Japanese Business Glossary

仕切り価格 (shikiri kakaku) is a Japanese term that translates to "wholesale price" or "resale price" in English.

It refers to the price at which goods are sold by a manufacturer or wholesaler to a retailer, who then sells the goods to end consumers at a higher retail price.

This price is typically lower than the retail price, allowing the retailer to make a profit on the difference.

過日 (kajitsu) is a Japanese term that refers to a day in the past. It is often used in formal or written contexts to indicate "the other day," "some days ago," or "recently." This term is more commonly found in formal writings or communications rather than in everyday spoken language.

Kajitsu is typically used to reference a past event without specifying an exact date, often implying a time frame that ranges from several weeks to several years ago. For example, it might be used in phrases such as 過日はお世話になりました (Thank you for your help the other day).

In comparison, 先日 (senjitsu) is used for a more recent past, usually within the last few days to a few weeks.

エコカー減税 (ekoka genzei), Eco-car Tax Reduction, is a Japanese government incentive designed to promote the purchase of environmentally friendly vehicles. This tax reduction aims to reduce emissions and encourage the use of low-emission vehicles by providing tax benefits to those who purchase cars that meet specific environmental standards.

There are three main types of taxes that can be reduced under this scheme: the Automobile Acquisition Tax, which is a one-time tax paid when purchasing a new vehicle; the Automobile Weight Tax, which is paid at the time of vehicle inspection; and the Automobile Tax, which is an annual tax based on the engine size of the vehicle. Eco-friendly cars that meet the criteria may receive reductions or exemptions from these taxes.

To qualify for the eco-car tax reduction, vehicles must meet specific fuel efficiency and emission standards set by the Japanese government. The standards and the amount of tax reduction can vary depending on the vehicle's performance and the year of purchase. These incentives are part of Japan's broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable transportation.

保守 (hoshu) in Japanese means "maintenance" or "conservation." It refers to activities aimed at keeping something in good condition, ensuring its continued functionality, or preserving its original state.

In a technical or engineering context, hoshu involves regular inspections, repairs, and updates to equipment, machinery, or systems to prevent breakdowns and extend their lifespan. In a broader context, hoshu can also refer to conserving cultural heritage, traditions, or environments, maintaining their integrity and preventing deterioration.

In a political context, hoshu can mean "conservatism," representing a philosophy that emphasizes preserving traditional values and institutions.

結果 (kekka) translates to "result" or "outcome" in English. It refers to the final consequence or end product of a process, action, or event.

In various contexts, kekka can be used to describe the outcome of an experiment, the result of a test or examination, the consequence of a decision or action, or the final standings in a competition. It emphasizes the conclusion or the effects that follow from prior actions or conditions.

故意 (koi) translates to "intent" or "deliberate" in English. It refers to actions taken with the intention or deliberate purpose of achieving a specific outcome.

In legal contexts, koi is often used to describe intentional acts or behaviors, distinguishing them from accidental or negligent actions. For example, in criminal law, a crime committed with koi means that the perpetrator acted with the intent to commit the offense, as opposed to it happening accidentally or due to carelessness.