Cyberattacks, supply chain vulnerabilities, and currency volatility have emerged as some of the foremost risks shaping Japan’s corporate landscape, according to the latest findings from Aon plc’s 2025 Global Risk Management Survey. The report underscores that alongside digital and economic threats, natural disasters and product liability concerns also remain significant, reflecting the country’s unique industrial and environmental context.
The survey drew insights from nearly 3,000 risk managers, C-suite executives, and senior business leaders across 63 countries, offering a comprehensive picture of both global and regional risk perceptions. In Japan, the data reveal a risk environment uniquely influenced by ongoing digitalisation, international trade dynamics, and shifting geopolitical landscapes.
Unsurprisingly, “cyberattack/data breach” ranked as the top concern for Japanese organisations, aligning with global trends. As firms increasingly rely on digital platforms and interconnected systems, the potential impact of cyber incidents—from operational disruptions to reputational damage—has grown considerably. Japanese businesses are acutely aware that a single breach can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only internal operations but also stakeholder confidence and brand integrity.
Closely following cyber threats, “supply chain or distribution failure” occupies the second position in terms of corporate concern. This highlights the sensitivity of logistics networks, particularly as geopolitical tensions, extreme weather events, and fluctuating regulatory environments continue to disrupt production, inventory management, and delivery schedules. Japanese organisations are recognising the need for resilient, adaptable supply chain strategies to maintain operational continuity in an unpredictable global landscape.
Economic and liability-related risks are also prominent. “Product liability/recall” remains a pressing issue for Japan’s extensive manufacturing sector, while “currency fluctuations” have been identified as a significant threat to export-oriented businesses exposed to foreign exchange markets. The survey reports that 63.6% of respondents in Japan have experienced losses related to product liability or recalls, and 47.6% have been affected by currency volatility.
Overall, the survey paints a picture of a Japanese corporate sector navigating a highly interconnected and complex risk environment, where digital, operational, and financial challenges converge. The findings suggest that companies must pursue a balanced approach to risk management—integrating technological resilience, agile supply chain adaptation, and robust financial hedging strategies—to safeguard business continuity and maintain competitiveness amid increasingly unpredictable global markets.