Japanese Business Glossary

公共機関 (kokyo kikan) refers to public institutions or public agencies in Japan. These are organizations that provide essential services to the public, such as government offices, utilities, and public transportation systems. Public institutions in Japan play a crucial role in maintaining societal infrastructure, ensuring the well-being and safety of the community, and supporting economic and social activities. They are responsible for various functions, including administrative services, law enforcement, healthcare, education, and welfare services. The aim of these institutions is to serve the public interest and provide services that are accessible to all citizens.

個人年金 (kojin nenkin) refers to private pensions or individual annuities in Japan. These are financial products designed to provide individuals with a steady income during retirement. Unlike public pensions provided by the government, individual annuities are typically purchased from private insurance companies or financial institutions. Individuals make regular contributions to these plans during their working years, and in return, they receive periodic payments after retirement. The purpose of kojin nenkin is to supplement the public pension system, offering additional financial security and stability in one's later years. They are an important component of retirement planning in Japan, helping individuals maintain their standard of living after they stop working.

根拠 (konkyo) in Japanese means "basis," "foundation," or "grounds." It refers to the underlying reason, justification, or evidence that supports a statement, decision, or belief. In various contexts, konkyo is crucial for establishing credibility and legitimacy. For instance, in legal settings, it pertains to the evidence and legal grounds for a case or argument. In business and academic environments, konkyo is essential for validating claims, strategies, or research findings. The concept emphasizes the importance of having a solid and reliable foundation for any assertion or action, ensuring that decisions and opinions are well-supported and trustworthy.

資本 (Shihon) in Japanese refers to "capital" in the context of finance and economics. It encompasses the financial resources and assets that individuals, businesses, or organizations use to fund their operations and growth. Capital can take various forms, including money, equipment, buildings, and other assets that have value. In business, shihon is essential for starting and expanding operations, investing in new projects, and sustaining overall economic activity. It can be raised through different means, such as investments, loans, or reinvested profits.

包括利益 (hokatsu rieki) in Japanese refers to "comprehensive income" in accounting and finance. Comprehensive income includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. It encompasses both net income and other comprehensive income (OCI). Net income is derived from regular business operations, while OCI includes items such as foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains or losses on certain types of investments, and pension liability adjustments. By considering both net income and OCI, hokatsu rieki provides a more complete picture of a company's financial performance and health. This measure is crucial for investors, analysts, and stakeholders who need to understand the full range of economic events affecting a company.

小売業 (kourigyo) in Japanese refers to the retail industry. This sector involves the sale of goods and services directly to consumers for their personal or household use. Retail businesses operate through various formats, including physical stores, online platforms, and direct sales. Common examples include supermarkets, department stores, convenience stores, and specialty shops. The retail industry plays a crucial role in the economy by connecting producers with consumers, facilitating the distribution of goods, and contributing to economic growth through job creation and consumer spending. Successful retailers focus on understanding consumer needs, managing inventory effectively, and providing excellent customer service to maintain competitiveness in the market.