Japanese Business Glossary

In Japanese business terminology, 造成 (zosei), land development or land preparation, refers to the process of preparing land for construction. This involves various activities such as land leveling, drainage work, and other foundational tasks required to make the land suitable for building structures.

For example, if a company plans to construct new office buildings or residential units, they first need to engage in zosei to ensure the land is properly prepared. This process can include activities like clearing existing structures, adjusting the land's elevation, and installing necessary infrastructure like water and sewage systems.

In accounting, expenses related to zosei can be categorized under different accounts depending on the specific nature of the work and the company's financial practices. It's essential to properly record these expenses as they form part of the initial investment in the property development project.

問屋 (tonya) refers to a wholesale business or wholesaler in Japan. These entities play a crucial role in the distribution of goods from manufacturers to retailers. They act as intermediaries, buying large quantities of products from producers and selling them in smaller amounts to retail stores.

Wholesalers often provide various services such as storage and warehousing of products, transport and logistics solutions, financial services including credit to retailers, and market information and feedback to manufacturers. The presence of wholesalers helps streamline the supply chain, making it more efficient and reducing costs for both manufacturers and retailers.

In a Japanese company, 常務 (jomu), managing director or senior executive, refers to the position of Managing Director or Executive Director.

The role of a jomu involves overseeing specific departments or functions within the company, and they are typically part of the senior management team. They report directly to the board of directors or the president of the company. The responsibilities of a jomu can include strategic planning, operational management, and ensuring that the company’s objectives are met efficiently.

Jomu is a high-ranking position, reflecting significant authority and responsibility within the organizational hierarchy.

社保 (shaho), short for 社会保険 (shakai hoken), refers to Social Insurance in Japan. It is a comprehensive system designed to provide various benefits to employees and their families. The primary components of 社保 include health insurance, pension insurance, unemployment insurance, workers' accident compensation insurance, and long-term care insurance.

Health insurance covers medical expenses for employees and their dependents, including hospitalization, outpatient care, and other medical services. Pension insurance provides financial support after retirement, with employees contributing during their working years and receiving benefits upon reaching retirement age. Unemployment insurance offers financial assistance to workers who lose their jobs, helping them sustain themselves while seeking new employment. Workers' accident compensation insurance covers work-related injuries or illnesses, ensuring employees receive medical treatment and compensation for lost wages during recovery. Long-term care insurance supports elderly individuals who require long-term care services, providing financial assistance for in-home care, nursing homes, and other related services.

Employers and employees both contribute to the shaho system through payroll deductions, with contributions calculated based on the employee's salary. Social Insurance is mandatory for most employees in Japan, ensuring access to essential health care, financial support during unemployment, and a secure retirement.

郵便 (yubin) is the Japanese word for "mail" or "postal service." It refers to the system and services provided by postal organizations for sending letters, packages, and other forms of mail. The postal system in Japan is managed by Japan Post (日本郵便, Nippon Yubin), which offers a wide range of services including regular mail delivery, express mail, and parcel delivery. Japan Post also provides financial services such as banking and insurance.

旅費 (ryohi) in Japanese translates to "travel expenses" or "travel costs" in English. It refers to the expenses incurred during travel, which can include transportation costs, accommodation, meals, and other related expenses.

In a business context, companies often reimburse employees for ryohi when they travel for work-related purposes. This can include costs for flights, trains, taxis, hotels, and meals during the trip.