Following the problems in the sub-prime lending market in America and the run on Northern Rock in the UK, uncertainty has now hit Japan.

In the last 7 days:

Origami Bank has folded,

Sumo Bank has gone belly up,

Bonsai Bank announced plans to cut some of its branches,

Karaoke Bank is up for sale and will likely go for a song,

Shares in Kamikaze Bank were suspended after they nose-dived,

500 staff at Karate Bank got the chop

Analysts report that there is something fishy going on at Sushi Bank where it is feared that clients and staff may get a raw deal.