Erfolgsmuster langlebiger Familienunternehmen in Japan

In the anthology *Success Patterns of Long-Lived Family Businesses in Japan*, edited by Sigrun C. Caspary, Tom A. Rüsen, Heiko Kleve and Tobias Köllner, the authors analyse the specific historical, cultural and familial conditions that underpin exceptional entrepreneurial longevity in Japan. The starting point is the observation that Japan has the world’s highest density of family businesses that have survived for several centuries, and that this phenomenon cannot be adequately explained by Western-influenced theories. Published in 2023 as Volume 30 (German) and in 2024 as Volume 34 (English) in the series „Schriften zu Familienunternehmen“, edited by Tom A. Rüsen, Heiko Kleve and Arist von Schlippe, published by V&R unipress.

The publication brings together perspectives from economics, sociology, cultural history and Japanese studies. Key analytical components include Japan’s historical development, religious and ritual practices, Confucian-influenced values, and the Japanese family system (ie), which prioritises the preservation of the „household“ over individual interests. Particular attention is paid to the institutionally embedded flexibility in succession – for example, through the adoption of suitable successors – as well as to the close integration of companies into local communities and long-term networks of relationships.

Drawing on extensive empirical research, including qualitative interviews and detailed case studies of long-standing Japanese family businesses, this volume identifies overarching patterns of success such as a focus on tradition, rule-bound flexibility, long-term decision-making logic and a strong sense of responsibility. Finally, the findings are systematically linked to the Witten phase model of succession, opening up a comparative perspective for understanding entrepreneurial longevity beyond Japan as well.