Japanese Business Glossary

融通 (yuzu) is a Japanese term that means "flexibility" or "adaptability." It refers to the ability to adjust to different situations or to accommodate various needs and circumstances. The concept of yuzu is valued in many aspects of Japanese culture and business, emphasizing the importance of being flexible and responsive to changes and challenges.

In a financial context, yuzu can also refer to "financing" or "lending," indicating the ability to provide or obtain financial support or resources as needed. This term underscores the importance of being able to adapt and manage resources effectively to meet different financial demands.

欠損 (kesson) is a Japanese term that translates to "loss" or "deficit" in English. It is commonly used in financial and business contexts to refer to a situation where expenses exceed revenues, resulting in a financial loss. This term can be applied to various scenarios, such as a company's financial performance, budget deficits, or shortfalls in revenue.

In accounting, a deficit or loss can impact a company's financial health and may require measures to address and mitigate the negative impact. This could include cost-cutting, restructuring, or seeking additional revenue sources.

In a broader context, kesson can also refer to any type of deficiency or shortfall, not just financial, such as a loss of resources, a gap in supply, or an absence of something essential. The term highlights the notion of lacking or being insufficient in a particular area.

費用 (hiyou) is a Japanese term that translates to "expense" or "cost" in English. It refers to the amount of money spent or required for a particular purpose. This term is commonly used in both personal and business contexts to describe expenditures associated with various activities, products, or services.

In a business setting, hiyou can include various types of expenses such as operating costs, production costs, administrative expenses, and marketing expenses. Managing and controlling these expenses is crucial for a company's financial health and profitability.

In everyday use, hiyou can refer to the cost of living, education expenses, travel expenses, and other personal expenditures. Understanding and managing these costs are essential for effective financial planning and budgeting.

奨励金 (shoreikin) is a Japanese term that translates to "incentive payment" or "bonus" in English. It refers to a financial reward given to encourage or promote certain activities or behaviors. This term is commonly used in various contexts, including business, education, and government programs.

In a business setting, shoreikin can be given to employees as a bonus for meeting performance targets, achieving specific goals, or contributing to the company's success. It serves as a motivation for employees to work harder and achieve better results.

In education, shoreikin may be awarded to students for academic excellence, outstanding achievements, or participation in specific programs or competitions. It aims to encourage students to strive for higher performance and engagement.

In government and public programs, shoreikin might be offered to promote activities that are beneficial to society, such as environmental conservation, community service, or innovation. It is used to incentivize participation and support in initiatives that have positive social impacts.

反証 (hansho) is a Japanese term that translates to "counterevidence" or "rebuttal" in English. It refers to evidence or arguments presented to refute or contradict a claim, assertion, or hypothesis. This concept is often used in legal, scientific, and academic contexts where opposing evidence is introduced to challenge the validity or accuracy of previously presented evidence or statements.

In a legal context, hansho involves presenting evidence or arguments that counter the claims made by the opposing party. This can help to disprove allegations, weaken the opposing party's case, or establish reasonable doubt.

In scientific and academic contexts, hansho is used to challenge existing theories or findings. Researchers may present counterevidence to question the validity of a study's results, encouraging further investigation and debate.

会社役員 (kaisha yakuin) is a Japanese term that translates to "company officer" or "corporate executive" in English. It refers to individuals who hold executive or managerial positions within a company and are responsible for its administration and decision-making. These roles typically include positions such as directors, board members, executive officers, and other high-ranking officials.

Company officers play a crucial role in setting the strategic direction of the company, overseeing its operations, and ensuring that it meets its goals and complies with legal and regulatory requirements. They are often involved in making significant business decisions, managing resources, and representing the company in external dealings.

In summary, kaisha yakuin refers to the key leadership and management personnel within a company who are entrusted with its governance and operational oversight.