Key Facts
• On June 26, FREEDOM declared bankruptcy at Niigata District Court Nagaoka Branch.
• Total debt amounts to approximately $1.09 million.
• Established as a corporation in September 2006, operating nail and beauty salons.
• Operated one beauty salon and three nail salons in Niigata and Nagaoka malls.
• Gradual store closures occurred due to unprofitability.
• COVID-19 significantly impacted nail salon operations, worsening financial performance.
• Post-pandemic recovery was slow, leading to continued financial struggles.
• Business was transferred to another company before the bankruptcy filing.
Summary
FREEDOM, a company managing nail and beauty salons in Niigata, filed for bankruptcy on June 26, 2025, with debts totaling $1.09 million. Founded in 2006, the company operated multiple salons in shopping malls but faced increasing competition and financial losses. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated its struggles, particularly affecting nail salon operations. Despite the pandemic’s end, recovery remained slow, forcing the company to transfer its business to another entity before declaring bankruptcy. This case highlights the challenges faced by small businesses in competitive industries during and after the pandemic.
