Japanese Business Glossary

甲欄 (kōran) and 乙欄 (otsuran) refer to specific sections or columns on Japanese tax forms, particularly those related to payroll and income tax statements. Koran is used for employees who are working full-time and are considered primary income earners. Their employer is responsible for withholding and paying income tax on their behalf. The tax withheld is based on the salary and other earnings provided by the employer. Employees listed under koran typically do not need to file a separate tax return if their only source of income is from their employment.

Otsuran is used for employees who have multiple employers or sources of income, such as part-time workers or freelancers. The tax withheld in this column is often based on a different set of criteria, and these employees are typically required to file an annual tax return (確定申告 = Kakutei Shinkoku) to account for all their income sources and ensure the correct amount of tax is paid. The distinction between koran and otsuran helps the tax authorities and employers manage the different withholding tax obligations for employees with varying employment and income situations.

財産目録 (zaisan mokuroku) refers to an inventory of assets. This document provides a detailed list of an individual's or entity's properties, possessions, and financial holdings. The inventory typically includes items such as real estate, bank accounts, investments, personal property, and other valuable assets.

In legal and financial contexts, an inventory of assets is often used for estate planning, inheritance procedures, and bankruptcy cases. It helps in assessing the total value of assets and ensuring proper management and distribution according to legal requirements or personal wishes. The preparation of an inventory of assets involves carefully documenting each asset's details, including its current value, location, and ownership status. This inventory is essential for transparent and accurate handling of financial affairs.

被相続人 (hisōzokunin) refers to a decedent or the deceased person whose assets and estate are subject to inheritance. In the context of Japanese inheritance law, the hisōzokunin is the individual from whom property, assets, and debts are passed on to heirs or beneficiaries after their death.

The process of distributing the estate of the deceased is governed by specific legal procedures, including the identification of heirs, assessment of the estate's value, and settlement of any outstanding debts. The heirs, known as 相続人 (sōzokunin), are typically family members such as the spouse, children, and sometimes parents or siblings, depending on the family structure and legal stipulations.

元入金 (motoirikin) refers to the initial capital or principal amount invested in a business or financial venture. It represents the original amount of money that the owner or shareholders put into the business when it was established. This initial capital is used to fund the startup costs, purchase assets, and provide working capital for the company's operations.

In accounting, motoirikin is recorded in the capital or equity section of the balance sheet, reflecting the owner's or shareholders' investment in the business. It is a critical component for determining the financial health and equity structure of a company. Over time, the value of the initial capital may change due to business profits, losses, additional investments, or withdrawals.

賄賂 (wairo) refers to a bribe in Japanese. It is the act of offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value with the intent to influence the actions of an official or other person in a position of authority. Bribery is illegal and considered a serious offense in Japan, as it undermines trust and integrity in public and private sectors.

The term wairo can encompass various forms of improper inducements, such as money, gifts, favors, or services, that are exchanged to gain favorable treatment or decisions. Japanese law has strict regulations and penalties to combat bribery and corruption, aiming to maintain ethical standards and transparency in both government and business practices.

支払い調書 (shiharai chōsho) refers to a payment record or payment statement in Japan. It is a document used to report payments made to individuals or entities, often for tax purposes. This statement is typically prepared by businesses or organizations that have made payments for services, freelance work, or other forms of compensation that need to be reported to the tax authorities.

The payment record includes details such as the recipient's name, address, amount paid, and the nature of the payment. It serves as a record for both the payer and the recipient and is used to ensure accurate tax reporting and compliance with Japanese tax laws. This document helps in tracking income and expenses, and it plays a crucial role during the preparation and filing of tax returns.