Japanese Business Glossary

参与 (sanyo) refers to participation or involvement in Japanese. In a business context, it typically means being actively involved in decision-making processes or contributing to the execution of a plan or project. This term can apply to various levels of participation, from contributing ideas in meetings to taking on specific responsibilities within a team. The concept of sanyo emphasizes the importance of collective effort and collaboration, ensuring that different perspectives and expertise are considered. By fostering active participation, organizations can create a more inclusive and dynamic working environment that leverages the strengths of all members.

遺産分割協議書 (isan bunkatsu kyogisho) is a document used in Japan to outline the distribution of a deceased person's estate among their heirs. This document is created through discussions and agreements among all the heirs, ensuring that each person's share of the inheritance is clearly defined. The process of creating an isan bunkatsu kyogisho involves identifying all the assets and liabilities of the deceased, determining the rightful heirs, and agreeing on how the estate will be divided. Once all parties have reached an agreement, the document is signed and notarized. This agreement helps prevent disputes and provides a legal framework for the fair distribution of the deceased's assets, ensuring that the inheritance process is smooth and transparent.

免責金額 (menseki kingaku) refers to the deductible amount in an insurance policy in Japan. This is the portion of a claim that the policyholder must pay out-of-pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if an insurance policy has a menseki kingaku of ¥50,000 and the policyholder incurs a covered loss of ¥200,000, the policyholder would need to pay the first ¥50,000, and the insurance company would cover the remaining ¥150,000. The menseki kingaku is set when the insurance policy is established and can vary depending on the type of insurance and the specific terms of the policy. This deductible amount helps to reduce the insurer's risk and can also lower the premium costs for the policyholder. By sharing a portion of the financial risk, both the insurer and the insured are encouraged to avoid unnecessary claims and maintain responsible use of the insurance coverage.

権限 (kengen) refers to authority or power in a Japanese context. It signifies the legal or formal right granted to an individual or entity to make decisions, carry out actions, or command others within a specified scope. In business and organizational settings, kengen delineates the responsibilities and decision-making powers assigned to various roles and positions.

For example, a manager might have kengen to approve budgets, make hiring decisions, or implement new policies within their department. This authority ensures that tasks are completed efficiently and that there is a clear hierarchy and accountability within the organization. Understanding and respecting kengen is crucial for maintaining order, ensuring compliance with established procedures, and fostering a collaborative work environment where responsibilities and expectations are clearly defined.

通院 (tsuuin) refers to visiting a medical facility as an outpatient in Japan. Unlike inpatient care, where a patient stays in the hospital for treatment, tsu-in involves regularly traveling to a clinic or hospital for medical consultations, treatments, or follow-up appointments without being admitted overnight.

This approach is commonly used for ongoing medical conditions, routine check-ups, rehabilitation, or treatments that do not require intensive care. Tsu-in allows patients to receive necessary medical care while continuing their daily lives and responsibilities. It is an important aspect of healthcare, offering flexibility and convenience for those needing regular medical attention without the need for extended hospital stays.

編曲 (henkyoku) refers to the process of arranging music in Japan. It involves taking a piece of music and adapting it for a specific ensemble, performance, or recording. This can include reworking the melody, harmony, rhythm, and instrumentation to suit different styles or to enhance the original composition.

Henkyoku is an essential aspect of music production, allowing for creative interpretation and variation of existing works. Arrangers, or henkyokusha, may modify a piece to fit the capabilities of the musicians, to achieve a particular sound or mood, or to appeal to different audiences. Through henkyoku, music can be transformed and experienced in new and diverse ways, enriching the cultural and artistic landscape.