Friday, October 9, 2026English edition
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Country risk, from the local press

Japan · Country watch

SoftBank Cyberattack, Labor Shortages, Takaichi's Policy Shift

A cyberattack on SoftBank impacts data recovery, labor shortages drive bankruptcies, and PM Takaichi signals a policy shift away from reflation.

· · 4 sources

The picture Deteriorating

Conditions in Japan are deteriorating due to a cyberattack on SoftBank affecting data recovery, rising bankruptcies from labor shortages, and a shift in economic policy under PM Takaichi.

In this briefing SoftBank · SoftBank Group · Japan · Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry · Sanae Takaichi · Government of Japan

Regulation

Nothing significant reported today.

Disruption

  • technology
  • telecom
  • public-sector

SoftBank subsidiary hit by cyberattack, data recovery tough

a close up of a network with wires connected to it
Albert Stoynov / Unsplash

A SoftBank subsidiary suffered a cyberattack, affecting 495 companies and municipalities, NHK reports. The company announced on October 8 that retrieving or restoring customer data stored on isolated servers is challenging. The attack has disrupted operations, with significant implications for data security and business continuity. The subsidiary is working to address the breach and mitigate its impact on affected entities.

Impact Clients of SoftBank's subsidiary face data recovery challenges, affecting operations.

Sources: NHK ↗

  • manufacturing
  • logistics
  • retail

Labor shortages drive record bankruptcies in Japan

Labor shortages in Japan led to 240 bankruptcies in the first half of the fiscal year, the highest since data collection began in 2013, according to JapanTimes. The manufacturing, logistics, and retail sectors are particularly affected, with companies struggling to maintain operations amid a shrinking workforce. The trend highlights the ongoing demographic challenges facing Japan's economy.

Impact Manufacturers and retailers face increased risks of bankruptcy due to labor shortages.

Sources: JapanTimes ↗

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

Nothing significant reported today.

Markets

Nothing significant reported today.

Trade

Nothing significant reported today.

Politics

  • finance
  • public-sector

PM Takaichi signals end to reflationary policy

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government is moving away from reflationary policies, JapanTimes reports. The shift suggests a focus on sustainable economic growth without relying on aggressive monetary expansion. This policy change could affect fiscal planning and investment strategies in Japan, as businesses and investors adjust to the new economic environment.

Impact Investors and financial planners must adapt to Japan's shift from reflationary policies.

Sources: JapanTimes ↗

Also today in Japan

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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