In cash-rich Japan, a fifth of firms now see risk of insufficient capital

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe(pic) last week lifted a state of emergency for 39 prefectures, but in eight remaining areas including Tokyo, authorities are still asking people to stay at home and many businesses to close their doors.

TOKYO: One in five Japanese companies are worried they may not have sufficient capital if the coronavirus crisis persists, a Reuters poll showed on Thursday, underscoring how even some of the world's biggest cash-hoarding firms are bracing for prolonged pain.

Some 14% of firms also said they would consider tapping a proposed financing scheme by the government and public institutions if market conditions remain severe, while more than half said they could consider it depending on circumstances.