Nearly 90% of the failed businesses cited sluggish sales as a factor, while all but three had fewer than 10 employees, according to Tokyo Shoko Research, Japan’s first and oldest credit reporting agency, The Japan Times reported.
Small izakaya are facing growing pressure from higher food and labor costs, along with a decline in corporate drinking and dining events that have traditionally provided significant group business, Japan Today reported.
A Tokyo Shoko Research survey found that 57.2% of Japanese companies held or planned to hold bonenkai and shinnenkai parties (year-end and New Year gatherings) during the 2025-2026 season, down sharply from 78.4% before the pandemic.
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People enjoy drinks and food at an izakaya pub restaurant at… |