A survey shows bankruptcies in Japan rose to the most in 12 years in May. The failures come as pandemic-related government support for struggling businesses nears its end.

Research firm Teikoku Databank says 1,016 companies started liquidation last month. That's a 46 percent year-on-year increase.

The survey covers businesses going bankrupt with debts of at least 10 million yen, or more than 63,000 dollars.

This is the first time since May 2012 that bankruptcies surpassed 1,000.

By sector, bankruptcies more than doubled in the transportation industry.
The figure for restaurants and bars rose by 25 percent.

Sluggish sales accounted for more than 80 percent of the cases.

Teikoku Databank said labor shortages have also led some businesses to file for bankruptcy. It said small and medium-sized companies are facing the challenges with offering higher wages and securing enough workers.