Japanese Business Glossary

福利 (fukuri) means "welfare" or "benefits" in Japanese. It refers to the various forms of support and services provided to individuals to ensure their well-being and improve their quality of life. In a corporate context, fukuri typically includes employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and other perks designed to support workers' physical, mental, and financial health. In a broader social context, fukuri can also encompass public welfare programs provided by the government, such as social security, healthcare, unemployment benefits, and housing assistance. The aim of fukuri is to create a supportive environment that enhances the overall well-being and security of individuals.

事例 (jirei) means "case" or "example" in Japanese. It refers to specific instances or occurrences used to illustrate a point, demonstrate a concept, or provide evidence in various contexts. For example, in a business setting, a jirei might describe a successful project to showcase effective strategies or solutions. In legal contexts, it can refer to case studies or precedents that are examined to understand the application of laws and regulations. Using jirei helps in understanding practical applications, drawing lessons, and making informed decisions by analyzing real-life examples or scenarios.

財形 (zaikei) refers to "zaikei savings" or "zaikei plans," which are a type of employee savings plan in Japan. These plans are designed to encourage employees to save money by offering tax advantages and sometimes employer contributions. There are three main types of zaikei plans: zaikei housing savings (財形住宅貯蓄), zaikei pension savings (財形年金貯蓄), and general zaikei savings (財形貯蓄). Each plan has specific conditions and benefits. For example, zaikei housing savings can be used to buy a home, while zaikei pension savings are intended for retirement.

政令 (seirei) refers to "government ordinance" or "cabinet order" in English. In Japan, a seirei is a form of legislation issued by the executive branch, specifically by the Cabinet, under the authority granted by laws enacted by the National Diet (the Japanese parliament). These ordinances are used to implement and enforce laws, providing detailed regulations and procedures necessary for the practical application of statutory laws.

A seirei has the same legal force as a law passed by the Diet, but it allows for more flexible and timely adjustments to administrative practices without requiring new legislative action. This can be crucial for responding to urgent situations or making technical adjustments to existing laws. The Cabinet must ensure that any seirei is consistent with the Constitution and the laws established by the Diet.

Government ordinances are published in the official gazette and are binding upon citizens and government agencies alike. They play a significant role in the day-to-day governance and regulatory framework of Japan, covering a wide range of areas such as public safety, environmental regulations, economic policies, and administrative procedures.

公益 (koeki) refers to the "public interest" or "public welfare" in English. It denotes activities, initiatives, or policies that are intended to benefit the general public or society as a whole, rather than individual or private interests. In the context of business and government, koeki encompasses actions and efforts that contribute to the common good, such as providing essential services, supporting social welfare programs, protecting the environment, and promoting social justice.

Organizations and institutions that operate in the koeki sector often aim to address social issues, improve community well-being, and enhance the quality of life for all citizens. Examples include non-profit organizations, charities, and certain government agencies. These entities work to ensure that resources and opportunities are distributed fairly and that vulnerable or underserved populations receive the support they need.

The concept of koeki is fundamental to the functioning of a just and equitable society. It emphasizes the importance of considering the broader impact of decisions and actions on the community and prioritizing collective well-being over individual gain. In business, this might translate to corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, where companies engage in practices that contribute positively to society and the environment.

官製はがき (kansei hagaki), or "government-issued postcard" in English, refers to a type of postcard produced and distributed by the Japanese government. These postcards are pre-stamped and can be used for various types of mail, including personal correspondence, business communication, and seasonal greetings such as New Year's cards (年賀状, Nengajo).

The use of kansei hagaki is convenient because they come with a pre-printed postage stamp, eliminating the need for the sender to purchase and attach a separate stamp. These postcards are available at post offices and other authorized retail locations throughout Japan.

Kansei hagaki is known for its reliability and standardization, ensuring that it meets the postal service's requirements for delivery. They are often used for official communications and by individuals who appreciate the convenience of pre-stamped mailing.