A Japanese construction company known as Kongō Gumi has a remarkable history of building Buddhist temples without using a single nail for over 1,400 years. Founded in 578 by Shigemitsu Kongo, the company was originally invited from the Korean peninsula’s Baekje kingdom to construct Japan’s first Buddhist temple, Shitennō-ji, at the request of Prince Shōtoku. Over the centuries, Kongō Gumi became renowned for its unique wood assembly technique called kigumi, which involved precise, hand-carved joints that allowed wooden structures to be built without nails or other metal fasteners. This method was passed down orally through 40 generations of master carpenters known as miyadaiku, who learned the craft through observation and repetition rather than written instructions. The kigumi technique was not only an artistic achievement but also a practical one, making the temples more earthquake-resistant. The wooden joints absorbed and dispersed vibrations, reducing the risk of damage during seismic events. Kongō Gumi played a key role in constructing some of Japan’s most iconic structures, including Osaka Castle and the Hōryū-ji temple, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. However, the company’s long-standing tradition began to face challenges in the late 20th century as demand for new temples declined and modern construction methods using reinforced concrete became more prevalent. In 2006, Kongō Gumi lost its independence and became a subsidiary of the Takamatsu Construction Group. Despite this change, the company continued to use its traditional techniques for restoring historic shrines and temples. At its peak in 2005, Kongō Gumi employed over 100 workers and generated $70 million in annual revenue, but these figures were not enough to cover the company’s accumulated debts. The leadership of Kongō Gumi was historically passed down through the male line, but when there were no suitable male heirs, the responsibility could fall to a son-in-law or a daughter, depending on their leadership abilities. One of the most notable moments in the company’s history occurred during the Great Depression of the Shōwa era, when the 37th leader, Haruichi Kongō, committed ritual suicide after being unable to support his family and the artisans under his care. His wife, Yoshie, took over as the first and only female leader of Kongō Gumi. She expanded the company’s operations and secured government permission to manufacture wooden coffins, ensuring the survival of the Kongō lineage and its centuries-old craftsmanship.