Japanese Business Glossary

暗号化 (angoka) is the Japanese term for "encryption."

Encryption is the process of converting data or information into a code to prevent unauthorized access. This process ensures that only authorized parties can read the data by converting it from its original form (plaintext) into a scrambled format (ciphertext).

The primary purpose of encryption is to protect the confidentiality and integrity of data, whether it is being stored or transmitted. Encryption is widely used in various fields, including finance, healthcare, and communications, to secure sensitive information.

事業税 (jigyozei) is a business tax in Japan. It is a local tax imposed on the income generated from business activities within a prefecture. The tax is levied on corporations and sole proprietors.

The tax rate varies depending on the type of business and the location. For corporations, the business tax is calculated based on their income, while for individual business owners, it is based on their income from business activities.

Business tax is an important consideration for businesses operating in Japan, as it affects their overall tax burden. Understanding the specific rates and regulations in the prefecture where the business is located is crucial for accurate tax planning and compliance.

施行 (shikou) refers to the enactment or implementation of a law, regulation, or policy. It is commonly used in legal and administrative contexts in Japan to indicate when a new rule or amended regulation officially comes into effect.

For example, the インボイス制度 (invoice system) was implemented on October 1, 2023. This new system requires businesses to issue invoices that meet specific criteria to claim tax deductions. Additionally, the revised 電子帳簿保存法 (Electronic Bookkeeping Law) mandates electronic storage of transaction data from January 1, 2024, eliminating paper storage for such records.

一般競争入札 (ippan kyoso nyuusatsu) translates to "open competitive bidding" in English. It is a procurement method used by public entities, such as government agencies, for purchasing goods, services, or undertaking construction projects.

In an open competitive bidding process, the public entity announces the project or purchase requirement openly to the public. Interested parties (companies or individuals) can submit their bids. Bidders compete based on price, qualifications, and other criteria specified in the bidding documents. The contract is typically awarded to the bidder who meets all requirements and offers the best terms, often the lowest price.

This method aims to ensure transparency, fairness, and efficient use of public funds by encouraging competition and preventing favoritism or corruption.

約定日 (yakujoubi) refers to the "contract date" or "agreement date" in Japanese. This is the date when both parties agree to the terms and conditions of a contract or deal.

In financial contexts, it can also refer to the trade date, the day on which an order to buy or sell a security is executed.

The yakujoubi is important because it is the official date that marks the commencement of the contract, and it is used for record-keeping, compliance, and legal purposes.

未収 (mishu) is a Japanese term used in accounting and finance. It translates to "uncollected" or "accrued" in English. This term is often used to refer to revenue that has been earned but not yet received.

For example, if a company has delivered goods or provided services but has not yet received payment from the customer, this amount would be recorded as mishu in the company's accounting records. It is considered an asset because it represents money that is expected to be received in the future.

In accounting, mishu is crucial for accurately reflecting a company's financial position, ensuring that all earned revenue, even if not yet collected, is accounted for in the financial statements.