Japanese Business Glossary

災害 (saigai) means "disaster" in Japanese. This term encompasses various natural and man-made events that cause significant damage and disruption. Examples of saigai include earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, floods, landslides, and industrial accidents.

一般管理費 (ippan kanri-hi) refers to "general administrative expenses" or "general and administrative (G&A) expenses." These are the costs associated with the overall administration and operation of a business that are not directly tied to specific projects or production activities.

Examples of general administrative expenses include salaries of executive and administrative staff, office supplies, rent for administrative offices, utilities, legal and accounting services, and other overhead costs necessary to run the business. These expenses are essential for the day-to-day operations but are not directly involved in the production of goods or services.

薄記 (hakki) refers to the "ledger entry" or "journal entry" in accounting. It is a fundamental concept in bookkeeping and accounting, used to record business transactions systematically in the company's financial records.

In the context of Japanese accounting practices, hakki includes the date when the transaction occurred, a description of the transaction including parties involved and the nature of the transaction, the monetary value of the transaction, and the accounts affected by the transaction including debit and credit entries.

捨て印 (sute-in) is a preemptive seal impression used in Japanese legal and business documents. It is placed in the margins or blank spaces of a document. This seal indicates the signer's consent to minor corrections or additions that may be made after the document is signed.

The purpose of sute-in is to streamline the process of making minor amendments to a document without requiring the signer's presence or additional approval. It is commonly used in contracts, agreements, and other formal documents in Japan. This practice shows trust between parties that minor changes can be made without renegotiation. Typically, sute-in is placed in the margins or specific spaces designated for it on the document.

医療 (iryo) is the Japanese term for "medical care" or "healthcare." It encompasses a wide range of services and practices related to the maintenance and improvement of health, the prevention and treatment of illnesses, and the provision of medical services to individuals.

This term can refer to medical treatments, healthcare facilities, medical professionals, and the overall healthcare system in Japan. Medical care in Japan is known for its high quality and is provided through a combination of public and private healthcare services.

引当 (hikate) refers to provisions or reserves in accounting. These are amounts set aside from a company's profits to cover future liabilities, expenses, or losses.

In Japanese accounting, provisions ensure that financial statements reflect a more accurate picture of the company's financial health. Common examples include provisions for bad debts, warranty liabilities, or potential legal expenses.

By setting aside these amounts, companies can better manage risks and uncertainties, ensuring they are prepared for future financial obligations. This practice aligns with the conservative approach in accounting, which emphasizes caution and prudence in financial reporting.