TOKYO -- Japan's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing financing difficulties, as the burden of repayment ratio -- calculated by dividing debt balance by annual profit from core businesses -- soared at the end of March to levels not seen since immediately after the 2008 global financial crisis.
"I don't think I can survive the winter if COVID spreads again and forces me to cut back my business," said the operator of a grilled chicken restaurant near Kanda Station in Tokyo.
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