Japanese Business Glossary

実費 (jippi) means "actual cost" or "out-of-pocket expenses" in Japanese. It refers to the real expenses incurred in the course of a transaction or activity, as opposed to estimated or budgeted costs.

In business and legal contexts, jippi typically includes direct expenses such as materials, labor, and other costs directly related to a specific project or task. It may also cover incidental expenses like travel, accommodation, and other necessary expenditures incurred while performing work or providing a service.

科料 (karyo) refers to a monetary fine or penalty in Japanese. It is a form of punishment imposed by legal authorities for minor offenses or violations of regulations. The amount of the fine is usually predetermined by law and is meant to serve as a deterrent against unlawful behavior.

Karyo is typically applied for less severe infractions compared to other penalties such as imprisonment or more substantial fines. Examples of situations where karyo might be imposed include minor traffic violations, breaches of municipal ordinances, or other small-scale legal infractions.

資金 (shikin) refers to "funds" or "capital" in Japanese. It represents the money available for investment, business operations, or other financial activities. Shikin can come from various sources, including personal savings, loans, investments, or business revenues.

In a business context, shikin is crucial for starting a new venture, expanding operations, purchasing equipment, and covering operational expenses. It can also be used to refer to specific types of funding, such as working capital, venture capital, or investment capital.

会計年度 (kaikei nendo) translates to "fiscal year" in English.

A fiscal year is a one-year period that companies and governments use for accounting and financial reporting purposes. It may not align with the calendar year. For example, in Japan, the fiscal year typically starts on April 1 and ends on March 31 of the following year.

During this period, organizations track and report their financial performance, including revenues, expenses, profits, and losses. The fiscal year is essential for budgeting, tax reporting, and preparing annual financial statements.

社債 (shasai) translates to "corporate bond" in English.

A corporate bond is a type of debt security issued by a corporation to raise capital. When an investor purchases a corporate bond, they are essentially lending money to the issuing corporation. In return, the corporation promises to pay the investor regular interest payments (coupons) over the life of the bond and to repay the principal amount (face value) when the bond matures.

Corporate bonds are used by companies to finance various activities such as expanding operations, funding new projects, or refinancing existing debt. They are considered a relatively safe investment, though the level of risk can vary depending on the financial stability and creditworthiness of the issuing corporation. Higher-risk bonds typically offer higher interest rates to attract investors.

端数 (hasu) refers to a fractional or leftover amount in Japanese, often used in financial and accounting contexts. It typically denotes small remainders or digits that do not round up to a whole number. For instance, when dealing with currency, hasu might represent amounts less than one yen, such as a fraction of a yen in interest calculations. In other contexts, hasu can refer to any small, leftover quantity after division, such as in inventory or measurements. Managing hasu is important for accuracy in financial records, pricing, and inventory management, ensuring precise and transparent accounting practices.