
Teikoku Databank announced on the 8th that there were 427 bankruptcies due to labor shortages in 2025 (a 24.9% increase from the previous year), the highest number ever recorded for the third consecutive year. As large companies accelerate their large wage hikes, small businesses are facing an exodus of human resources, and there are concerns that the number of bankruptcies due to "difficulty in raising wages" will continue to increase.
Of the total (427 cases), 329 cases, or 77.0%, were small businesses with fewer than 10 employees. For these companies, even the resignation of one employee can have a significant impact, highlighting the reality that they are prone to bankruptcy due to a lack of manpower.
https://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/460713?rct=economics

3 Comments
This is a good thing
We want higher real wages
labor shortages are a *good* thing
Raise visa renewal fees for foreign labour as well and now expect labour’s to come to japan ? Japan need to rethink it’s strategy for foreigners or it may face more headwinds
It’s a bit sad I guess but more bankruptcies are necessary. Japan needs more efficient organizations that scale larger. Across the board.Â