Japanese Business Glossary

委託販売 (itaku hanbai) is a Japanese term that refers to consignment sales, a business arrangement where a consignor (usually the owner of goods) entrusts a consignee (typically a retailer) to sell products on their behalf. In this setup, the consignor retains ownership of the goods until they are sold, at which point the consignee earns a commission or fee for facilitating the sale.

This method of sales is beneficial for both parties: the consignor can reach a broader market without the need for their own retail infrastructure, and the consignee can offer a wider range of products without the risk of purchasing inventory upfront. Additionally, itaku hanbai can help businesses manage inventory more efficiently and respond more flexibly to market demand. It is a widely used practice in various industries, including fashion, food, and electronics, promoting collaboration and risk-sharing between suppliers and retailers.

雇用調整助成金 (koyo chosei joseikin) is a Japanese government subsidy aimed at supporting businesses during economic downturns or crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This subsidy helps companies avoid layoffs by providing financial assistance to employers who need to temporarily reduce their workforce or suspend operations.

By covering a portion of the wages for employees who are placed on leave or work reduced hours, the koyo chosei joseikin ensures that businesses can retain their staff during difficult times. This not only protects jobs but also helps companies maintain their skilled workforce, enabling a quicker recovery once the economic situation improves. The subsidy underscores the Japanese government's commitment to preserving employment stability and supporting both employers and employees during periods of economic uncertainty.

財団法人 (zaidan hojin) in Japanese means "foundation" or "incorporated foundation." This term refers to a legal entity established for the purpose of managing and utilizing funds or assets to support specific activities or causes. Zaidan hojin can be involved in various fields, such as education, research, culture, healthcare, and social welfare. These organizations are typically non-profit and aim to contribute to the public good. They are governed by a board of directors and must comply with relevant laws and regulations. Being recognized as a zaidan hojin provides legal status and certain tax benefits, enabling the organization to operate more effectively in pursuing its mission.

先物・オプション取引, known as futures and options trading, refers to financial instruments used in the derivatives market. In futures trading, participants agree to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined future date and price. This allows investors to hedge against price fluctuations or speculate on price movements.

Options trading involves contracts that give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a specified price within a certain timeframe. These financial instruments are used for risk management and speculative purposes. By using futures and options, investors can leverage their positions, potentially achieving higher returns while also managing risk exposure in volatile markets.

構築物 (kochikubutsu) refers to structures or constructions in Japan. This term encompasses a wide range of man-made installations and built environments, including buildings, bridges, roads, tunnels, dams, and other infrastructure projects. Kochikubutsu is used in various contexts such as construction, real estate, civil engineering, and urban planning.

In the context of property and legal regulations, kochikubutsu includes both permanent and temporary structures that are constructed for residential, commercial, industrial, or public use. These structures are subject to building codes, safety standards, and zoning laws to ensure they meet the required specifications and are safe for use.

For accounting and tax purposes, kochikubutsu can be classified as fixed assets. Businesses and individuals must record the value of these assets in their financial statements and may be able to depreciate them over their useful lives, depending on tax laws.

Proper documentation, compliance with regulations, and maintenance of structures are crucial for ensuring their safety, functionality, and longevity. This ensures that the structures serve their intended purposes effectively and contribute to the overall infrastructure and development of the area.

法定調書 (hotei chosho) refers to "statutory reports" or "legal records" in Japan. These are official documents that businesses and certain individuals must prepare and submit to the tax authorities, detailing specific financial transactions and payments made during the fiscal year. The primary purpose of these reports is to ensure accurate and comprehensive reporting of taxable activities, facilitating tax compliance and transparency.

There are several types of statutory reports, each covering different kinds of transactions. For example, one common type is the 支払調書 (shiharai chosho), which reports payments made to contractors, freelancers, and other non-employee individuals. This report includes details such as the recipient's name, address, amount paid, and any taxes withheld. Another example is the 給与支払報告書 (kyūyo shiharai hokokusho), which details salary payments made to employees, including bonuses and other benefits.

Businesses are required to submit these reports to both the National Tax Agency (NTA) and, in some cases, to local tax offices. The information provided in these reports helps tax authorities cross-check the reported income of individuals and businesses, ensuring that all taxable income is properly declared and taxed.

Failure to submit these statutory reports accurately and on time can result in penalties and increased scrutiny from tax authorities. Therefore, businesses must maintain meticulous records of their financial transactions throughout the year and ensure that their statutory submissions are complete and correct. This system plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of Japan's tax administration.