Japanese Business Glossary

奉公 (hoko) is a Japanese term that historically refers to a form of service or duty, often associated with loyalty and dedication. This concept was particularly relevant during the feudal era in Japan, where it described the service that samurai or retainers provided to their lords.

In modern times, the term can be understood more broadly as a form of service or work that is carried out with a sense of loyalty, dedication, and responsibility. It emphasizes the values of commitment and dutiful service in various contexts, such as employment, community service, or any form of contribution to a group or organization.

引き抜き (hikihuki) refers to the practice of "headhunting" or "poaching" employees from other companies. This involves recruiting key personnel, often those who hold crucial positions or possess specialized skills, from one company to another.

In Japan, this practice is sensitive due to cultural factors and the emphasis on long-term employment and loyalty. Headhunting can be seen as a disruption to these values and may lead to legal or reputational issues if not handled carefully.

仮装 (kasou) in Japanese means "costume" or "disguise." It often refers to dressing up in costumes for events such as Halloween, cosplay, or themed parties. People wear kasou to transform their appearance, often into characters from anime, manga, movies, or other popular media. This practice is especially popular in Japan's cosplay culture, where enthusiasts dress up as their favorite characters and attend conventions or photoshoots.

活力 (katsuryoku) is a Japanese word that means "vitality," "energy," or "vigor." It refers to the physical or mental energy and enthusiasm a person has. In business contexts, katsuryoku often implies having the dynamism and proactive spirit needed to drive activities and achieve goals effectively.

参考文献 (sankou bunken) translates to "references" or "bibliography" in English. It refers to the list of sources, such as books, articles, or other materials, that are cited or consulted in the preparation of a written work or research paper. The purpose of a sankou bunken is to give credit to the original authors of the works used and to provide readers with the information needed to locate these sources for further study.

減損処理 (genson shori), impairment accounting or impairment processing, is the process of recognizing when the recoverable amount of an asset falls below its book value. This typically occurs when an asset's market value or utility significantly declines. In such cases, the asset is written down to reflect its reduced value, recording an impairment loss in the financial statements. This ensures accurate financial reporting and compliance with accounting standards.