#Japan #Tokyo #Ikebana #TOMA Consulting #Kongo Gumi

1000-Year Company Summit: Learning from Ancient Wisdom

On July 17, 2026, the TOMA Consulting Group, based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, will host the 1000-Year Company Summit at the historic Kanda Myojin Shrine. This event aims to explore the enduring philosophies and growth strategies of companies that have thrived for over a millennium.

The summit features distinguished panelists, including the world's oldest company, Kongo Gumi, which was founded in 578 AD, the Ikebana school of Ikebana founded in 587 AD, and Densai Koubou, established in 806 AD. These organizations will share valuable insights on the principles that have sustained them for centuries and discuss future strategies for continued success.

Background of the Summit

In an era where the business landscape evolves rapidly, the importance of long-term sustainability in business is greater than ever. The TOMA Consulting Group has committed itself to supporting the sustainability and growth of small and medium enterprises, driven by its vision of creating the most 100-year-old businesses in Japan.

This year's summit marks the tenth gathering, focusing on “Learning from 1000 Years of Wisdom: How to Live the Next 100 Years”. The intention is to create an environment where leaders from companies with over 100 years of history can engage in meaningful discussions and share experiences that can help them adapt to modern challenges.

Event Highlights

1. Panel Discussions:
Participants will hear from the following panelists:
- Junichiro Otsuki, President of Kongo Gumi (578 AD): A historical company known for its temple construction.
- Senko Ikebana, Next-Generation Head of Ikebana: The representative of the most famous flower arrangement school in Japan.
- Kazuyoshi Hashimoto, CEO of Densai Koubou (806 AD): Leading a company that thrives on traditional casting techniques brought over from China.

The panel will be moderated by Akio Fujima, Chairman of TOMA Consulting Group, who has significant experience in corporate consulting.

2. Networking Opportunities:
The summit will assemble an intimate community of around 50 business leaders, exclusively inviting presidents, chairpersons, and successors from 100-year-old companies. Along with insightful discussions, a networking session will follow, allowing for connection and collaboration between participants.

3. Cultural Ceremony:
Participants will have the unique opportunity to partake in a shrine prayer at Kanda Myojin as a part of the event’s schedule, reinforcing the theme of enduring prosperity.

Program Schedule

• - 14:00-16:00: Panel Discussions featuring the 1000-year-old companies.
• - 16:00-16:45: Shrine Prayer to commemorate further success in the next century.
• - 16:45-18:15: Networking session aimed at fostering relationships among long-standing companies.

Why Attend?

With aspirations to learn from the success stories of companies that have weathered various epochs, participants can explore the essence of long-term sustainability in their own businesses. This summit is a rare opportunity to glean insights from established enterprises that have navigated the challenges of centuries.

The event will take place in the cultural exchange center of Kanda Myojin, emphasizing the intertwined nature of business acumen, spirituality, and community.

Registration Details

• - Date: July 17, 2026
• - Location: Kanda Myojin Shrine Cultural Exchange Center, Basement 1 EDOCCO STUDIO, Tokyo.
• - Participation: Limited to 50 companies with over 100 years in business, with one representative from each company.
• - Fee: 10,000 yen (includes networking session and prayer fee).

For more detailed information and registration, please visit our website.

This summit not only sheds light on historical business practices but underscores the necessity of innovation and adaptation in extending the lifespan of modern enterprises.