Japanese Business Glossary

過日 (kajitsu) is a Japanese term that refers to a day in the past. It is often used in formal or written contexts to indicate "the other day," "some days ago," or "recently." This term is more commonly found in formal writings or communications rather than in everyday spoken language.

Kajitsu is typically used to reference a past event without specifying an exact date, often implying a time frame that ranges from several weeks to several years ago. For example, it might be used in phrases such as 過日はお世話になりました (Thank you for your help the other day).

In comparison, 先日 (senjitsu) is used for a more recent past, usually within the last few days to a few weeks.

エコカー減税 (ekoka genzei), Eco-car Tax Reduction, is a Japanese government incentive designed to promote the purchase of environmentally friendly vehicles. This tax reduction aims to reduce emissions and encourage the use of low-emission vehicles by providing tax benefits to those who purchase cars that meet specific environmental standards.

There are three main types of taxes that can be reduced under this scheme: the Automobile Acquisition Tax, which is a one-time tax paid when purchasing a new vehicle; the Automobile Weight Tax, which is paid at the time of vehicle inspection; and the Automobile Tax, which is an annual tax based on the engine size of the vehicle. Eco-friendly cars that meet the criteria may receive reductions or exemptions from these taxes.

To qualify for the eco-car tax reduction, vehicles must meet specific fuel efficiency and emission standards set by the Japanese government. The standards and the amount of tax reduction can vary depending on the vehicle's performance and the year of purchase. These incentives are part of Japan's broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable transportation.

保守 (hoshu) in Japanese means "maintenance" or "conservation." It refers to activities aimed at keeping something in good condition, ensuring its continued functionality, or preserving its original state.

In a technical or engineering context, hoshu involves regular inspections, repairs, and updates to equipment, machinery, or systems to prevent breakdowns and extend their lifespan. In a broader context, hoshu can also refer to conserving cultural heritage, traditions, or environments, maintaining their integrity and preventing deterioration.

In a political context, hoshu can mean "conservatism," representing a philosophy that emphasizes preserving traditional values and institutions.

長 (cho) in Japanese means "chief," "head," or "leader." It is commonly used to denote someone in a position of authority or leadership within an organization, institution, or group. For example, 社長 (Shacho) refers to the president or CEO of a company, and 校長 (Kocho) refers to the principal of a school. The term can be attached to various titles to indicate the top person responsible for overseeing operations and making critical decisions. The role of cho is pivotal, as they guide the direction, strategy, and overall management of their respective organizations.

減資 (genshi) refers to the reduction of a company's capital. This process involves decreasing the company's stated capital on its balance sheet and is typically undertaken for several reasons, such as restructuring the company, offsetting accumulated losses, or returning excess capital to shareholders.

The process of genshi must be conducted according to legal procedures, including obtaining approval from shareholders and sometimes regulatory authorities. There are different methods of genshi, such as reducing the par value of shares, canceling a portion of the shares, or buying back shares and then canceling them. This reduction can improve the financial health of a company by aligning the capital structure more closely with its operational needs and market value.

While genshi can signal a company's attempt to streamline its operations and improve financial stability, it may also raise concerns among investors about the company’s past performance or future prospects. Therefore, clear communication and strategic planning are essential when a company decides to undertake a capital reduction.

結果 (kekka) translates to "result" or "outcome" in English. It refers to the final consequence or end product of a process, action, or event.

In various contexts, kekka can be used to describe the outcome of an experiment, the result of a test or examination, the consequence of a decision or action, or the final standings in a competition. It emphasizes the conclusion or the effects that follow from prior actions or conditions.