Japanese Business Glossary

消印 (keshiyin) refers to a postmark or cancellation mark on a piece of mail. This mark is typically applied by the postal service to indicate that the postage stamp has been used and can no longer be reused.

The postmark usually includes the date and location where the mail was processed. It serves as proof of mailing and is often important for legal and business documents, as it provides a verifiable date of dispatch.

日本 特別永住者以外 (nihon tokubetsu eijusha igai) refers to individuals in Japan who are not special permanent residents.

Special permanent residents are a specific category of long-term residents, primarily those of Korean and Taiwanese descent, who have lived in Japan since before World War II and their descendants. This status grants them certain rights and privileges that other foreign residents do not have, such as easier re-entry into Japan and less stringent requirements for residency renewal.

日本 特別永住者以外 encompasses all other foreign residents who do not hold this special status. These individuals may include regular permanent residents, temporary residents, students, workers, and others who are living in Japan under different visa categories.

妥当 (dato) means "appropriate," "reasonable," or "proper" in Japanese. It is used to describe something that is fair, justified, or suitable for a particular situation or context.

For example, when making decisions, dato can refer to a course of action that is well-considered and suitable given the circumstances. It is often used in legal, business, and everyday contexts to indicate that a decision, action, or solution meets the necessary criteria and is acceptable.

更生 (kosei) means "rehabilitation" or "reformation" in Japanese. It refers to the process of helping someone improve or return to a better state, often used in the context of personal development, correctional programs, or societal reintegration.

In the criminal justice system, kosei involves efforts to rehabilitate offenders, enabling them to reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens. This can include educational programs, counseling, vocational training, and other support services.

In a broader sense, kosei can also refer to the improvement or reform of systems, organizations, or processes to enhance their efficiency, effectiveness, or ethical standards.

元号 (gengo) refers to the era name used in Japan to mark periods of time. Each emperor's reign is associated with a unique era name. The era name changes when a new emperor ascends the throne. For example, the current era, which began in 2019, is called Reiwa, following the "Heisei" era that ended in 2019.

Era names are used in official documents, calendars, and other contexts. They reflect significant cultural and historical shifts and are chosen to embody the aspirations and values of the new era. The practice of using gengo dates back over a thousand years and remains an integral part of Japanese culture and timekeeping.

聴取 (choshu) means "hearing," "listening," or "interview" in Japanese. It is commonly used in legal and administrative contexts to refer to the act of collecting information, testimony, or statements by listening to someone.

In legal settings, choshu might involve gathering evidence or taking statements from witnesses or involved parties during an investigation or trial. In administrative contexts, it can refer to conducting interviews or hearings to understand various issues or collect necessary information for decision-making.

The term emphasizes the process of listening carefully and attentively to obtain accurate and relevant information.