TOKYO—A majority of Japanese firms say the world’s third-largest economy will recover to pre-pandemic levels in fiscal 2022, a Reuters poll showed, with many anticipating they will continue to face COVID-19 pains until next year or later. The Corporate Survey results underscored a cautious view of Japan Inc on the economy, which stood in contrast with the government’s optimistic estimate that gross domestic product (GDP) will return to pre-COVID-19 levels later this year. Revised government data last week showed Japan’s economy grew 1.9 percent in April-June, backed by solid capital spending, but economists say a resurgence in the pandemic will put a drag on the pace of recovery in the coming quarters. “There will be a repeat of the vicious circle of variants and resurgence,” a manager of a ceramics maker wrote in the survey on condition of anonymity. “It will take time to contain the pandemic thoroughly.” The manager …