Our oldest company, The Wadia Group, was established in 1736 and still thrives today. But compared to Japan—home to 8 of the 10 longest-running businesses globally—India’s numbers are strikingly low.
What’s Japan doing differently? And more importantly, what can Indian businesses learn from them?
Lesson 1: Quality That’s Non-Negotiable
The Japanese philosophy of Omotenashi—anticipating customer needs—is quality taken to another level. At Kyoto’s Hiiragiya ryokan, they even have an 80-year-old manual that explains how to fold and return a guest’s handkerchief perfectly. Whether you’re running a tech startup or a traditional business, the question is: Are you delivering value so exceptional that people remember you?
Lesson 2: Think Legacy, Not Valuation
In Japan, businesses aren’t built for IPOs—they’re built for generations. These long-standing entities, known as Shinise (literally meaning “old shop”), focus on sustainability rather than quick profit maximization. For example, Japanese businesses often adopt talented employees to ensure leadership continuity—even big names like Panasonic have done this. It’s about leaving a legacy, not chasing short-term ARR. Think Tata Group or Godrej—brands that have been around for decades because they prioritize longevity over trends.
Lesson 3: Stick to Your Core, Master It
Nintendo started in 1889 making playing cards but stuck to its core—creating fun. Today, it’s a global gaming powerhouse. Amul India offers a great example. While it has diversified into ice cream, chocolates, ready-to-eat foods, and even staples, its heart has always been dairy products of the highest quality. This clarity of focus allows it to explore new categories without diluting its core identity.
As the world’s 3rd-largest startup ecosystem, we’ve mastered the art of starting businesses—but sustaining them is where we falter. For me, this is a personal challenge: How do we ensure that Indian businesses today become the legacies of tomorrow?
Entrepreneurship IndianBusiness Legacy CorporateSustainability BusinessInsights
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