日本长寿家族企业

In the practical guide „Sustainable Family Businesses in Japan – How Intergenerational Collaboration Can Succeed in Tradition-Oriented Families“, published by the WIFU Foundation (2023), Sigrun C. Caspary and Tom A. Rüsen analyse the specific conditions for the success of Japanese family businesses that have endured for centuries. The starting point is the observation that Japan has the highest density of very old family businesses in the world, whose longevity is rooted not only in economic factors but, above all, in cultural, social and family factors.

Central to this is the Japanese family system, ie (or dōzoku), in which the „household“ is understood as an economic, social and moral unit whose continued existence takes precedence over individual interests. This guide demonstrates how institutionalised succession arrangements, a consistent focus on suitability rather than biological descent – for example, through adoption – and a deeply ingrained sense of responsibility towards ancestors, descendants and the local community contribute to the stability of these companies. In this context, longevity is interpreted as the result of continuous „monitoring“ of the family, leadership and succession.

Building on the Witten phase model of business succession, this guide systematically applies the well-known ten phases of business succession to the Japanese context. Drawing on empirical insights and case studies, it becomes clear how cultural norms, role models and hierarchies embedded in the language structure the succession process and limit conflicts. The practical guide thus not only provides an in-depth understanding of Japanese family businesses, but also opens up new perspectives for European entrepreneurial families on professional succession planning, cross-generational responsibility and strategic longevity.