Japanese Business Glossary

差押 (sashi-osae) refers to seizure or attachment in Japanese. This term is used in legal and financial contexts to describe the act of legally confiscating assets or property. Such action is typically taken by authorities or creditors to secure payment of a debt or to enforce a court judgment.

When assets are sashi osae, it means they are taken into custody by a legal authority to satisfy an outstanding obligation. The process might involve freezing bank accounts, seizing real estate, or taking possession of other valuable property. Sashi osae is a measure used to ensure that debts are paid and legal obligations are met, and it is governed by specific laws and regulations to protect the rights of all parties involved.

公益財団法人 (kōeki zaidan hōjin) refers to a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation in Japan. This type of legal entity is established to operate for the public good, typically engaging in activities that benefit society such as education, culture, science, health, and social welfare.

Public Interest Incorporated Foundations are recognized by the Japanese government and must meet specific requirements to maintain their status. These foundations often receive favorable tax treatment due to their public interest activities. They are required to be transparent in their operations, regularly reporting their activities and financial status to ensure they are serving the public interest as intended.

調書 (chōsho) refers to a written report or statement, often used in legal, financial, or administrative contexts in Japan. It typically includes detailed records or documentation of specific information, events, transactions, or testimonies.

In legal settings, chosho may be used to document witness statements, police reports, or court proceedings. In financial and business contexts, it can refer to records of transactions, audits, or tax-related documents.

電子商取引 (denshi shōtorihiki) refers to electronic commerce, commonly known as e-commerce. This term encompasses all forms of buying and selling goods and services over the internet or other electronic networks. E-commerce includes various types of transactions, such as online retail (business-to-consumer, or B2C), business-to-business (B2B) sales, consumer-to-consumer (C2C) platforms, and consumer-to-business (C2B) models.

Denshi shōtorihiki involves multiple activities, including online marketing, electronic payment processing, order management, and logistics. It has significantly transformed the traditional retail landscape by offering convenience, broader reach, and often lower costs for both businesses and consumers. Common platforms for denshi shōtorihiki include online marketplaces like Amazon and Rakuten, individual e-commerce websites, and social media platforms that facilitate commercial transactions.

税込 (zeikomi) refers to "tax included" in Japanese. It indicates that the displayed price of a product or service already includes the consumption tax, which is similar to a sales tax. This term is commonly used in retail, advertising, and pricing to inform consumers that no additional tax will be added to the stated price at the point of sale.

In Japan, the consumption tax rate is typically included in the displayed prices to provide transparency and clarity for consumers. When you see a price labeled as 税込, you can be confident that the total amount you will pay is exactly what is shown, with the consumption tax already factored in.

貯金通帳 (chokin tsūchō) refers to a bankbook or passbook in Japanese. This physical booklet is provided by banks to account holders to keep a record of their savings account transactions. It includes details such as deposits, withdrawals, interest earned, and the current balance.

When you conduct transactions at an ATM or with a bank teller, these activities are recorded in your chokin tsūchō, providing an up-to-date and easily accessible log of your account activity. The bankbook serves as a useful tool for managing finances, tracking your savings, and verifying account activity. It is a common practice in Japan, especially among those who prefer a tangible record of their banking transactions.