Kongo Gumi was the oldest company in the world, surviving for over 1,400 years. A Japanese family business, it had been building temples since 578 AD.

For centuries, its success rested on the steady demand for Buddhist temples. Generous donations kept construction projects flowing, securing the company’s future.

But in the 20th century, this demand shrank. Fewer people contributed, and temple construction slowed. Sensing the shift, Kongo Gumi tried to diversify into real estate.

In the 1980s, it took on massive loans to invest in property during Japan’s economic boom. But when the bubble burst in the 1990s, real estate values collapsed, leaving the company drowning in debt.

By 2006, the financial pressure was too much. Kongo Gumi went bankrupt and was absorbed by a larger corporation.

Even 1,400 years of tradition can crumble if you fail to evolve.

Business has no mercy.