Labour-shortage bankruptcies reach record 225
Teikoku Databank counted 225 bankruptcies linked to labour shortages from April to September, up 11 year on year and a fourth consecutive first-half record. Construction accounted for 70 cases, highlighting the fragility of firms dependent on scarce skilled workers.
Source: 帝国データバンク / Teikoku Databank
Japan changes tax-notice delivery procedures
Japan’s National Tax Agency replaced its tax system on September 24, revising some forms and expanding electronic delivery of official notices. Recipients who want digital delivery generally need to give advance blanket consent, a practical change for businesses and tax advisers.
Source: 国税庁 / National Tax Agency
Japan confirms record-strength El Niño reading
The Japan Meteorological Agency says September sea-surface temperatures in its El Niño monitoring region stood 4.0°C above its reference value, the highest reading in records beginning in 1949. Its October 9 outlook anticipates a very strong event through winter, not a guaranteed local snow or temperature outcome.
Japan publishes annual physical-fitness survey
The Japan Sports Agency released its fiscal 2025 physical-fitness survey on October 11, examining long-run changes by age and associations between physical fitness, sports-club participation and exercise habits. The findings matter to health policy, but do not by themselves establish causes for differences between groups.
Source: スポーツ庁 / Japan Sports Agency
Tokyo film festival unveils more than 200 films
The 39th Tokyo International Film Festival has announced a program of more than 200 films for October 26–November 4. Its TIFFCOM audiovisual marketplace runs October 28–30, linking the cultural program to international film distribution and business.
Editorial note
We reassessed the 15 unselected candidates and retained five that could be supported by direct sources. Overlapping storylines and claims lacking independent confirmation were excluded. Information checked as of October 12, 2026 (Japan time).