Japanese Business Glossary

貸借対照表 (taishaku taishou hyou) refers to a balance sheet in English. It is a financial statement that provides a snapshot of a company’s financial condition at a specific point in time. The balance sheet is divided into three main sections: Assets (資産, shisan), Liabilities (負債, fusai), and Equity (資本, shihon).

Assets list everything the company owns that has value, such as cash, inventory, property, and equipment. Liabilities detail the company’s debts and obligations, such as loans, accounts payable, and mortgages. Equity, also known as shareholder's equity, represents the owner's claims after all liabilities have been settled. It includes items like retained earnings and common stock.

The balance sheet follows the fundamental accounting equation: Assets = Liabilities + Equity. This ensures that the balance sheet remains balanced, reflecting the financial position of the company accurately.

金地金 (kinjigane) refers to gold bullion, which is gold in bulk form. This can be in the form of bars, ingots, or other large quantities of gold that are typically traded on commodity markets.

Gold bullion is considered a safe investment and a hedge against inflation or economic instability. It's commonly bought and held by investors looking to preserve wealth. The value of gold bullion is primarily determined by its weight and purity.

In Japan, the trade and investment in gold bullion are regulated, and there are specific procedures and taxes related to its purchase and sale.

The term 予算 (yosan) in Japanese means "budget." It refers to the estimation of income and expenditure for a specific period, typically a fiscal year, for individuals, businesses, or government entities.

In a business context, a budget outlines the expected revenues and allocates resources to different departments and projects, serving as a financial plan to achieve business goals.

Creating and managing a budget is essential for financial planning, monitoring performance, and making informed financial decisions.

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.

会計事務所 (kaikei jimusho) refers to an accounting firm or office in Japan. These firms provide a range of accounting and financial services, including bookkeeping, tax preparation, financial consulting, auditing, and other related services for businesses and individuals.

They are essential for helping companies manage their finances, comply with tax regulations, and ensure accurate financial reporting. Many kaikei jimusho also assist with payroll services, financial planning, and advising on financial strategies for business growth.

Incorporating the services of a kaikei jimusho can be particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Japan, as these firms offer expertise and support that might not be available in-house.

総勘定元帳 (soukanjou-motochou), known as the General Ledger in English, is a fundamental accounting document used in business to record and organize all financial transactions. It consolidates detailed entries from subsidiary ledgers, such as sales, purchases, cash receipts, and payments, into individual accounts. This allows for the systematic tracking of all financial activity within a company.

The General Ledger categorizes financial data by account, such as assets, liabilities, equity, revenues, and expenses. It helps ensure that total debits equal total credits, maintaining the accounting equation. Additionally, the General Ledger provides the basis for preparing financial statements, such as the balance sheet and income statement.

The General Ledger is essential for accurate financial reporting and effective business management.