Japanese Business Glossary

規約 (kiyaku) refers to regulations, rules, or terms of service in Japanese. This term is used to describe a set of agreed-upon guidelines or rules that govern the behavior and responsibilities of members within an organization, group, or service.

Kiyaku can be found in various contexts, such as in the terms and conditions of a website, membership rules of a club, or the bylaws of an association. These rules are established to ensure orderly conduct, protect the rights of members, and provide clear expectations regarding acceptable behavior and procedures.

For example, when you sign up for an online service, you often have to agree to the 規約, which outline how you can use the service, what is prohibited, and what actions the service provider can take if you violate the terms. Similarly, the kiyaku of a homeowners' association might detail the responsibilities of homeowners, the maintenance of common areas, and the process for resolving disputes.

Overall, 規約 serves as a crucial framework for maintaining order and fairness within various types of organizations and services, ensuring that all participants understand their rights and obligations.

飲食店 (inshokuten) refers to a restaurant or an eating and drinking establishment in Japanese. This term encompasses a wide variety of venues where food and beverages are served to customers, including traditional Japanese restaurants, cafes, izakayas (Japanese-style pubs), fast food outlets, and more upscale dining establishments.

In an inshokuten, customers can enjoy a range of meals, snacks, and drinks, often with the option to dine in or take out. These establishments vary greatly in terms of the type of cuisine offered, ambiance, and pricing. Some 飲食店 specialize in specific types of Japanese cuisine, such as sushi, ramen, tempura, or yakiniku (grilled meat), while others may offer international dishes.

Operating an inshokuten involves various aspects, including menu planning, food preparation, customer service, and compliance with health and safety regulations. The success of an 飲食店 often depends on its ability to provide high-quality food and a pleasant dining experience, attracting repeat customers and positive word-of-mouth.

投資顧問 (toshi komon) refers to an investment advisor or investment advisory services in Japanese. This term is used to describe professionals or firms that provide advice and guidance on investment decisions, portfolio management, and financial planning to individuals, businesses, or institutions.

A toshi komon helps clients make informed decisions about how to allocate their assets, which securities to invest in, and how to manage investment risks. They may offer services such as analyzing market trends, recommending specific investments, creating diversified portfolios, and monitoring and adjusting investment strategies based on changing market conditions or the client’s financial goals.

These advisors typically possess expertise in financial markets, investment products, and economic trends, enabling them to provide tailored advice that aligns with the client's risk tolerance, investment objectives, and time horizon. In Japan, toshi komon services are regulated to ensure that advisors act in the best interests of their clients, maintaining transparency, and adhering to ethical standards.

定借 (teishaku) refers to a fixed-term lease in Japanese. This type of lease agreement specifies a fixed period during which the tenant is allowed to use the property, and it cannot be terminated before the end of the term unless both parties agree.

Fixed-term leases are commonly used in both residential and commercial real estate. The lease outlines the duration, rental payments, and conditions of use for the property. At the end of the lease term, the tenant must vacate the property unless a new lease agreement is negotiated.

The key characteristic of teishaku is the certainty it provides both the landlord and the tenant regarding the duration of the tenancy. For the landlord, it ensures a steady rental income for the agreed period without the risk of early termination by the tenant. For the tenant, it provides stability and assurance that the property will be available for their use for the duration of the lease term.

Fixed-term leases are particularly useful in situations where long-term planning is essential, such as for businesses needing a stable location or for individuals looking for housing security for a specific period.

厚生年金 (kosei nenkin) refers to the Employees' Pension Insurance system in Japan. This public pension program is designed to provide retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to employees of private-sector companies and their dependents.

The system is mandatory for most employees working in companies, including full-time and part-time workers. Both the employer and employee contribute to the kosei nenkin fund through payroll deductions, with the contributions based on the employee's salary. The amount of the pension benefits an individual receives upon retirement depends on their contribution period and the total amount contributed during their employment.

Kosei nenkin is an essential part of Japan's social security system, complementing the National Pension (国民年金, kokumin nenkin) system, which covers self-employed individuals, students, and other non-company workers. Together, these pension programs aim to ensure that all citizens have a basic level of income security in their retirement years.

Additionally, kosei nenkin provides benefits in cases of disability or death, offering financial support to individuals and their families during times of need. The system is crucial for maintaining the financial well-being and stability of Japan's aging population.

正味 (shomi) refers to the net amount or net weight of something in Japanese. This term is commonly used in contexts such as packaging, shipping, and pricing to indicate the actual content or value of a product, excluding any packaging, discounts, or additional charges.

For example, when purchasing food items, the shomi weight refers to the weight of the food itself without the packaging. In financial contexts, shomi can refer to the net price or net profit, meaning the amount remaining after all deductions, such as taxes, expenses, or losses, have been accounted for.