Japanese Business Glossary

共益費 (kyoekihi) is a Japanese term that translates to "common area maintenance fee" or "common service fee" in English. It refers to the charges levied on tenants or property owners for the maintenance and upkeep of shared facilities and common areas in a building or complex. These fees typically cover costs such as cleaning and maintenance of hallways, lobbies, and other common areas, utilities for shared spaces like electricity and water, security services, landscaping and gardening, and repairs and maintenance of shared equipment and infrastructure. Kyoekihi is commonly applied in residential buildings, commercial properties, and office complexes. It ensures that all tenants or owners contribute to the upkeep of the common areas, maintaining a clean, safe, and pleasant environment for everyone. The amount of the fee can vary depending on the size of the property, the level of services provided, and the specific agreements in place.

権利金 (kenrikin) is a Japanese term that translates to "key money" or "premium" in English. It is a non-refundable payment made by a tenant to a landlord or property owner when leasing commercial property, such as a store or office space.

Key money is often required in addition to the usual security deposit and rent. It serves as a form of goodwill payment to secure the lease and may also be seen as compensation for the landlord's investment in the property or its location. The amount of key money can vary depending on factors such as the property's location, size, and market demand.

In some cases, key money can also be associated with the transfer of business rights or other intangible assets related to the property. It is a common practice in Japan, especially in the context of commercial real estate transactions.

更地 (sarachi) refers to vacant land or an empty lot in Japan. It describes a piece of land that has no buildings, structures, or significant improvements on it. This type of land is essentially undeveloped and ready for construction or other uses.

Sarachi is often considered valuable for various reasons. For developers and investors, it provides a blank slate for new construction projects, such as residential homes, commercial buildings, or industrial facilities. For individuals or businesses looking to build, it offers the flexibility to design and construct according to specific needs and preferences without the constraints of existing structures.

In real estate transactions, sarachi can be attractive due to its potential for development and the absence of demolition costs that would be required if buildings were present. The value of sarachi depends on factors such as location, zoning regulations, accessibility, and market demand.

Owning sarachi also involves responsibilities, including maintaining the property, paying property taxes, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. For buyers, careful consideration of these factors, along with future development plans, is essential when purchasing vacant land.

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.

梅酒 (umeshu) is a traditional Japanese liqueur made by steeping ume fruits (Japanese plums) in alcohol and sugar. The result is a sweet and tangy beverage with a rich, fruity flavor. Umeshu is typically made using shochu or sake as the base alcohol, but it can also be prepared with other spirits.

This liqueur has a relatively low alcohol content, usually around 10-15%, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a milder drink. Umeshu can be enjoyed in various ways: neat, on the rocks, diluted with water, or mixed with soda. It is also commonly used in cocktails. Beyond its delightful taste, umeshu is appreciated for its potential health benefits, such as aiding digestion and improving circulation, attributed to the ume fruit. This beverage is a beloved part of Japanese culture, often enjoyed during social gatherings and celebrations.

遺族年金 (izoku nenkin) is a Japanese term for survivor's pension, a benefit provided to the family members of a deceased individual who was insured under Japan's public pension system. This pension aims to offer financial support to the bereaved family, typically the spouse and children, ensuring they have some level of economic stability after the loss of a primary breadwinner.

There are different types of izoku nenkin depending on the deceased's employment and insurance status, including the 遺族基礎年金 (izoku kiso nenkin) or Basic Survivor's Pension, and the 遺族厚生年金 (izoku kosei nenkin) or Employees' Survivor's Pension. Eligibility and the amount received depend on various factors, such as the deceased's contribution period to the pension system and the number of dependents. By providing this financial support, izoku nenkin helps alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by families during a difficult time, promoting social welfare and stability.