Japanese Business Glossary

為替手形 (kawase tegata) refers to a bill of exchange or draft in Japanese. It is a financial document used in international trade and finance that orders one party to pay a specified amount of money to another party at a predetermined date. This document acts as a written, legally binding promise to pay, typically used to facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers, especially in cross-border trade.

The kawase tegata includes key details such as the amount to be paid, the date of payment, the parties involved (drawer, drawee, and payee), and the terms of the transaction. The drawer is the party issuing the bill, the drawee is the party required to pay, and the payee is the party receiving the payment.

This instrument is widely used because it provides a secure method of payment, reducing the risk for both parties involved. It ensures that the seller receives payment within a specified period while providing the buyer with some time to gather the necessary funds.

貸付金 (kashitsukekin) refers to a loan or the amount of money lent in Japanese. It is the sum of money that a lender provides to a borrower under agreed terms and conditions, which typically include the repayment schedule, interest rate, and duration of the loan.

Kashitsukekin can apply to various types of loans, such as personal loans, business loans, or mortgages. The lender could be a financial institution, such as a bank, or an individual. The borrower is obligated to repay the principal amount along with any accrued interest according to the terms set in the loan agreement.

Recording kashitsukekin is essential in accounting to track the amount owed by the borrower and to ensure proper financial management and reporting. It represents an asset on the lender's balance sheet, reflecting the future economic benefits expected to be received.

社団法人 (shadan hōjin) refers to an incorporated association in Japanese. It is a type of legal entity that is formed by a group of individuals who come together to pursue a common purpose, typically for non-profit activities. Unlike 任意団体 (voluntary organizations), shadan hōjin has legal recognition and can enter into contracts, own property, sue, and be sued in its own name.

There are two main types of shadan hōjin: 公益社団法人 (Kōeki Shadan Hōjin), a public interest incorporated association that operates for the public good and often qualifies for tax-exempt status, and 一般社団法人 (Ippan Shadan Hōjin), a general incorporated association that can operate for any lawful purpose, including business activities, as long as the profits are not distributed to its members.

To establish a shadan hōjin, the organization must register with the relevant government authorities and comply with specific regulations regarding its governance, financial reporting, and activities. This legal structure provides a formal framework for managing the organization's affairs and ensuring accountability and transparency.

売上原価 (uriage genka) refers to the cost of goods sold (COGS) in Japanese. This term represents the direct costs attributable to the production of the goods or services that a company sells during a specific period. It includes expenses such as the cost of raw materials, direct labor costs, and manufacturing overhead.

Calculating uriage genka is essential for determining a company's gross profit, which is the revenue from sales minus the COGS. The formula for calculating uriage genka is the beginning inventory plus purchases made during the period minus the ending inventory.

Understanding and accurately calculating the cost of goods sold is crucial for businesses to assess their profitability, set appropriate pricing strategies, and manage their production and inventory efficiently.

事務所 (jimusho) refers to an office or an administrative workplace in Japanese. It is a place where business, clerical, or professional activities are conducted. An office can serve various functions, including management, administration, communication, and coordination of work within an organization.

A jimusho is typically equipped with desks, computers, filing cabinets, and other office supplies necessary for carrying out administrative tasks. It can be found in various settings, such as corporate buildings, government agencies, schools, and other institutions.

仮払消費税 (karibarai shōhizei) refers to "prepaid consumption tax" or "temporary payment of consumption tax" in Japanese. It represents the consumption tax that a business pays when purchasing goods or services, which can later be offset against the consumption tax it collects from its customers.

In the Japanese tax system, businesses are required to pay consumption tax on their purchases (input tax) and collect consumption tax on their sales (output tax). At the end of the tax period, the business calculates the difference between the output tax collected and the input tax paid. If the output tax is greater, the business pays the difference to the tax authorities. If the input tax is greater, the business can receive a refund or carry the excess forward to the next tax period.

Karibarai shōhizei is thus an important concept for businesses as it directly affects their cash flow and tax liability.