Japanese Business Glossary

牽制 (kensei) in Japanese means "restraint" or "check." It refers to actions taken to restrict or control the behavior or movements of others, often to prevent undesirable outcomes.

In a business context, kensei might involve strategic measures to limit a competitor's actions or influence in the market. In sports, such as baseball, it can refer to tactics used to prevent an opponent from advancing or gaining an advantage.

In everyday interactions, kensei can describe efforts to keep someone in check or to maintain a balance of power. The concept emphasizes the importance of vigilance and strategic thinking in managing potential threats or competitive dynamics.

敷金礼金なし (shikikin reikin nashi) in Japanese refers to rental properties that do not require a security deposit (敷金, shikikin) or a key money fee (礼金, reikin).

Shikikin is a refundable deposit paid by tenants to cover any potential damages or unpaid rent. Reikin, on the other hand, is a non-refundable fee given as a gift to the landlord for renting the property, a practice unique to Japan.

When a rental property is advertised as shikikin reikin nashi, it means tenants are not required to pay these upfront fees, making it financially easier to move in. This type of arrangement is attractive to renters looking to minimize initial move-in costs. However, tenants should still carefully review the lease terms, as there may be other fees or conditions associated with the rental agreement.

現物 (genbutsu) in Japanese refers to "physical goods" or "actual items." It is used to distinguish tangible assets from financial instruments or contracts.

For example, in the context of trading and investment, 現物取引 (genbutsu torihiki) means a cash transaction or spot transaction where the actual goods are exchanged, as opposed to futures or options contracts where the exchange may occur at a later date or may not involve physical delivery at all.

In other contexts, genbutsu can refer to physical items being discussed, such as goods in inventory, products being sold, or items being used in manufacturing.

消費者センター (shohisha senta) in Japanese refers to a Consumer Center. These centers are established to protect and support consumers by providing information, advice, and assistance regarding consumer rights and issues.

Consumer Centers handle complaints, mediate disputes between consumers and businesses, and offer guidance on how to resolve problems related to products and services. They also conduct educational programs to raise awareness about consumer rights and promote fair trade practices.

適応 (tekiou) in Japanese means "adaptation" or "adjustment." It refers to the process of adjusting or adapting to new conditions, environments, or situations.

In a biological context, tekiou can describe how organisms evolve traits that allow them to survive and thrive in their environments. In a psychological or social context, it refers to an individual's ability to cope with changes and challenges in their personal or professional life.

In business, tekiou might involve modifying strategies, processes, or products to meet changing market demands or regulatory requirements. Effective tekiou is crucial for success and resilience, as it enables individuals and organizations to navigate and flourish amid evolving circumstances.

体系 (taikei) in Japanese means "system" or "structure." It refers to an organized and coherent arrangement of elements or components that work together as a whole.

In various contexts, taikei can describe different kinds of systems. For instance, in education, it can refer to the educational system or curriculum structure. In science, it might denote a classification system or a theoretical framework. In business, taikei could pertain to organizational structure or a systematic approach to processes and operations.