一般競争入札 (ippan kyoso nyuusatsu) translates to "open competitive bidding" in English. It is a procurement method used by public entities, such as government agencies, for purchasing goods, services, or undertaking construction projects.

In an open competitive bidding process, the public entity announces the project or purchase requirement openly to the public. Interested parties (companies or individuals) can submit their bids. Bidders compete based on price, qualifications, and other criteria specified in the bidding documents. The contract is typically awarded to the bidder who meets all requirements and offers the best terms, often the lowest price.

This method aims to ensure transparency, fairness, and efficient use of public funds by encouraging competition and preventing favoritism or corruption.

約定日 (yakujoubi) refers to the "contract date" or "agreement date" in Japanese. This is the date when both parties agree to the terms and conditions of a contract or deal.

In financial contexts, it can also refer to the trade date, the day on which an order to buy or sell a security is executed.

The yakujoubi is important because it is the official date that marks the commencement of the contract, and it is used for record-keeping, compliance, and legal purposes.

官公庁 (kankocho) refers to government offices or public agencies in Japan. This term encompasses various governmental bodies, including ministries, agencies, and local government offices. These organizations are responsible for implementing policies, regulations, and administrative functions within their respective jurisdictions. The term is often used to describe places where official government business is conducted, such as city halls, tax offices, and other administrative offices.

利害 (rigai) refers to "interests" or "advantages and disadvantages." It is a compound word made up of "利" (ri) meaning "benefit" or "advantage," and "害" (gai) meaning "harm" or "disadvantage."

In a business context, rigai often pertains to the interests and potential conflicts among different stakeholders. For example, stakeholders in a company (such as investors, employees, customers, and suppliers) have their own rigai, or interests, which might align or conflict with each other.

Understanding and managing these interests is crucial for successful business operations, negotiations, and decision-making.

従食 (juushoku) refers to meals provided by an employer to their employees. This practice is common in Japan, especially in industries where employees work long hours or in remote locations where accessing food might be difficult. The meals can be served in company cafeterias, delivered to the workplace, or provided as meal vouchers.

The provision of juushoku is often seen as a benefit to employees, promoting a sense of well-being and loyalty. It also helps in maintaining productivity as employees do not need to spend time looking for meals during work hours. In some cases, these meals can be partially or fully subsidized by the employer, making it a cost-effective option for employees.

The 公正取引委員会 (kosei torihiki iinkai), Japan Fair Trade Commission, is an independent administrative commission of the Japanese government. Its primary role is to promote fair trade and ensure free competition. It enforces various laws to prevent monopolistic practices and unfair trade practices, such as the Antimonopoly Act and the Subcontract Act.

One of its significant responsibilities includes overseeing and addressing violations of the Subcontract Act, which protects subcontractors from unfair practices by their contractors. This includes actions like unjustified price reductions, late payments, refusal to receive delivered goods, and other exploitative behaviors by parent companies towards subcontractors.

The JFTC also issues guidelines and recommendations to help businesses comply with fair trade laws and promotes best practices for maintaining healthy competition in various industries.