Japanese Business Glossary

石油 (sekiyu) is a Japanese term that translates to "petroleum" or "crude oil" in English. It refers to the naturally occurring liquid found in geological formations beneath the Earth's surface. Petroleum is a fossil fuel that is extracted and refined into various products such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and other petrochemicals used in the production of plastics, fertilizers, and numerous other industrial products.

Petroleum is a critical resource for the global economy, serving as a primary source of energy for transportation, heating, electricity generation, and industrial processes. The extraction, processing, and use of petroleum have significant economic, environmental, and geopolitical implications.

権利収入 (kenri shunyu) refers to royalty income in Japan. This type of income is earned from the rights to use intellectual property, such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other creative works. When an individual or company holds the rights to such intellectual property, they can license its use to others in exchange for periodic payments, known as royalties. These payments are typically based on a percentage of the revenue generated from the use of the intellectual property. Royalty income is an important source of revenue for creators, inventors, and businesses, as it provides a continuous stream of income without the need for ongoing active involvement.

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.

In Japanese, 有 (yu) is a kanji character that generally means "to have" or "to possess." It is used in various contexts to indicate existence or possession of something. For example, in the context of businesses or corporations, 有 is commonly seen in terms such as 株式会社 (kabushiki gaisha), where 株 means "stock," 式 means "style or type," and 会社 means "company" or "corporation." Here, 有 denotes that the company possesses or holds shares, translating to "joint-stock company" or "corporation."

In everyday language, 有 can be part of words like 有名 (yumei), meaning "famous" or "well-known," where 名 means "name." Another example is 有料 (yuryo), meaning "paid" or "toll," where 料 means "fee" or "charge." Overall, 有 is a versatile character indicating possession, presence, or existence in various contexts.

人格者 (jinkakusha) refers to a person of integrity or high character in Japanese. This term is used to describe someone who possesses strong moral principles, ethical values, and admirable qualities. A jinkakusha is often respected and trusted by others due to their honesty, reliability, and sense of justice. They demonstrate kindness, empathy, and a commitment to doing what is right, even in challenging situations.

証憑 (shohyo) refers to a voucher or documentary evidence in Japanese. This term is commonly used in accounting and business contexts to describe documents that serve as proof of transactions or financial activities. Examples of shohyo include receipts, invoices, bills, contracts, and other records that verify the occurrence of a financial transaction.

These documents are essential for maintaining accurate and transparent financial records, as they provide the necessary evidence to support entries in accounting books and financial statements. Proper management and storage of shohyo are crucial for audits, tax filings, and internal controls, ensuring that all financial activities are properly documented and can be verified if needed.