Japanese Business Glossary

協賛金 (kyosankin) refers to sponsorship money or contributions in Japan. This term is used to describe funds provided by individuals, companies, or organizations to support events, activities, projects, or initiatives, often in exchange for promotional benefits or recognition.

Kyosankin is commonly seen in contexts such as sponsoring sports events, cultural festivals, or community activities, supporting non-profit organizations or charity events, and funding research projects or educational programs. In return for their financial support, sponsors may receive advertising opportunities, naming rights, or other forms of acknowledgment. This mutually beneficial arrangement helps organizers cover costs while providing sponsors with marketing and branding exposure.

建設仮勘定 (kensetsu kari kanjo) refers to a Construction in Progress (CIP) account in Japan. This accounting term is used to track the costs associated with the construction of fixed assets that are not yet completed.

The CIP account accumulates all the direct and indirect costs incurred during the construction or development phase of a project. These costs can include materials, labor, and overhead. Once the construction is completed and the asset is ready for use, the total costs accumulated in the CIP account are transferred to the appropriate fixed asset account, such as buildings or machinery.

This process ensures accurate tracking and reporting of construction-related expenses, and helps in the proper capitalization of the costs for financial statement purposes. Managing the CIP account is crucial for businesses involved in construction and development to ensure correct financial reporting and compliance with accounting standards.

賦課金 (fukakin) refers to a levy or assessment, typically a financial charge imposed by a government or public authority. This charge can include various types of mandatory payments, such as taxes, fees, or contributions, which are collected to fund public services or specific projects.

In a business context, fukakin might refer to several financial obligations. These include various types of taxes imposed on businesses, such as corporate tax, consumption tax, and local taxes. It also includes public charges, which are fees for services provided by public entities, like environmental levies, infrastructure development fees, or regulatory compliance costs. Additionally, it covers social contributions, which are mandatory payments to social security, health insurance, or pension funds.

Understanding and accurately accounting for fukakin is essential for businesses to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in Japan.

配当金 (haitokin) refers to dividends in Japan. Dividends are payments made by a corporation to its shareholders, usually in the form of cash or additional shares. These payments represent a portion of the company's profits that is distributed to its shareholders as a return on their investment in the company's stock.

Haitokin can be issued on a regular basis, such as quarterly or annually, depending on the company's dividend policy and financial performance. The amount of the dividend is typically determined by the company's board of directors and approved by the shareholders.

Receiving dividends provides shareholders with a source of income and can be an important factor in the overall return on investment from holding a company's stock. Dividends are often seen as a sign of a company's financial health and profitability.

発泡酒 (happoshu) refers to a type of low-malt beer in Japan. It is a beer-like beverage that contains less malt content compared to regular beer. The malt content is typically below 50%, which distinguishes it from traditional beer, known as "ビール" (bīru) in Japan, which has a higher malt content.

Happoshu was initially developed as a response to Japan's beer tax regulations, which tax beverages based on their malt content. By reducing the malt content, brewers can offer 発泡酒 at a lower price than regular beer, making it an affordable alternative for consumers.

The taste and appearance of happoshu are similar to regular beer, but variations can occur due to the different ingredients and brewing processes used to achieve the lower malt content. Despite these differences, happoshu remains a popular choice among consumers seeking a cost-effective beer option.

備品 (bihin) refers to equipment or fixtures in Japan. These are items used in businesses or organizations that are not consumed in day-to-day operations but are necessary for carrying out activities. Examples of bihin include office furniture, computers, printers, machinery, and tools.

Bihin are typically durable goods that have a useful life extending over several years. They are considered fixed assets and are recorded on the balance sheet of a company. Proper management and maintenance of business equipment are crucial for ensuring their longevity and efficiency, as well as for accurate financial reporting and asset management.

By keeping track of bihin, businesses can ensure they have the necessary tools and equipment to operate effectively while also managing their investments in these assets efficiently.