Japanese Business Glossary

社会保険 (shakai hoken) refers to social insurance in Japan. It is a comprehensive system designed to provide financial security and support for individuals and families in various situations, such as illness, injury, childbirth, retirement, and unemployment. The social insurance system in Japan is composed of several key programs.

Health insurance (健康保険, Kenko Hoken) covers medical expenses for illnesses, injuries, and childbirth. Both employees and employers contribute to the premiums, and the insurance covers a significant portion of medical costs, with the insured person paying a smaller co-payment.

Pension insurance (年金保険, Nenkin Hoken) provides financial support during retirement. There are two main types of pension insurance: the National Pension (国民年金, Kokumin Nenkin) for self-employed individuals, students, and those not covered by employer-based insurance, and the Employees' Pension Insurance (厚生年金保険, Kosei Nenkin Hoken) for salaried workers. Contributions are made by both employees and employers.

Unemployment insurance (雇用保険, Koyo Hoken) provides financial assistance to individuals who lose their jobs. It offers unemployment benefits, job training, and other support services to help unemployed individuals find new employment. Both employers and employees contribute to this insurance.

Workers' compensation insurance (労災保険, Rosai Hoken) covers work-related injuries and illnesses. It provides medical care, compensation for lost wages, and benefits for permanent disabilities or death resulting from workplace accidents. Employers are responsible for paying the premiums for this insurance.

Contributions to social insurance programs are typically deducted from employees' salaries, and employers also contribute a portion. The collected funds are used to provide benefits and services to eligible individuals.

In summary, shakai hoken in Japan is a social insurance system that includes health insurance, pension insurance, unemployment insurance, and workers' compensation insurance, offering financial support and security for various life situations.

終身医療保険 (shuushin iryou hoken) refers to whole life medical insurance in Japan. This type of insurance provides coverage for medical expenses throughout the insured person's lifetime, as long as they continue to pay the premiums.

Shuushin iryou hoken is designed to offer financial protection against medical costs, including hospitalization, surgeries, and other medical treatments. The key feature of this insurance is that it guarantees coverage for the insured individual's entire life, unlike term insurance policies that provide coverage for a specified period.

One of the main benefits of shuushin iryou hoken is the assurance of continuous medical coverage, regardless of changes in health condition or age. Policyholders can also often choose from various options and riders to customize their coverage based on their specific needs.

This type of insurance is popular among those who want long-term security and peace of mind regarding their healthcare expenses. It ensures that they will have financial support for medical treatments without the worry of losing coverage later in life.

生保 (seiho) is an abbreviation for "生命保険" (seimei hoken), which means "life insurance" in English. Life insurance in Japan, as in other countries, is a financial product that provides a lump-sum payment or regular income to designated beneficiaries upon the death of the insured individual. It is designed to offer financial protection and peace of mind to the policyholder's family or dependents, ensuring they are taken care of in the event of an untimely death.

Life insurance policies in Japan can vary widely, with some focusing on providing pure death benefits, while others may include savings and investment components. These policies may also offer additional coverage options, such as for critical illness or disability. The premiums for life insurance policies are typically paid on a regular basis, and the amount of coverage and benefits can be tailored to meet the specific needs and circumstances of the policyholder and their family. Life insurance is a common component of financial planning in Japan, helping individuals manage risk and secure their family's financial future.

厚生年金保険 (kosei nenkin hoken), or "Welfare Pension Insurance" in English, is a mandatory social insurance program in Japan designed to provide pension benefits to employees in both the public and private sectors. This system is a crucial part of Japan's social security framework and covers a wide range of employees, including full-time and part-time workers, as well as certain categories of temporary workers.

Employers and employees both contribute to the kosei nenkin hoken fund through payroll deductions. The contributions are calculated based on the employee's monthly salary and bonuses. The funds collected are used to provide various benefits, including old-age pensions, disability pensions, and survivors' pensions, which support individuals and their families in times of need.

Kosei nenkin hoken aims to ensure a stable and secure income for individuals after retirement, as well as provide financial support in the event of disability or death. Proper enrollment and regular contributions to this insurance program are essential for employees to receive these benefits in the future.

全国健康保険協会 (zenkoku kenko hoken kyokai), commonly known as the Japan Health Insurance Association, is a public corporation in Japan responsible for managing health insurance programs for employees of small to medium-sized businesses and their dependents. Established under the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, this organization plays a crucial role in the Japanese healthcare system by providing accessible and affordable health insurance coverage to a significant portion of the workforce.

The association administers the health insurance program, known as 協会けんぽ (kyokai kenpo), which includes collecting insurance premiums, processing medical claims, and disbursing benefits. These benefits cover medical expenses, hospitalization, and preventive care, ensuring that insured individuals receive necessary healthcare services.

Zenkoku kenko hoken kyokai also engages in health promotion activities, aiming to improve public health and prevent illnesses through educational campaigns and wellness programs. By offering comprehensive health insurance and promoting healthier lifestyles, the association contributes to the overall well-being of Japan's workforce and their families.

生命保険 (seimei hoken) means "life insurance" in English. It is a type of insurance policy that provides financial protection to beneficiaries in the event of the policyholder's death. The policyholder pays regular premiums to the insurance company, and in return, the insurer agrees to pay a lump sum, known as the death benefit, to the designated beneficiaries upon the policyholder's death. Life insurance can help cover various expenses, such as funeral costs, outstanding debts, and living expenses for the surviving family members.