Last year, corporate bankruptcies in Japan surged to 10,300, marking a second straight year above the 10,000 threshold and the highest level since 2013. 🔍
Small enterprises were hardest hit as they grappled with:
- Higher interest rates, pushing up loan costs 📈
- Persistent inflation, squeezing margins 💸
- Supply chain uncertainty linked to China 🤝
Big firms may have deeper pockets, but many local shops, tech startups, and family-run businesses are feeling the squeeze. For entrepreneurs and early pros across South Asia and Southeast Asia, this wave offers lessons in resilience:
- Leverage digital tools: use cloud accounting and e-commerce to cut costs 🚀
- Prioritize cashflow: build buffers and negotiate flexible payments 💡
- Expand your market: explore new regions to diversify risk 🌏
With Japan's interest-rate outlook in focus this year, staying agile and forward-thinking will be key. Time to turn challenges into opportunities! 🎯
Reference(s):
Rising costs, soaring risks: Japan's bankruptcy wave in 2025
cgtn.com




