In the first half of 2026, 45 Japanese firms cited the weak yen as the reason for their bankruptcy, setting a new high for the period since data collection began in 2022. The surge reflects the currency’s continued depreciation and its impact on corporate earnings and debt servicing.

Industry analysts warn that the trend could intensify if the yen weakens further, potentially leading to more insolvencies across sectors that rely heavily on foreign financing and export revenues.

The Japanese government has not yet announced any specific measures to address the rising bankruptcy rate, but the data underscores the broader economic challenges facing the country.