Japanese Business Glossary

見解 (kenkai) means "opinion," "view," or "perspective" in Japanese. It refers to a person's or group's interpretation, understanding, or stance on a particular issue or topic.

The term is commonly used in various contexts, such as academic, professional, and everyday discussions, to express one's thoughts or conclusions based on analysis, experience, or belief. For example, a company might release a statement explaining its kenkai on a market trend, or an expert might share their kenkai on a specific subject during an interview.

曽祖母 (sosobo) means "great-grandmother" in Japanese. This term refers to the mother of one's grandparent. In family lineage, a 曽祖母 is two generations above an individual. The term is used to describe the familial relationship in both formal and informal contexts, acknowledging the extended family structure and ancestral connections.

暦年 (rekinen) refers to a calendar year in Japanese. It is the period from January 1 to December 31, based on the Gregorian calendar. This term is often used in legal, financial, and business contexts to specify time periods for contracts, reports, tax filings, and other official documents.

Understanding rekinen is important for aligning various activities and obligations with the standard calendar year, ensuring clarity and consistency in planning, reporting, and compliance with regulations.

写し (utsushi) means "copy" or "duplicate" in Japanese. It refers to a reproduction of a document, image, or other original items. This term is often used in various contexts where exact replicas or reproductions are needed.

For example, in legal and administrative settings, utsushi can refer to copies of official documents, such as contracts, identification papers, or certificates. In everyday use, it can refer to photocopies or digital scans of any original material.

Having an utsushi is important for record-keeping, sharing information, and ensuring that important documents are preserved and accessible without needing to handle the original item frequently.

借換 (karikae) refers to refinancing or loan refinancing in Japanese. It involves replacing an existing loan with a new one, typically to obtain better terms such as lower interest rates, reduced monthly payments, or a different loan duration. Refinancing can apply to various types of loans, including mortgages, personal loans, and business loans.

The primary goal of karikae is to improve the borrower's financial situation by taking advantage of better loan conditions. For instance, a borrower might refinance their mortgage to benefit from a lower interest rate, thereby reducing their overall repayment amount. Additionally, refinancing can help consolidate multiple debts into a single loan, simplifying repayment and potentially reducing costs.

Understanding karikae is crucial for effective financial management, as it provides an opportunity to optimize loan terms and improve cash flow. However, it is important to carefully evaluate the new loan conditions, fees, and potential long-term impact before proceeding with refinancing.

準ずる (junzuru) means "to follow," "to conform to," or "to be based on" in Japanese. It is often used to describe something that adheres to a certain standard, rule, or principle.

For example, in legal or regulatory contexts, junzuru might be used to indicate that certain actions or practices should conform to specific laws or guidelines. In business, it can refer to procedures or operations that are aligned with established standards or protocols.