明朗会計

• Reading: めいろうかいけい
• Romaji: meirou kaikei
• Kanji breakdown: 明 (mei) — bright; 朗 (rou) — clear, cheerful; 会 (kai) — meeting; 計 (kei) — calculate
• Pronunciation: /meː.ɾoː.ka.i.keː/

Meaning

Transparent billing; honest and clear accounting. Used especially for restaurants and bars.

A noun compound describing pricing practices that are open, fair, and free from hidden charges. Commonly seen on signs and advertisements for restaurants, bars, and izakayas to assure customers there are no surprise fees. The term gained importance as a selling point in entertainment districts where unclear pricing (ぼったくり — overcharging) is a concern.

Examples

1. この店は明朗会計だから安心して飲める。 This place has transparent billing, so you can drink without worry.
2. 明朗会計をうたっている居酒屋を選ぶようにしている。 I make it a point to choose izakayas that advertise transparent billing.
3. 明朗会計のお店なのでレシートもきちんと出る。 Since it's a place with clear pricing, they always give you a proper receipt.

Usage Guide

Context: restaurants, bars, shopping, consumer

Tone: reassuring

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 明朗 (meirou, bright/cheerful/transparent, from 明 'bright' + 朗 'clear') + 会計 (kaikei, accounting/billing, from 会 'meeting' + 計 'calculate'). Literally 'bright, clear accounting.'

Cultural Context

Era: Post-war

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal