1.
long-established shop; venerable business; time-honored brand
A shop, restaurant, or business with a long history and established reputation. The kanji 老 (old) + 舗 (shop) are ateji — they were assigned to match the meaning but do not reflect the original etymology. Japan is home to many centuries-old businesses, making this an important cultural concept.
この和菓子屋は老舗だ。
This Japanese sweets shop is a long-established business.
京都には百年以上続く老舗の旅館がある。
In Kyoto, there are long-established inns that have been running for over a hundred years.
あの老舗の味噌は代々受け継がれてきた製法で作られている。
That long-established shop's miso is made using a method passed down through generations.
CULTURE:
Japan has an unusually large number of 老舗 businesses, including some of the oldest companies in the world. The concept carries great respect — being a 老舗 implies tradition, quality, and trust built over generations. Kyoto and Tokyo are especially known for their 老舗.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 老舗の味 (the taste of an established shop)
- 老舗企業 (long-established company)
- 老舗旅館 (long-established inn)
- 老舗の暖簾 (the reputation of an established shop)
- 創業百年の老舗 (a shop founded 100 years ago)