Japanese Business Glossary

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.

相続 (sōzoku) refers to inheritance or succession in Japanese. It is the legal process through which the assets, rights, and obligations of a deceased person are transferred to their heirs or beneficiaries.

In Japan, the inheritance process is governed by the Civil Code, which outlines how an estate is divided among the deceased's relatives. The primary heirs typically include the spouse and children of the deceased. If there are no children, the parents or siblings may inherit the estate. The exact distribution of the estate is determined by legal rules unless a valid will specifies different arrangements.

The process of sozoku involves several steps, including the identification of heirs, valuation of the estate, payment of any outstanding debts and taxes, and the distribution of the remaining assets according to the inheritance shares (相続割合 = Sōzoku Wariai). Proper legal procedures must be followed to ensure that the inheritance is handled correctly and fairly.

社会保障 (shakai hoshō) refers to social security in Japanese. It encompasses a range of public programs and policies designed to provide financial and social support to individuals and families, particularly during times of need. These programs are aimed at ensuring a basic standard of living and protecting citizens against various economic risks.

In Japan, shakai hosho includes various components such as pensions, health insurance, unemployment insurance, and welfare services. Pensions provide income to retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors of deceased workers. Health insurance helps individuals pay for medical expenses. Unemployment insurance provides benefits to those who are unemployed and actively seeking work. Welfare services offer assistance to low-income individuals and families to help cover living expenses.

These programs are funded through contributions from both employees and employers, as well as government funding. The aim of 社会保障 is to promote social stability and well-being by offering financial assistance and services to those in need.

収入 (shūnyū) refers to income or revenue in Japanese. It represents the money or other forms of financial gain that an individual, business, or organization receives over a specific period. For individuals, shunyu includes earnings from employment, such as salaries, wages, bonuses, and other compensation. It can also encompass income from other sources, such as investments, rental properties, and pensions.

For businesses, shunyu refers to the total amount of money earned from sales of goods or services, along with any other financial gains such as interest, dividends, or royalties.

工具 (kōgu) refers to tools or implements in Japanese. These are instruments or devices used to perform specific tasks, typically in manual work such as construction, repair, or craft activities. Kogu can range from simple hand tools like hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches, to more complex power tools like drills, saws, and grinders.

Tools play a crucial role in various industries, enabling workers to perform their tasks more efficiently and accurately. The term kogu encompasses a wide variety of equipment, each designed for particular functions and applications, and is essential for both professional tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts.