Japanese Business Glossary

慰安旅行 (ian ryokō) refers to a company-sponsored recreational trip or retreat organized to provide relaxation and enjoyment for employees. These trips are a form of employee benefit aimed at boosting morale, fostering team spirit, and expressing appreciation for the staff's hard work.

Such trips often include leisure activities, sightseeing, and social events, and they are typically organized periodically, such as annually or biannually. The goal of ian ryoko is to create a positive work environment, improve employee satisfaction, and enhance relationships among colleagues outside the usual work setting. This practice reflects the emphasis on employee well-being and company culture in Japan.

相続 (sōzoku) refers to inheritance or succession in Japanese. It is the legal process through which the assets, rights, and obligations of a deceased person are transferred to their heirs or beneficiaries.

In Japan, the inheritance process is governed by the Civil Code, which outlines how an estate is divided among the deceased's relatives. The primary heirs typically include the spouse and children of the deceased. If there are no children, the parents or siblings may inherit the estate. The exact distribution of the estate is determined by legal rules unless a valid will specifies different arrangements.

The process of sozoku involves several steps, including the identification of heirs, valuation of the estate, payment of any outstanding debts and taxes, and the distribution of the remaining assets according to the inheritance shares (相続割合 = Sōzoku Wariai). Proper legal procedures must be followed to ensure that the inheritance is handled correctly and fairly.

輸出還付金 (yushutsu kanpukin) refers to export tax refunds or export rebates in Japanese. This term describes the refund of consumption tax (similar to value-added tax or VAT) that businesses can receive when they export goods or services.

In Japan, goods and services sold domestically are subject to consumption tax. However, exports are generally zero-rated, meaning they are not subject to this tax. To avoid double taxation and to promote international trade, the government allows exporters to apply for a refund of the consumption tax paid on goods and services that are exported.

The process involves submitting the necessary documentation to the tax authorities to prove that the goods or services have been exported, along with details of the consumption tax paid. Once approved, the tax authorities will issue a refund to the exporter. This system ensures that the tax burden does not fall on the exporters, making Japanese goods and services more competitive in the global market.

社会保障 (shakai hoshō) refers to social security in Japanese. It encompasses a range of public programs and policies designed to provide financial and social support to individuals and families, particularly during times of need. These programs are aimed at ensuring a basic standard of living and protecting citizens against various economic risks.

In Japan, shakai hosho includes various components such as pensions, health insurance, unemployment insurance, and welfare services. Pensions provide income to retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors of deceased workers. Health insurance helps individuals pay for medical expenses. Unemployment insurance provides benefits to those who are unemployed and actively seeking work. Welfare services offer assistance to low-income individuals and families to help cover living expenses.

These programs are funded through contributions from both employees and employers, as well as government funding. The aim of 社会保障 is to promote social stability and well-being by offering financial assistance and services to those in need.

収入 (shūnyū) refers to income or revenue in Japanese. It represents the money or other forms of financial gain that an individual, business, or organization receives over a specific period. For individuals, shunyu includes earnings from employment, such as salaries, wages, bonuses, and other compensation. It can also encompass income from other sources, such as investments, rental properties, and pensions.

For businesses, shunyu refers to the total amount of money earned from sales of goods or services, along with any other financial gains such as interest, dividends, or royalties.

工具 (kōgu) refers to tools or implements in Japanese. These are instruments or devices used to perform specific tasks, typically in manual work such as construction, repair, or craft activities. Kogu can range from simple hand tools like hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches, to more complex power tools like drills, saws, and grinders.

Tools play a crucial role in various industries, enabling workers to perform their tasks more efficiently and accurately. The term kogu encompasses a wide variety of equipment, each designed for particular functions and applications, and is essential for both professional tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts.