between you and your team. Your team will recognize the benefits of working with you. Building a strong team is crucial for creating excellent results in the long term and maintaining the satisfaction of both customers and employees. I cannot definitively say which approach is better. However, I can observe that many companies that have survived for more than 100 years ...

In Japan, there are approximately 37,000 companies that have a history of more than 100 years, which accounts for around 50% of the total number of companies worldwide with a century-long history, estimated to be around 74,000. I am the 5th generation of my family business, and we run two companies that have been in operation for over 100 years as part of our group business. I believe there are a couple of reasons why Japanese companies tend to have longer lifespans. While Japan may not be the top economy, there are unique aspects of our business culture. In my opinion, there are three common factors shared by companies that have thrived for over a century in Japan: They value long-term benefits over short-term profits. They are often family-owned and operated. While the founder may pass away, the guiding philosophy of the company lives on.   The second factor is not necessary, but it can contribute to the success of the first and third factors.