Japanese Business Glossary

配当 (haitou) refers to dividends, which are payments made by a corporation to its shareholders from its profits. These payments are typically distributed regularly, such as quarterly or annually, based on the number of shares owned.

Dividends can be categorized as interim dividends, which are paid before the company's annual general meeting and final financial statements, and final dividends, which are declared at the end of the fiscal year and approved by shareholders during the annual general meeting.

Payment methods for dividends include proportional distribution to different brokerage accounts, consolidation into a single registered bank account, collection via a dividend receipt at a financial institution, and individual stock designation where dividends are paid into different accounts for each stock.

Dividends are subject to income tax and resident tax, with the income tax rate for dividends at 15.315% and the resident tax rate at 5%.

義務 (gimu) means "duty" or "obligation" in Japanese. It refers to something that a person is required to do by law, rules, or moral principles. In a business context, it can pertain to legal obligations like paying taxes, complying with labor laws, or fulfilling contractual commitments. In a personal context, it can involve moral duties such as taking care of one's family or being honest and responsible. Understanding and fulfilling one's obligations is essential for maintaining trust and order in society and professional environments.

必須 (hissu) means "essential" or "necessary" in Japanese. It is used to describe something that is required or indispensable. For instance, in the context of business and freelancing, certain tools and practices are considered hissu to ensure efficient operations and success. This could include using cloud accounting software to manage finances, having a professional website to attract clients, or maintaining good time management skills. These elements are considered vital for achieving productivity and maintaining smooth workflows.

以前 (izen) refers to "before" or "previously" in Japanese. It is used to indicate a time or period that occurred prior to a specific point in time. For example, if you say "以前に行ったことがある" (Izen ni itta koto ga aru), it means "I have been there before."

This term is commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese to discuss past events, experiences, or conditions. It helps to establish a timeline or sequence of events by referring to what happened earlier or before a certain moment.

何日まで (nannichi made) translates to "until what date" or "by what date" in English. It is commonly used in Japanese to ask for a deadline or the latest possible date something can be completed or submitted. For example, if you need to know the due date for a report, you might ask, "このレポートは何日までに提出すればいいですか？" which means "By what date should this report be submitted?" It is a useful phrase for managing schedules and deadlines in both personal and professional contexts.

勤労学生 (kinro gakusei) refers to a working student in Japan. This term describes students who are engaged in part-time or full-time employment while pursuing their studies. The concept of kinro gakusei is significant in the context of tax regulations, as these students may be eligible for certain tax benefits.

In Japan, working students can apply for the 勤労学生控除 (kinro gakusei kojo), which is a tax deduction designed to reduce their taxable income. To qualify for this deduction, the student must meet specific criteria, such as being enrolled in an educational institution, earning a primary income from work, and having an annual income below a certain threshold. Additionally, the student should not be dependent on their parents' tax returns if they claim this deduction.

The kinro gakusei kojo aims to alleviate the financial burden on students who work to support their education and living expenses. By reducing their taxable income, the deduction allows these students to retain more of their earnings, making it easier to manage their finances while continuing their studies.

Properly claiming the working student deduction involves submitting the necessary documentation, such as proof of enrollment and employment, when filing annual tax returns. This process ensures that eligible students receive the appropriate tax relief, helping them balance their academic and work commitments.