Financial Literacy and the Growth of Processing Small and Medium Firms in Japan

Authors

  • Toshihiro Otokita Hilal University of Tsukuba
  • Ryuichi Nikai Suwarni University of Tsukuba
  • Shun Yoneyama Hamdan University of Tsukuba

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t5278

Abstract

Financial literacy is a vital catalyst for the growth of small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) in any economy, including Japan. SMEs often face challenges in accessing financial resources, making informed investment decisions, and managing their finances effectively. Improved financial literacy equips SME owners with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate these complexities, enabling them to secure loans, manage cash flow, and make strategic financial decisions. This, in turn, fosters the growth, competitiveness, and sustainability of SMEs, ultimately contributing to the economic development of Japan. Research findings indicate a strong positive correlation between financial literacy and the growth of small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) in Japan. SMEs led by individuals with higher financial literacy tend to perform better, secure financing more easily, and exhibit greater resilience in the face of financial challenges, underlining the significance of financial knowledge for SME success and economic growth. In conclusion, enhancing financial literacy among small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) in Japan is paramount to their individual success and the broader economic growth of the nation. By addressing the financial literacy gap through education, technology adoption, and targeted financial support, Japan can unlock the full potential of its SME sector, drive innovation, and ensure a more resilient and prosperous economic future. The study recommended that the government should expand accessible and sector-specific financial education programs, offering workshops, webinars, and online resources. Additionally, encouraging SMEs to embrace digital tools for financial management and facilitating access to innovative financial products and alternative financing options will be crucial in supporting their growth and enhancing their financial capabilities.

Keywords: Financial Literacy, Growth, Small And Medium Firms, Japan

Author Biographies

Toshihiro Otokita Hilal, University of Tsukuba

University of Tsukuba

Ryuichi Nikai Suwarni , University of Tsukuba

University of Tsukuba

Shun Yoneyama Hamdan, University of Tsukuba

University of Tsukuba

References

Alafifi, A., Hamdan, A., & Al-Sartawi, A. (2019, September). The Impact of Financial Literacy on Financial Operating Decision Makers in MSMEs. In ECKM 2019 20th European Conference on Knowledge Management 2 VOLS (p. 1). Academic Conferences and publishing limited.

Andriamahery, A., & Qamruzzaman, M. (2022). Do access to finance, technical know-how, and financial literacy offer women empowerment through women’s entrepreneurial development?. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 776844. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.776844

Bandara, V., & Kalainathan, K. (2018). Impact of Financial Literacy on Firm Performance of Sri Lankan SMEs: Special Reference to Ratnapura District.

Baporikar, N., & Akino, S. (2020). Financial literacy imperative for success of women entrepreneurship. International Journal of Innovation in the Digital Economy (IJIDE), 11(3), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJIDE.2020010101

Fauzi, F., Antoni, D., & Suwarni, E. (2020). Women entrepreneurship in the developing country: The effects of financial and digital literacy on SMEs’ growth. Journal of Governance and Regulation/Volume, 9(4). https://doi.org/10.22495/jgrv9i4art9

Hilal, M. I. M., & Gunapalan, S. (2020). Entrepreneurial orientation, financial literacy and business performance of small and medium enterprises: sensing the research issue. International Journal of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation, 3(2), 109-116. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJRIC.2020.115335

Hussain, J., Salia, S., & Karim, A. (2018). Is knowledge that powerful? Financial literacy and access to finance: An analysis of enterprises in the UK. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 25(6), 985-1003. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-01-2018-0021

Luo, W., & Cheng, J. (2022). Transition to sustainable business models for green economic recovery: role of financial literacy, innovation and environmental sustainability. Economic Change and Restructuring, 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10644-022-09408-1

Menike, L. M. C. S. (2018, December). Effect of financial literacy on firm performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Sri Lanka. In 2019 Financial Markets & Corporate Governance Conference. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3306719

Sarker, T., Taghizadeh-Hesary, F., Mortha, A., & Saha, A. (2021). The Role of Fiscal Incentives and Market-Based Incentives in Promoting Energy Efficiency in the Industrial Sector: Case Studies from Asia. Energy Efficiency Financing and Market-Based Instruments, 131-149. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-3599-1_6

Sohilauw, M. I., Nohong, M., & Sylvana, A. (2020). The relationship between financial literacy, rational financing decision, and financial performance: An empirical study of small and medium enterprises in Makassar. Jurnal Pengurusan, 59, 89-102.

Somohano-Rodríguez, F. M., Madrid-Guijarro, A., & López-Fernández, J. M. (2022). Does Industry 4.0 really matter for SME innovation?. Journal of Small Business Management, 60(4), 1001-1028. https://doi.org/10.1080/00472778.2020.1780728

Surya, B., Menne, F., Sabhan, H., Suriani, S., Abubakar, H., & Idris, M. (2021). Economic growth, increasing productivity of SMEs, and open innovation. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 7(1), 20. https://doi.org/10.3390/joitmc7010020

Yakob, S., Yakob, R., BAM, H. S., & Rusli, R. Z. A. (2021). Financial literacy and financial performance of small and medium-sized enterprises. The South East Asian Journal of Management, 15(1), 5. https://doi.org/10.21002/seam.v15i1.13117

Yasin, R. F. F., Mahmud, M. W., & Diniyya, A. A. (2020). Significance of financial literacy among women entrepreneur on halal business. Journal of Halal Industry & Services, 3. https://doi.org/10.36877/jhis.a0000076

Downloads

Published

2023-11-07

How to Cite

Hilal, T. O., Suwarni , R. N., & Hamdan, S. Y. (2023). Financial Literacy and the Growth of Processing Small and Medium Firms in Japan. Journal of Finance and Accounting, 7(10), 12–20. https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t5278

Issue

Section

Articles