Japanese Business Glossary

店子 (tanako) is a Japanese term that refers to a tenant or lessee. It is commonly used in the context of renting property, such as apartments, houses, or commercial spaces. In a lease agreement, the tenant (店子) is the party that rents the property from the landlord (大家, ooya). The term is often used in real estate and property management contexts in Japan.

管理費共益費 (kanrihi kyoekihi) refers to management and common area fees in Japan. These fees are typically associated with the maintenance and operation of communal facilities in residential buildings, such as apartments and condominiums. 管理費 (kanrihi) covers the costs of managing the building, including salaries for administrative staff, security personnel, and building managers. 共益費 (kyoekihi), on the other hand, is used for the upkeep of shared spaces and facilities, such as elevators, hallways, gardens, and recreational areas. Residents pay these fees monthly, and the amount is usually determined by the size of their individual unit. These fees ensure that the building remains well-maintained and that shared facilities are kept in good condition for all residents to enjoy.

定借 (teishaku) refers to a fixed-term lease in Japanese. This type of lease agreement specifies a fixed period during which the tenant is allowed to use the property, and it cannot be terminated before the end of the term unless both parties agree.

Fixed-term leases are commonly used in both residential and commercial real estate. The lease outlines the duration, rental payments, and conditions of use for the property. At the end of the lease term, the tenant must vacate the property unless a new lease agreement is negotiated.

The key characteristic of teishaku is the certainty it provides both the landlord and the tenant regarding the duration of the tenancy. For the landlord, it ensures a steady rental income for the agreed period without the risk of early termination by the tenant. For the tenant, it provides stability and assurance that the property will be available for their use for the duration of the lease term.

Fixed-term leases are particularly useful in situations where long-term planning is essential, such as for businesses needing a stable location or for individuals looking for housing security for a specific period.

敷金礼金なし (shikikin reikin nashi) in Japanese refers to rental properties that do not require a security deposit (敷金, shikikin) or a key money fee (礼金, reikin).

Shikikin is a refundable deposit paid by tenants to cover any potential damages or unpaid rent. Reikin, on the other hand, is a non-refundable fee given as a gift to the landlord for renting the property, a practice unique to Japan.

When a rental property is advertised as shikikin reikin nashi, it means tenants are not required to pay these upfront fees, making it financially easier to move in. This type of arrangement is attractive to renters looking to minimize initial move-in costs. However, tenants should still carefully review the lease terms, as there may be other fees or conditions associated with the rental agreement.

家賃収入 (yachin shunyu) refers to rental income in English. It is the income earned from renting out property, such as apartments, houses, or commercial spaces. Rental income is an important aspect of real estate investments and is subject to taxation under Japanese tax laws.

地番 (jiban) refers to a plot number or lot number used in Japan to identify a specific piece of land. It is part of the addressing system in Japan, particularly for land registration and property management.

A jiban is unique to each parcel of land within a designated area and is used to accurately identify property boundaries and ownership details. The jiban system is separate from the postal address system, which is more commonly used for mailing purposes.