Think like a ‘shinise’
Did you know the 5 oldest companies in the world are Japanese?
The oldest company, Kongō Gumi Co., Ltd, was founded in 578 AD, 1445 years ago.
And there are 30,000+ businesses over 100 years old in Japan.
Why do you think Japan produces these truly long-lasting companies? Is there a lesson for us there?
In Japan, they place strong emphasis on three things: (1) tradition (2) craftsmanship, and (3) pursuit of excellence.
Tradition
They honor the memory and legacy of those who’ve walked the path before them. It’s important that younger generations know their history and lineage.
This handing down of knowledge forms a collective consciousness that spans beyond the normal human lifespan.
It becomes transcendental.
This results in the knowledge giving purpose and direction to the holder of the tradition, especially during difficult years.
Craftsmanship
“Made in Japan” is still considered the highest form of quality.
There’s a reason for it.
The Japanese are extremely dedicated to their craft. They will spend a lifetime honing their craft.
Often their crafts are part of the family tradition, whether that’s sword-making, sake-brewing, or creating the finest denim.
They’re wholly dedicated to and form a mission around their craft.
Pursuit of excellence
There is no half-assed work.
Each day is treated as an opportunity to become an expert in their domain.
They’re not perfectionists in the same sense as in the West, where we love to say, “I’m a perfectionist,” to signal how much of an assh*le you can be.
Perfectionism does not allow mistakes. Pursuing excellence sees mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow. Hence, for the Japanese, it’s not a matter of perfecting but rather adding to the tapestry of knowledge handed down from their ancestors.
Creating ‘shinise’
‘Shinise’ means old shops. The term refers to companies that are over 100 years old. Famous Japanese companies like Nintendo are ‘shinise’.
When you combine tradition, craftsmanship, and pursuit of excellence within a culture, you’re bound to create shinise. Because baked into each one of them is long-term thinking.
You can’t love tradition, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence and at the same time be short-term-minded.
Some Japanese companies are known to respect their employees even after they’re dead. They perform Buddhist memorial services annually to each of their former employees.
Respect is built into the system.
Shinise exists because the people running them are long-term oriented. They emphasize sustainability rather than maximizing profits.
Think like a ‘shinise’
How differently would you do things if you knew you’d live for 200, 500, or 800 years?
What would you stop doing and what would you start doing?
Would you finally start learning guitar after all these years of thinking you’re too old to start?
Remember that the pursuit of excellence is not synonymous with perfection. The distinction is crucial. Whatever it is you do, commit to doing it with excellence. Think of adding to the tapestry of knowledge.
Tradition is important. You must start creating your own tradition if one hasn’t been passed down to you. The human psyche thrives when there is a backdrop lineage.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Becoming Antifragile Podcast
I’ve started a companion podcast, Becoming Antifragile podcast, where I talk to experts, founders, misfits, and thought leaders on life and meaning.
We explore the different paths that lead to fulfillment, the application of ancient wisdom to modern living, and how various aspects of our existence, such as the pursuit of enlightenment, the importance of religion, martial arts, and technology, all play a role in our quest for meaning.
Check it out on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, and Amazon Music.
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