They survived World War II and lost decades, but not 2026. Japan's century-old businesses are disappearing at a record pace

HIMEJI, JAPAN - JULY 21: A Japanese national flag is seen near the Himeji Castle during an extremely hot day on July 21, 2026 in Himeji, Japan. Temperatures have reached dangerous levels across Japan and 40 degrees Celsius was reported today for the first time this year. Japan Meteorological Agency issued heatstroke warning alerts for 41 prefectures. (Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe/Getty Images)Buddhika Weerasinghe | Getty Images News | Getty ImagesFounded in 1858, Japanese sesame oil maker Kadoya Sesame Mills has witnessed the country transform over generations — surviving world wars and Japan's asset bubble.Now, more than two decades after listing on the Jasdaq Securities Exchange in 2004, Kadoya is set to go private through a tender offer backed by Japanese private equity firm Integral. The move comes as the company navigates rising raw-material costs and heightened geopolitical risks.Japan's long-established businesses are being tested by factors ranging from a shrinking domestic market and labor shortages to succession challenges, experts told CNBC. Bankruptcies among Japanese businesses with more than 100 years of history are occurring at a record pace, reaching 112 in the fir...