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Glossary for Life in Japan Related Terms in Japanese

政党   [seito] - political party

政党 (seito) means "political party" in Japanese. A seito is an organized group of people who share similar political beliefs, ideologies, and goals, and who come together to participate in elections and influence government policies.

Political parties play a key role in democratic systems by nominating candidates for public office, shaping public policy, and representing the interests of their members and supporters. Examples of major political parties in Japan include the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP).

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筆耕   [hikko] - professional service of handwriting documents, certificates, invitations, or other formal papers

筆耕 (hikko) refers to the professional service of handwriting documents, certificates, invitations, or other formal papers. The term literally translates to "brush cultivation" and originates from the traditional use of a brush (筆) in calligraphy (書道, shodo).

In historical and modern contexts, hikko involves creating beautifully written and often personalized documents, adding a touch of elegance and formality that printed text may lack. This service is especially valued for special occasions such as weddings, graduations, and other ceremonies where high-quality, handwritten documents are appreciated.

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血族   [ketsuzoku] - blood relatives

血族 (ketsuzoku) means "blood relatives" or "blood kin" in Japanese. It refers to individuals who are related by blood, sharing a common ancestry. This term encompasses immediate family members like parents, siblings, and children, as well as extended family members such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Ketsuzoku is often used in legal contexts to define family relationships for matters related to inheritance, family law, and other legal rights and obligations. It emphasizes the biological connections between family members.

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人事院   [jinjiin] - National Personnel Authority

人事院 (jinjiin) refers to the National Personnel Authority in Japan. It is a government agency responsible for overseeing and managing the civil service system, including the recruitment, training, evaluation, and promotion of government employees.

The primary functions of jinjiin include ensuring fair and merit-based hiring practices for civil servants, establishing and enforcing standards for working conditions, salaries, and benefits, conducting training and development programs to improve the skills and performance of public employees, handling grievances and disciplinary actions within the civil service, and advising the government on personnel policies and practices.

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納得   [nattoku] - the state of being convinced, satisfied, or understanding something fully

納得 (nattoku) refers to the state of being convinced, satisfied, or understanding something fully. In both personal and business contexts, achieving nattoku involves a process where an individual or group comes to a clear and comprehensive understanding of a situation, decision, or explanation.

For instance, in a business meeting, participants might discuss various aspects of a proposal until everyone is satisfied, ensuring that all concerns are addressed and everyone is on the same page. This concept emphasizes the importance of thorough communication, transparency, and mutual agreement. In negotiations or customer service, ensuring nattoku can lead to better relationships, as it demonstrates respect for different viewpoints and a commitment to clarity and satisfaction.

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省令   [shourei] - a ministerial ordinance

省令 (shourei) refers to a ministerial ordinance in Japan. These are regulations issued by individual ministries or government agencies to provide detailed guidelines and rules for implementing laws passed by the National Diet, Japan's legislature. Ministerial ordinances have the force of law and are essential for the practical application and enforcement of broader legislative measures.

Shourei typically cover specific areas of administration, such as labor standards, environmental protection, and health regulations. They offer clarity and direction on how to comply with the laws, outlining the procedures, standards, and requirements that must be followed. These ordinances are crucial for ensuring that laws are effectively and consistently enforced, providing the necessary details that enable both public and private entities to operate within the legal framework.

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