Japanese Business Glossary

看過 (kanka) translates to "overlook" or "ignore" in English. It refers to the act of deliberately or unintentionally failing to notice, acknowledge, or address something.

In various contexts, overlook can imply negligence or the choice to ignore a problem, mistake, or wrongdoing. For instance, in a legal or administrative setting, overlook of a violation might lead to further issues or indicate a lack of due diligence. The term emphasizes the importance of attention and proper response to matters that require it.

県民共済 (kenmin kyosai) refers to "Prefectural Residents' Cooperative Insurance" in English. It is a mutual aid insurance system in Japan that provides various types of insurance coverage, such as life insurance, health insurance, and accident insurance, to residents of a specific prefecture.

Kenmin kyosai is operated by cooperative societies in each prefecture and aims to offer affordable insurance options to its members. The insurance premiums are typically lower than those of private insurance companies, and the coverage includes a range of benefits to support residents in times of need. This system promotes mutual assistance and financial security among the residents of the prefecture.

財務諸表 (zaimu shohyo) translates to "financial statements" in English. Financial statements are formal records that outline the financial activities and position of a business, person, or other entity. They provide a summary of the financial performance and condition of an entity over a specific period.

The key components of zaimu shohyo include the balance sheet, which shows the entity's assets, liabilities, and shareholders' equity at a specific point in time; the income statement, which details the entity's revenues, expenses, and profits or losses over a specified period; the cash flow statement, which provides an overview of the cash inflows and outflows from operating, investing, and financing activities over a period; and the statement of changes in equity, which shows changes in the company's equity during the reporting period. These statements are crucial for stakeholders, including investors, creditors, and management, to assess the financial health and performance of an entity.

身体障害 (shintai shogai) refers to a "physical disability" in English. This term describes impairments or conditions that affect a person's physical functioning, mobility, dexterity, or stamina. Physical disabilities can result from congenital conditions, injuries, illnesses, or other medical conditions.

People with shintai shogai may require various forms of assistance or accommodations to perform daily activities, such as mobility aids, medical devices, or accessible facilities. The term emphasizes the impact on the physical body and the need for support to enhance the individual's quality of life and ability to participate in society.

専務 (senmu) refers to an "executive managing director" or "senior managing director" in English. This is a high-ranking position within a company, typically responsible for overseeing specific areas of the business, making strategic decisions, and managing day-to-day operations.

The role of a senmu often involves working closely with other top executives and the board of directors to ensure that the company meets its goals and objectives. This position is critical for the smooth functioning and strategic direction of the organization.

通関 (tsukan) refers to "customs clearance" in English. This is the process by which goods are approved for import or export through a country's customs authorities.

Customs clearance involves the submission and verification of required documentation, payment of duties and taxes, and inspection of the goods to ensure compliance with relevant regulations. This process is essential for legal trade and helps to regulate and monitor the flow of goods across borders, ensuring that all import and export activities comply with national laws and international trade agreements.