去年日本企业破产数超1.2万

Core Insights - The number of corporate bankruptcies in Japan reached a new high, with 12,610 cases reported in the previous year, marking a 27.36% increase from 9,901 cases in 2024 [3] - This marks the fourth consecutive year of rising bankruptcies, surpassing the 10,000 mark for the first time since 2013 [3] - The majority of bankruptcies involve small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a significant impact on the service sector [3][5] Bankruptcy Trends - The number of bankruptcies among companies with liabilities under 50 million yen increased to 6,383, accounting for 62.2% of total bankruptcies, the second-highest proportion since 2000 [5] - The service industry saw the highest number of bankruptcies, with 2,648 cases, a 4.0% increase from 2,547 in 2024 [5] - Retail and construction industries also faced significant bankruptcies, with retail bankruptcies rising to approximately 2,193, a 5.1% increase [5] Regional Analysis - Eight out of nine regions in Japan reported an increase in bankruptcies, with the Shikoku region experiencing the fastest growth at 9.2% [6] - "Economic downturn bankruptcies" accounted for 8,502 cases, representing 82.8% of total bankruptcies, with sales downturn being the most common reason [6] Factors Contributing to Bankruptcies - Labor shortages and high prices are identified as primary factors driving the increase in bankruptcies, with 427 cases attributed to labor shortages and 949 to high prices, both reaching historical highs [6][9] - The average minimum wage in Japan rose from 902 yen to 1,121 yen between 2020 and 2025, an increase of 24.3%, further straining SMEs [8] Industry-Specific Challenges - In the restaurant sector, large chains benefit from economies of scale, while small businesses struggle with rising operational costs [8] - The price transfer rate in the restaurant industry is 32.3%, below the industry average of 39.4%, indicating challenges in passing on costs to consumers [9] - Rising real estate prices have also increased rental burdens for SMEs, with average land prices rising by 1.5% for four consecutive years [9] Future Outlook - The trend of SME bankruptcies is expected to continue into 2026, with concerns shifting from high prices to labor shortages and other human factors [9] - Close monitoring of the impact of tariffs on exports, particularly in the automotive and semiconductor sectors, is advised [9]