Coronavirus pandemic

Restaurant owners hit out at Japan's rescue package

TOKYO • As the coronavirus jolts Japan, the government's huge stimulus package has come under fire from hard-hit restaurant owners for channelling funds for items such as wagyu beef, melons and tourism rather than accelerating help for firms with burning cash needs.

The restaurant industry's struggles highlight a larger problem in Japan's revival plan, which at US$2.2 trillion (S$3.1 trillion) is the size of Italy's economy but is still falling short of sufficient support to an important segment - small businesses, which employ 70 per cent of the nation's workforce.

That puts at risk Japan's recovery from the worst post-war recession it is now facing.

The US$232 billion restaurant industry is crucial to boosting growth as it, together with lodging, creates about 1.3 million new jobs a year, or roughly 17 per cent of all the new employment.

More than 190 small businesses, including 30 restaurant operators, have gone bust during the current health crisis.

Yet, the government's slow response in pushing through billions of dollars stuck in paperwork is threatening the same fate for many more firms in urgent need of cash to pay salaries and rents.

In contrast, the authorities have rapidly pressed ahead with plans to spend nearly US$16 billion for a "go-to" campaign to promote tourism, and US$1.3 billion to help politically powerful farmers and fishermen promote expensive foodstuffs, such as mangoes, tuna and yellowtail. An extra US$90 million has also been set aside to promote international flights - when almost all planes are grounded.

"We, as well as many others, are running out of money. If the situation is left as it is, we will go under, one after another. Then, no one will be left to benefit from the tourism campaign," said Mr Yoshikazu Moriyama, 42.

Sales at his six fish joints, called Irom Inc, have tanked 90 per cent, and he is struggling to pay rent and salaries for some 100 staff.

"What we need now is financial support to help us pay rent and compensate for business closures rather than future campaign on tourism," Mr Moriyama said.

Some owners say that the government's subsidy of up to US$55,000 for each firm to cover rent is insufficient and that it could afford to do more to keep businesses open and free up cash flow.

Last year, rents for all of Japan's restaurants totalled US$13 billion - less than the US$16 billion going into tourism promotion.

The government's subsidy list includes items such as five-star sirloin Kobe beef steak, which costs some US$37.20 for 100g, and top-quality Yubari melon that sells for more than US$90 per 1.6kg fruit.

Agriculture ministry official Satoru Nishio said that the subsidy, which also covers expensive mangoes, strawberries and tuna, was intended "to back farmers facing a decline in inbound tourists and exports".

The government subsidises half of the cost of buying the produce for e-commerce, takeaway services and provision of school meals.

For example, traders get up to US$9.31 per 100g of wagyu beef and up to US$22.34 per kilo of melons.

While a total of US$190 billion in financing, loans, cash subsidies and other benefits have been set aside for small businesses, some analysts say that struggling firms have been deprived of quick access to much-needed cash due to red tape.

"A government financial agency should provide loans that can be allotted to rents to prevent cash flow from drying up," said former lawmaker Kota Matsuda, who now runs a chain of 30 restaurants, including 22 Hawaiian-style restaurants called Eggs 'n Things, employing about 600 workers.

"It's impossible to cover rents solely with subsidies," said Mr Matsuda, who has applied for funds but has been frustrated by the cumbersome process as he tries to meet cash needs of more than US$650,000 for salaries and US$372,370 for rent.

Sales at his restaurants, which reopened fully last Saturday, declined by 90 per cent to 95 per cent year on year in April.

Irom's Mr Moriyama, who applied for a couple of subsidies, said that they were "far from enough" to make up for the losses. "I can't foresee what will happen to my business."

REUTERS

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 05, 2020, with the headline Restaurant owners hit out at Japan's rescue package. Subscribe