Japanese Business Glossary

担保 (tanpo) is a Japanese term that translates to "collateral" or "security" in English. In a financial context, 担保 refers to an asset or property that a borrower offers to a lender as security for a loan. If the borrower fails to repay the loan, the lender has the right to seize the collateral to recover the owed amount.

For example, when taking out a mortgage, the property itself often serves as the 担保. This practice helps lenders reduce the risk of lending money, as they have a way to recoup their losses if the borrower defaults on the loan.

青色申告会 (aoiro shinkoku kai) is a Japanese term that translates to "Blue Return Association" in English. This association supports individuals and small business owners who choose to file their taxes using the blue return system, which is a more detailed and beneficial tax filing method in Japan.

The blue return system (青色申告, aoiro shinkoku) offers various tax advantages, such as higher deductible expenses and special allowances. Members of a 青色申告会 can receive guidance, resources, and assistance in preparing and submitting their blue returns accurately and efficiently. These associations often provide seminars, workshops, and personalized consultations to help members maximize their tax benefits.

償却資産 (shoukyaku shisan) is a Japanese term that translates to "depreciable assets" or "amortizable assets" in English. It refers to tangible fixed assets that are subject to depreciation over time due to wear and tear, obsolescence, or usage.

Examples of 償却資産 include machinery, equipment, buildings, and vehicles. These assets are capitalized on a company's balance sheet and their cost is gradually expensed through depreciation over their useful life. This accounting practice helps in matching the cost of the asset with the revenue it generates, providing a more accurate picture of a company's financial performance.

棚卸資産 (tanaoroshi shisan) is a Japanese term that translates to "inventory assets" or "stock assets" in English. It refers to the goods and materials that a company holds for the purpose of resale or production. These assets include raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods that are ready for sale.

In accounting, 棚卸資産 are considered current assets and are an important part of a company's balance sheet. Proper management and valuation of inventory assets are crucial for accurate financial reporting and efficient business operations. The value of these assets is assessed periodically through inventory counts and valuation methods, such as FIFO (First-In, First-Out) or LIFO (Last-In, First-Out).

委任者 (ininsha) is a Japanese term that translates to "principal" or "mandator" in English. It refers to a person who grants authority to another person, known as the agent or representative (受任者, juninsha), to act on their behalf.

The 委任者 delegates specific tasks, responsibilities, or decision-making powers to the agent through a legal arrangement known as a 委任契約 (inin keiyaku), or "mandate contract." This contract outlines the scope of the agent's authority and the duties they are expected to perform.

委任者 is commonly used in legal, business, and financial contexts where one party needs another to act on their behalf in matters such as transactions, negotiations, or management activities.

法人保険 (houjin hoken) is a Japanese term that translates to "corporate insurance" or "business insurance" in English. It refers to insurance policies that businesses purchase to protect against various risks and liabilities associated with their operations. Types of 法人保険 include property insurance, which covers damage to business property due to events like fire, theft, or natural disasters. Liability insurance protects against legal claims arising from accidents, injuries, or negligence. Business interruption insurance compensates for lost income and ongoing expenses if business operations are disrupted by an insured event. Employee benefits insurance includes health, life, and disability insurance for employees. These insurance policies help businesses manage risk, protect their assets, and ensure continuity in the face of unforeseen events.