Japanese Business Glossary

通信費 (tsushinhi) is a Japanese term that translates to "communication expenses" in English. It refers to the costs associated with various forms of communication, such as telephone, internet, fax, and postage services.

In a business context, tsushinhi includes expenses for office communication systems, mobile phone bills for employees, internet service provider charges, and any other costs related to maintaining effective communication channels.

日経平均先物 CME (Nikkei Heikin Sakimono CME) refers to the futures contracts of the Nikkei 225 index traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). The Nikkei 225 is a stock market index for the Tokyo Stock Exchange, representing the average performance of 225 large, publicly owned companies in Japan from various industry sectors.

The futures contracts allow investors to speculate on or hedge against future movements of the Nikkei 225 index. Trading these contracts on the CME provides a way for investors outside Japan to gain exposure to the Japanese stock market and manage risk associated with Japanese equities. The contracts are often used by institutional investors, traders, and hedgers who seek to take advantage of the price movements of the Nikkei 225.

過払金 (kabarai kin) is a Japanese term that translates to "overpaid money" or "refund of overpaid amount" in English. It commonly refers to the overpayment of interest on loans or credit card debts. In the context of consumer finance, 過払金 specifically pertains to the excess interest that borrowers have paid to lenders, which exceeds the legal limit set by Japanese law.

In Japan, if consumers have paid more interest than the legal cap, they are entitled to claim a refund of the overpaid amount. This has been a significant issue in Japan, especially with regard to consumer loans and credit cards, leading to numerous claims and legal actions for the recovery of kabarai kin.

会社法 (kaisha ho) is a Japanese term that translates to "Company Law" in English. It refers to the set of laws and regulations that govern the formation, operation, management, and dissolution of companies in Japan. The Company Law outlines the legal framework for various aspects of corporate governance, including the rights and responsibilities of shareholders, directors, and officers, as well as rules for financial reporting, auditing, and mergers and acquisitions.

The Company Law is crucial for ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in the corporate sector, helping to protect the interests of investors, employees, and other stakeholders. It provides the legal basis for the establishment and functioning of different types of companies, such as joint-stock companies (株式会社, kabushiki kaisha) and limited liability companies (合同会社, godo kaisha).

証憑 (shohyo) refers to a voucher or documentary evidence in Japanese. This term is commonly used in accounting and business contexts to describe documents that serve as proof of transactions or financial activities. Examples of shohyo include receipts, invoices, bills, contracts, and other records that verify the occurrence of a financial transaction.

These documents are essential for maintaining accurate and transparent financial records, as they provide the necessary evidence to support entries in accounting books and financial statements. Proper management and storage of shohyo are crucial for audits, tax filings, and internal controls, ensuring that all financial activities are properly documented and can be verified if needed.

外為 (gaitame) is short for 外国為替 (gaikoku kawase), which means foreign exchange or forex in Japanese. This term refers to the exchange of one currency for another and encompasses the global decentralized market where currencies are traded.

In the context of finance and economics, gaitame involves various activities such as trading currency pairs, managing exchange rate risks, and conducting international transactions. It plays a crucial role in international trade and investment, as businesses and investors need to convert currencies when dealing with foreign markets.

The gaitame market is one of the largest and most liquid financial markets in the world, operating 24 hours a day to accommodate transactions across different time zones. It is influenced by factors such as economic indicators, geopolitical events, and market sentiment, making it a dynamic and essential component of the global financial system.