Japanese Business Glossary

報酬 (hoshu) is a Japanese term that translates to "remuneration," "compensation," or "reward" in English. It refers to the payment or reward given to someone in exchange for their services, work, or effort. This can include salaries, wages, bonuses, fees, or any other form of financial compensation.

Hoshu is commonly used in employment and business contexts to describe the earnings an individual receives for their labor or contributions. It can also be used more broadly to refer to any form of reward or payment given in recognition of effort, performance, or service. The term emphasizes the concept of providing a tangible reward for work done or services rendered.

医療法人 (iryo hojin) is a Japanese term that translates to "medical corporation" or "medical juridical person" in English. It refers to a type of legal entity in Japan that is established to operate medical institutions, such as hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.

Iryo hojin is designed to provide medical services to the public and is governed by specific regulations under Japanese law. The purpose of establishing a medical corporation includes improving the management and financial stability of medical institutions, facilitating the provision of high-quality medical care, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.

A medical corporation can own and manage multiple healthcare facilities and is often structured to enable better resource allocation, professional management, and enhanced medical services. The establishment of an iryo hojin requires approval from the relevant health authorities and must meet certain criteria, including qualifications of the medical professionals involved and adherence to healthcare regulations.

仮想通貨 (kaso tsuka) is a Japanese term that translates to "virtual currency" or "cryptocurrency" in English. It refers to a digital or virtual form of currency that uses cryptography for security. Cryptocurrencies operate independently of a central bank and are typically decentralized, using blockchain technology to record and verify transactions.

Examples of kaso tsuka include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple. These digital currencies can be used for a variety of purposes, such as online purchases, investment, and money transfers. The value of cryptocurrencies can be highly volatile, influenced by market demand, regulatory news, technological developments, and other factors.

Kaso tsuka is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional currencies and financial systems, offering potential benefits such as lower transaction fees, faster cross-border transactions, and increased privacy. However, it also poses challenges and risks, including regulatory uncertainty, security vulnerabilities, and market volatility.

外貨建MMF (gaika-date MMF) refers to "foreign currency-denominated money market funds" in English. These are investment funds that invest in short-term, high-quality financial instruments denominated in foreign currencies. They are designed to provide liquidity, safety, and a modest return on investment.

The funds are denominated in foreign currencies, such as US dollars, euros, or other major currencies, allowing investors to potentially benefit from favorable exchange rate movements. They typically invest in short-term financial instruments like Treasury bills, commercial paper, and certificates of deposit, which have high liquidity and low risk. By investing in a diversified portfolio of short-term instruments, these funds aim to reduce risk while providing a safe investment option.

Investors earn interest based on the prevailing rates in the foreign currency markets, which can vary depending on economic conditions and central bank policies. 外貨建MMF can be an attractive option for investors looking to diversify their portfolios with foreign currency exposure while maintaining relatively low risk and high liquidity. However, they also come with currency risk, as exchange rate fluctuations can impact the value of the investment.

金融機関 (kinyu kikan) is a Japanese term that translates to "financial institution" in English. It refers to an organization that provides financial services to its customers or members. These services include accepting deposits, making loans, managing investments, and offering financial advice. Financial institutions play a crucial role in the economy by facilitating the flow of money and credit, supporting businesses, and providing individuals with access to financial resources.

Examples of kinyu kikan include banks, credit unions, insurance companies, investment firms, and brokerage houses. These institutions are regulated by government agencies to ensure their stability and protect consumers. They contribute to economic growth by providing essential financial services and products, such as savings accounts, mortgages, insurance policies, and investment opportunities.

卸売業 (oroshiuri-gyo) and 小売業 (kouri-gyo) are Japanese terms that refer to different types of businesses in the distribution and sale of goods.

卸売業 (oroshiuri-gyo) translates to "wholesale business" in English. Wholesalers buy goods in large quantities from manufacturers or producers and then sell them in smaller quantities to retailers or other businesses. The primary function of a wholesale business is to distribute products efficiently and often at a lower cost per unit due to the large volume of goods handled.

小売業 (kouri-gyo) translates to "retail business" in English. Retailers sell goods directly to consumers, typically in smaller quantities than wholesalers. Retail businesses operate through various channels such as physical stores, online shops, or catalogs, and they provide products to end-users for personal or household consumption.

In summary, 卸売業 (wholesale business) involves the bulk purchase and distribution of goods to other businesses, while 小売業 (retail business) involves selling goods directly to consumers.