Reuters polled Japanese firms, highlighting that
- Close to half of Japan firms endorse BOJ chief’s performance
- 77% of Japan firms
oppose tightening rules on foreign workers - Half of Japan firms
see Oct-March earnings match initial outlook
While the views on Bank of Japan Governor Ueda are interesting scuttlebutt what is more interesting are firms’ views on their own businesses and what’s impacting.
A majority of Japanese firms oppose tougher restrictions on foreign workers, with more than three-quarters of survey respondents saying tighter rules should not be introduced. “With the Japanese population shrinking, we have no options but to accept foreigners for the development of the country,” an official at a transportation company told researchers.
Labour shortages remain a pressing issue, with Tokyo Shoko Research reporting 238 bankruptcies linked to staff shortfalls in the first eight months of 2025—putting the year on track for a record high.
On earnings prospects for the second half of the fiscal year beginning in October, 47% of companies expect to meet initial forecasts, while 32% see risks of undershooting.
Key concerns cited include
- raw material price volatility,
- exchange-rate swings,
- interest rate moves,
- and the impact of new U.S. tariffs.