【2026 Akita Prefecture Business Succession Survey】Comparison with 2025 Reveals Increased Awareness of Business Succession

Survey Overview

M&A Capital Partners Co., Ltd. (Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Satoru Nakamura) conducted a comparative survey on 'business succession' for 2026 and 2025, targeting a total of 71 executives and board members in Akita Prefecture as part of the 'Akita Regional Co-Creation Project.'

Key Survey Findings

1. **Significant Increase in Succession Awareness** The segment 'not yet considering' business succession decreased by approximately 18 percentage points, while those 'looking for a successor' increased by approximately 15 percentage points, showing a major jump in awareness within one year.

2. **Shift from Family to Employee Succession** While owners wishing to pass the business to 'family' increased by over 10 points, the actual succession method chosen saw 'employee succession' jump by 19.6 points from the previous survey to 36.7%, surpassing 'family succession' (20.0%).

3. **Emphasis on Job Security** 'Maintaining employee jobs' reached 40% as a prioritized condition for M&A buyers, overtaking 'lack of transparency in valuation' as the top concern. This highlights a rapid increase in owners worried about changes in employment and treatment of their staff.

Background and Expert Comments The successor vacancy rate in Akita Prefecture is 73.7% (up 1.4 points from the previous year), the highest level in Japan for two consecutive years. Experts analyze that public-private awareness campaigns and the prefecture's unique support measures have successfully shifted the consciousness of business owners.