新高！去年日本企业破产数超1.2万，中小企业最受伤

Core Insights - The number of bankruptcies in Japan's service industry reached the highest level since 2000, with a total of 12,610 cases last year, marking a 27.36% increase from 9,901 cases in 2024 [1] - The bankruptcies have been primarily among small and medium-sized enterprises, with the trend of increasing bankruptcies continuing for the fourth consecutive year [1] - High operational costs, labor shortages, and central bank interest rate hikes are major factors contributing to the rising bankruptcy rates [1] Group 1: Bankruptcy Statistics - The number of bankruptcies for companies with liabilities under 500 million yen increased to 6,383, a 7.8% rise from 5,919 in 2024, accounting for 62.2% of total bankruptcies, the second-highest proportion since 2000 [2] - Six out of seven industries reported an increase in bankruptcies compared to 2024, with the service industry seeing a 4.0% increase from 2,547 to 2,648 bankruptcies [2] - The retail industry also faced challenges, with approximately 2,193 bankruptcies last year, reflecting a 5.1% increase [2] Group 2: Sector-Specific Insights - Within the service industry, the "advertising, research, and information services" sector, particularly security services, contributed significantly to the overall increase in bankruptcies [2] - The restaurant sector experienced a record high of 900 bankruptcies, driven by rising food and labor costs [2] - The construction industry also saw a surge in bankruptcies, with over 2,000 cases, influenced by increased material costs and labor shortages [2] Group 3: Regional and Economic Factors - Eight out of nine regions in Japan reported an increase in bankruptcies, with the Shikoku region experiencing the fastest growth at a 9.2% increase [3] - "Economic downturn bankruptcies" accounted for 8,502 cases, representing 82.8% of total bankruptcies, with sales downturn being the most common reason [3] - Labor shortages and high prices are identified as the primary causes of the surge in bankruptcies, with record highs of 427 bankruptcies attributed to labor shortages and 949 to high prices [3] Group 4: Challenges for SMEs - Small and medium-sized enterprises in the restaurant industry are struggling with rising operational costs, while larger chains benefit from economies of scale [4] - The average minimum wage in Japan increased by 24.3% from 902 yen to 1,121 yen between 2020 and 2025, posing challenges for SMEs in managing labor costs [4] - The rental burden from rising real estate prices adds to the financial strain on SMEs, with average land prices increasing by 1.5% for four consecutive years [5] Group 5: Future Outlook - The trend of bankruptcies among SMEs is expected to continue into 2026 due to persistent high prices and labor shortages [5] - There is a need to monitor the potential shift in bankruptcy causes from high prices to human factors such as labor shortages and operator health issues [5] - The impact of tariffs on exports, particularly in the automotive and semiconductor sectors, as well as currency fluctuations, will also be crucial for economic activity [5]