Japanese Business Glossary

保管 (hokan) means "storage" or "custody" in Japanese. It refers to the act of keeping or storing items, documents, or assets in a safe and secure place. This can involve physical storage, such as storing goods in a warehouse, or it can refer to the safekeeping of documents and valuables.

The term is commonly used in business and legal contexts, where the proper storage and protection of assets, inventory, or important records are crucial. Effective hokan ensures that items are protected from damage, theft, or loss, and are easily accessible when needed.

造作 (zosaku) is a Japanese term that can have multiple meanings depending on the context. Generally, it refers to "construction," "renovation," or "fixtures."

In the context of construction or interior design, 造作 refers to the work involved in building, modifying, or installing permanent fixtures within a structure. This can include activities such as building walls, installing cabinetry, or adding decorative elements.

In a broader sense, zosaku can also refer to the act of making, creating, or crafting something, often with an emphasis on careful workmanship and attention to detail. The term implies a certain level of skill and effort put into the construction or creation process.

住宅ローン借り換え (jutaku ron karikae) is a Japanese term that translates to "mortgage refinancing" in English. It refers to the process of replacing an existing home loan with a new one, typically with better terms such as a lower interest rate, a different loan duration, or more favorable repayment conditions. The primary reasons for refinancing a mortgage include reducing monthly payments, lowering the overall cost of the loan, changing the loan type (e.g., from a variable rate to a fixed rate), or accessing home equity for other financial needs.

The process of jutaku ron karikae involves evaluating the current mortgage terms and financial goals, researching and comparing offers from various lenders, applying for the new loan and providing necessary documentation, and using the proceeds from the new loan to pay off the existing mortgage. Refinancing can lead to significant financial savings and improved loan terms, but it also requires careful consideration of associated costs such as application fees, appraisal fees, and closing costs.

事由 (jiyu) is a Japanese term that translates to "reason," "cause," or "grounds" in English. It refers to the underlying reason or justification for an action, decision, or event. In various contexts, jiyu can be used to explain why something happened or why a particular course of action was taken.

For example, in legal contexts, jiyu might refer to the grounds for a legal action or the reasons cited in a legal document. In everyday use, it can simply mean the cause or reason behind any action or event.

忌避 (kihi) is a Japanese term that translates to "avoidance," "evasion," or "challenge" in English. It refers to the act of avoiding or evading something, or in a legal context, it can mean challenging the impartiality of a judge or an official involved in a case.

In general usage, kihi can describe any deliberate effort to avoid a particular situation, duty, or responsibility. For example, it can refer to avoiding taxes, duties, or uncomfortable situations.

In a legal context, kihi is often used to refer to the right of a party in a legal proceeding to request the removal of a judge, juror, or official due to perceived bias, conflict of interest, or lack of impartiality. This ensures a fair trial or hearing by preventing any unfair influence on the outcome of the case.

概ね (omune) is a Japanese term that translates to "generally," "roughly," or "mostly" in English. It is used to indicate that something is true in a general sense or to a large extent, though not necessarily in every detail or instance. The term is often used to give an overall impression or summary rather than precise specifics.

For example, if someone says "概ね良好" (omune ryoko), it means "generally good" or "mostly satisfactory," implying that, while there might be some minor issues, the overall situation is positive. Similarly, "概ね理解しました" (omune rikai shimashita) means "I generally understand," indicating an understanding of the main points even if some details might still be unclear.