Japanese Business Glossary

捨て印 (sute-in) is a preemptive seal impression used in Japanese legal and business documents. It is placed in the margins or blank spaces of a document. This seal indicates the signer's consent to minor corrections or additions that may be made after the document is signed.

The purpose of sute-in is to streamline the process of making minor amendments to a document without requiring the signer's presence or additional approval. It is commonly used in contracts, agreements, and other formal documents in Japan. This practice shows trust between parties that minor changes can be made without renegotiation. Typically, sute-in is placed in the margins or specific spaces designated for it on the document.

医療 (iryo) is the Japanese term for "medical care" or "healthcare." It encompasses a wide range of services and practices related to the maintenance and improvement of health, the prevention and treatment of illnesses, and the provision of medical services to individuals.

This term can refer to medical treatments, healthcare facilities, medical professionals, and the overall healthcare system in Japan. Medical care in Japan is known for its high quality and is provided through a combination of public and private healthcare services.

引当 (hikate) refers to provisions or reserves in accounting. These are amounts set aside from a company's profits to cover future liabilities, expenses, or losses.

In Japanese accounting, provisions ensure that financial statements reflect a more accurate picture of the company's financial health. Common examples include provisions for bad debts, warranty liabilities, or potential legal expenses.

By setting aside these amounts, companies can better manage risks and uncertainties, ensuring they are prepared for future financial obligations. This practice aligns with the conservative approach in accounting, which emphasizes caution and prudence in financial reporting.

住民税非課税 (juminzei hikazei) refers to the exemption from paying resident tax in Japan. Resident tax (住民税, juminzei) is a local tax levied by municipalities on residents. There are specific criteria that determine whether an individual qualifies for this exemption.

First, individuals with annual incomes below a certain threshold are exempt. The threshold varies depending on the municipality and the number of dependents.

取次 (toritsugi) is a Japanese term that generally means "intermediary" or "agent." It is often used in business contexts to refer to an entity or person who acts as a go-between for transactions or communication between two parties.

In the publishing industry, for example, a toritsugi might refer to a book distributor who intermediates between publishers and retailers. In general business dealings, a toritsugi might handle the coordination and facilitation of sales, orders, and communication on behalf of a company.

The term 事業具体例 (jigyo gutai rei) translates to "business examples" or "specific examples of businesses." It refers to specific instances or types of businesses that illustrate a particular industry, business model, or entrepreneurial activity.

In the context of starting a business in Japan, examples include opening a retail store selling clothing, accessories, or specialty items. Another example is establishing a restaurant or café, such as a sushi restaurant, ramen shop, or coffeehouse. Additionally, launching a tech startup focused on developing software, apps, or technological solutions is a common business example. Offering consulting services in areas like finance, marketing, or management also represents a specific business type. Starting an e-commerce business to sell products domestically or internationally is another example. Engaging in the import/export business by trading goods between Japan and other countries is also a common business example.

These examples show the variety of business opportunities available. Each type of business has specific requirements, regulations, and market conditions to consider when starting up in Japan.