Japanese Business Glossary

明治維新 (meiji ishin) refers to the Meiji Restoration, a pivotal period in Japanese history that began in 1868. This era marked the end of the Tokugawa shogunate and the feudal system, leading to the restoration of imperial rule under Emperor Meiji.

The Meiji Restoration was characterized by significant political, social, and economic changes aimed at modernizing Japan and transforming it into a powerful, industrialized nation. Key aspects of the Meiji Restoration include the abolition of the feudal class system, the establishment of a centralized government, the adoption of Western technologies and industrial practices, and the modernization of the military.

This period also saw substantial reforms in education, infrastructure, and various societal institutions, propelling Japan towards becoming a major global power. The Meiji Restoration is considered a fundamental turning point in Japanese history, laying the foundation for the country's rapid modernization and development.

期日 (kijitsu) means "date" or "deadline" in Japanese. It refers to a specific day by which something is expected to happen or be completed. In various contexts, kijitsu can denote important dates such as payment due dates, deadlines for submitting documents, court dates, or any scheduled event.

連結子会社 (renketsu kojigai) translates to "consolidated subsidiary" in English.

A consolidated subsidiary is a company that is controlled by a parent company, with the parent company owning more than 50% of the subsidiary's voting stock. The financial statements of the subsidiary are combined with those of the parent company to present a single set of financial statements. This consolidation provides a comprehensive view of the financial health of the entire group of companies under the parent company.

In Japan, consolidated subsidiaries are important for understanding the overall financial performance and condition of business groups. The consolidation process involves combining all assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of the subsidiary with those of the parent company, eliminating any intercompany transactions to avoid double-counting.

This practice ensures transparency and a clearer picture of the financial situation of the parent company and its subsidiaries, helping investors and stakeholders make informed decisions.

介護サービス (kaigo sabisu) translates to "care services" in English.

In Japan, kaigo services refer to the range of support and care provided to elderly individuals, disabled people, or those with chronic illnesses who require assistance with daily activities. These services are designed to help maintain the quality of life and independence of individuals who may need support due to physical or mental limitations.

Kaigo services can include in-home care, which involves assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and housekeeping. Daycare services provide a place where elderly or disabled individuals can spend the day, engage in social activities, and receive care. Residential care refers to long-term care in facilities such as nursing homes or assisted living centers. Medical care includes providing medical services and support, such as medication management, physical therapy, and nursing care. Respite care offers temporary relief for family members or caregivers, allowing them to take a break while ensuring their loved one receives care.

In Japan, these services are often covered under the Long-Term Care Insurance system, which was established to address the growing needs of an aging population. The system aims to provide affordable and accessible care for those who need it, ensuring that they can live with dignity and receive the necessary support.

免税店 (menzei ten) translates to "duty-free shop" in English.

A duty-free shop is a retail store that sells products without including certain local or national taxes and duties, typically to international travelers. These shops are commonly found in international airports, ports, and border areas. They offer a variety of goods such as cosmetics, perfumes, alcohol, tobacco, and luxury items at prices lower than those in regular retail stores due to the tax exemption.

In Japan, duty-free shops cater primarily to foreign tourists, allowing them to purchase items tax-free during their stay in the country. To qualify for duty-free purchases, shoppers usually need to show their passport and meet certain conditions, such as spending a minimum amount on eligible products. The purchased goods are typically sealed and must be taken out of the country within a specified period.

The purpose of duty-free shops is to provide an incentive for travelers to buy products at reduced prices, making travel more attractive and stimulating the local economy by boosting sales to international visitors.

加算 (kasan) translates to "addition" or "supplement" in English.

In various contexts, kasan refers to an additional amount added to a base figure. In finance, it can mean extra charges or fees added to the original cost. In taxation, it might refer to supplementary taxes or additional charges added to the basic tax amount. In healthcare, kasan can imply extra fees for additional services or treatments beyond the standard care.

The concept of kasan is broadly applicable, encompassing any situation where an extra amount is added to a principal sum, reflecting the idea of augmentation or supplementation.