Japanese Business Glossary

発起人 (hokkinin) refers to a promoter or founder in Japanese. This term is used to describe an individual or a group of individuals who take the initiative to establish a new company, organization, or project.

The hokkinin are responsible for the initial planning, organization, and legal formalities required to set up the entity. In the context of company incorporation, they prepare and file the necessary documents, such as the articles of incorporation, with the relevant authorities. They may also secure initial funding, recruit key personnel, and establish the company’s strategic direction.

The role of hokkinin is crucial in the early stages of a business or organization as they lay the groundwork for its future operations and growth. They often continue to be involved in the organization as shareholders, directors, or key executives, although their exact roles and responsibilities can vary depending on the structure and needs of the entity they have established.

抵当権者 (teitokensha) refers to a mortgagee or lienholder in Japanese. This term is used to describe the person or entity that holds a mortgage or a lien on a property as security for a loan. In the context of a mortgage, the teitokensha is typically a bank or financial institution that has provided a loan to the borrower (who is the property owner) and, in return, has a legal claim on the property until the loan is fully repaid.

The rights of the teitokensha include the ability to foreclose on the property if the borrower defaults on the loan. This means the mortgagee can sell the property to recover the outstanding loan amount. The mortgagee’s claim on the property takes precedence over other creditors, ensuring that they have the first right to the proceeds from any sale of the property.

The concept of teitokensha is fundamental in secured lending, as it provides lenders with a level of assurance and security, reducing the risk associated with lending large sums of money. For borrowers, it means they can access significant funds by using their property as collateral, though they must adhere to the loan terms to avoid foreclosure.

奨励 (shorei) refers to encouragement or promotion in Japanese. This term is used to describe the act of supporting, motivating, or urging someone to undertake a certain activity or to achieve a particular goal. It can be applied in various contexts, including education, business, and personal development.

For example, in an educational setting, shorei might involve encouraging students to participate in extracurricular activities, pursue higher education, or engage in academic research. In a business context, companies might offer shorei in the form of incentives, rewards, or recognition to employees who meet performance targets, demonstrate innovation, or contribute to the company's success.

The concept of shorei is important because it helps motivate individuals to improve their skills, achieve their goals, and strive for excellence. By providing encouragement and support, organizations and leaders can foster a positive and productive environment that promotes growth and development.

特別損失 (tokubetsu sonshitsu) refers to extraordinary losses in Japanese. This term is used in accounting and financial reporting to describe significant, non-recurring losses that do not arise from the normal operations of a business. These losses are considered exceptional and are typically reported separately from regular operating expenses to provide a clearer picture of a company's financial performance.

Examples of tokubetsu sonshitsu might include losses from natural disasters, significant asset write-downs, restructuring costs, litigation settlements, or losses from the sale of a subsidiary or major asset. By categorizing these losses as tokubetsu sonshitsu, companies can help investors and stakeholders understand the impact of unusual or infrequent events on their financial results.

The reporting of tokubetsu sonshitsu is important for transparency and accurate financial analysis, as it distinguishes between the ongoing operational performance of a company and the effects of extraordinary events. This separation allows for a more accurate assessment of a company's profitability and financial health.

積立保険 (tsumitate hoken) is a type of savings insurance in Japan. It combines the features of a savings account and a life insurance policy. Policyholders regularly pay premiums, which accumulate over time. This accumulated amount can be used as a savings fund, providing financial security and a potential return on investment. In addition to the savings component, tsumitate hoken also offers life insurance coverage. If the policyholder passes away during the policy term, a predetermined death benefit is paid to the beneficiaries. This dual nature of providing both savings and insurance makes tsumitate hoken a popular financial product for individuals looking to secure their future and protect their loved ones.

参与 (sanyo) refers to participation or involvement in Japanese. In a business context, it typically means being actively involved in decision-making processes or contributing to the execution of a plan or project. This term can apply to various levels of participation, from contributing ideas in meetings to taking on specific responsibilities within a team. The concept of sanyo emphasizes the importance of collective effort and collaboration, ensuring that different perspectives and expertise are considered. By fostering active participation, organizations can create a more inclusive and dynamic working environment that leverages the strengths of all members.