Japanese Business Glossary

公開買い付け (koukai kaitsuke) refers to a "tender offer" in Japanese financial terminology. This is a public offer made by an investor, company, or group to purchase a significant number of shares from shareholders of a target company at a specified price. The offer is typically higher than the current market price to encourage shareholders to sell their shares.

Tender offers are commonly used in various scenarios such as mergers, acquisitions, and takeovers. The aim is often to gain control of the target company or consolidate a controlling interest. If the tender offer is successful, the buyer can significantly influence or outright control the target company's management and operations.

For a company to initiate a tender offer, it must disclose the details, including the offer price, the number of shares intended for purchase, and the duration of the offer period. This process is regulated to ensure transparency and fairness to all shareholders.

The term 業者 (gyosha) in Japanese refers to a business, vendor, or service provider. It is often used to describe a person or company engaged in a particular trade or industry. For example, a construction company could be referred to as a 建設業者 (kensetsu gyosha), meaning construction business or contractor. The term can be used in various contexts to describe entities involved in commercial activities.

今般 (konpan) is a Japanese term that means "this time" or "recently." It is often used in formal writing or speech to refer to current or recent events or situations. For example, it might be used in official announcements, business reports, or news articles to highlight the relevance of recent developments or actions.

代表権 (daihyouken) refers to "representative authority" in Japan. It is the legal power granted to an individual, typically an executive like a company president or a CEO, to act on behalf of the company. This authority includes signing contracts, making binding decisions, and conducting business transactions.

In Japanese companies, the person with daihyouken has significant responsibility and control over the company's operations. This role is often held by the 代表取締役 (daihyou torishimariyaku), which translates to "representative director." This person is officially registered and recognized as having the legal authority to represent the company in all matters.

旅行会社 (ryokou gaisha) is the Japanese term for a travel agency.

A travel agency in Japan provides various services related to travel, including booking flights, hotels, tours, and transportation. They may also offer travel insurance, visa assistance, and customized travel packages. Travel agencies cater to both domestic and international travel needs, helping customers plan and arrange their trips efficiently.

同性婚 (douseikon) translates to "same-sex marriage" in English. This term refers to the legally recognized marriage between two people of the same sex, whether male or female.

In Japan, the legal status of same-sex marriage is complex and varies by region. While same-sex marriage is not legally recognized at the national level, certain municipalities and prefectures have introduced partnership certificates that provide limited legal benefits to same-sex couples. These certificates, however, do not equate to full marriage rights and are primarily symbolic, offering some recognition but no legal standing equivalent to heterosexual marriages.

Public opinion in Japan has been shifting over the years, with increasing support for same-sex marriage. Various surveys indicate a growing acceptance among the Japanese population, especially among younger generations.