Japanese Business Glossary

ソフト電池 (sofuto denchi), also known as "soft battery," refers to a type of flexible, rechargeable battery. These batteries are designed to be lightweight, bendable, and often thinner than traditional batteries, making them suitable for use in a variety of applications where flexibility and compactness are crucial.

Soft batteries are typically used in wearable devices, flexible electronics, medical devices, and other innovative technologies that require a power source that can conform to different shapes and sizes. They are often based on advanced materials and technologies, such as solid-state electrolytes or thin-film battery technology, which allow for their unique properties.

同一世帯 (douitsu setai) refers to "same household" or "same family unit" in Japanese. This term is used to describe individuals who live together and share living expenses as a single household unit.

In legal, administrative, and social contexts, douitsu setai is important for determining eligibility for various benefits, services, and obligations. For instance, health insurance, tax deductions, and public assistance programs often consider the combined income and status of all members within the same household.

The concept of douitsu setai ensures that resources are allocated fairly and appropriately based on the collective circumstances of the household members. It helps in identifying dependents, calculating household income, and assessing the overall financial and social support needs of the family unit.

利便性 (riben-sei) refers to "convenience" or "user-friendliness." It describes the ease and practicality with which something can be used or accessed, making it a key factor in evaluating products, services, and systems. High 利便性 means that an item or service is designed to be efficient, straightforward, and accessible, minimizing effort and maximizing user satisfaction.

In various contexts, such as technology, urban planning, and customer service, prioritizing riben-sei can lead to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty. For example, a smartphone with an intuitive interface, a city with well-connected public transportation, or a customer service process that resolves issues quickly all exemplify high 利便性. By focusing on convenience, businesses and organizations can improve user experiences, streamline operations, and enhance overall effectiveness.

改訂 (kaitei) refers to "revision" or "amendment." It involves making changes or updates to a document, publication, policy, or any other content to improve its accuracy, relevance, and overall quality.

In the context of books, kaitei might mean updating the content to include new information or correct errors. In legal or administrative settings, it could involve amending laws, regulations, or procedures to reflect current conditions or new insights. The process of kaitei ensures that information remains up-to-date and applicable, maintaining the integrity and usefulness of the material.

要介護 (youkaigo) refers to "nursing care required" or "long-term care needed" in Japan. This term is used within the context of the country’s long-term care insurance system to classify individuals who need assistance with daily living activities due to aging, illness, or disability.

The 要介護 classification is determined through an assessment process that evaluates the physical and mental condition of the person. Based on the severity of their condition, they are assigned a care level ranging from 要介護1 (mild care needs) to 要介護5 (intensive care needs). This classification helps determine the type and amount of care services the individual is eligible for, such as home care, daycare services, or admission to a nursing home.

The purpose of the youkaigo system is to ensure that those who need long-term care receive appropriate support, helping to maintain their quality of life and alleviate the burden on families and caregivers.

養女 (youjo) refers to an "adopted daughter" in Japanese. This term is used to describe a girl or woman who has been legally adopted into a family, gaining the same rights and status as a biological daughter.

The process of adoption, or 養子縁組 (youshi engumi), involves legal procedures to formalize the relationship between the adoptive parents and the adopted child. Once the adoption is finalized, the youjo becomes a full member of the adoptive family, with all the associated responsibilities and privileges.

Adoption can occur for various reasons, such as providing a child with a stable and supportive family environment, continuing a family lineage, or for personal and social considerations.