Japanese Business Glossary

電話加入権 (denwa kanyuken) is a Japanese term that translates to "telephone subscription right" or "telephone line ownership" in English. It refers to the right to use a fixed telephone line provided by a telecommunications company. This concept was particularly relevant in Japan before the liberalization of the telecommunications market when obtaining a telephone line required purchasing this right.

In the past, individuals or businesses needed to purchase denwa kanyuken as a prerequisite to having a telephone line installed. This right could be bought, sold, or transferred and was considered an asset. However, with the deregulation and modernization of the telecommunications industry, the requirement for denwa kanyuken has been largely abolished, making it easier and less costly for people to obtain telephone services.

地代家賃 (chidai yachin) is a Japanese term that translates to "land rent and house rent" or "land and building rent" in English. It refers to the payments made for the use of land and buildings.

地代 (chidai) specifically refers to the rent paid for the use of land. This can include agricultural land, commercial land, or residential land where the tenant pays the landowner for the right to use the land.

家賃 (yachin) refers to the rent paid for the use of a building or house. This includes residential properties such as apartments or houses, as well as commercial properties like office spaces or retail stores.

Together, 地代家賃 encompasses all forms of rental payments made for both land and buildings. This term is commonly used in real estate, property management, and lease agreements in Japan.

取得 (shutoku) is a Japanese term that translates to "acquisition" or "obtaining" in English. It refers to the act of gaining possession or ownership of something through purchase, inheritance, or other means.

In a business context, 取得 can relate to acquiring assets, property, rights, or shares in a company. For example, a company may 取得 another business to expand its operations or acquire new technologies. It can also refer to individuals acquiring qualifications, skills, or certifications.

The term emphasizes the process of gaining control or ownership of an asset or right, often implying a formal or legal procedure.

暴力団 (boryokudan) is a Japanese term that translates to "organized crime group" or yakuza. It refers to criminal organizations in Japan known for their involvement in various illegal activities, such as extortion, gambling, drug trafficking, prostitution, and loan sharking.

These groups have a hierarchical structure, with members adhering to strict codes of conduct and loyalty. The yakuza have a long history in Japan and are known for their distinctive tattoos and rituals. Despite their criminal activities, they sometimes portray themselves as protectors of traditional Japanese values and communities.

The Japanese government has implemented various laws and measures to combat the influence and activities of 暴力団, aiming to reduce their impact on society and the economy.

土地信託 (tochishintaku) is a Japanese term that translates to "land trust" in English. It refers to a legal arrangement in which the ownership and management of a piece of land are entrusted to a trustee, usually a financial institution or a trust company. The trustee manages the land on behalf of the beneficiaries, who retain the beneficial interest in the property.

In a tochishintaku, the trustee is responsible for various tasks, such as developing the land, leasing it, or selling it, according to the terms of the trust agreement. This arrangement can help landowners maximize the value of their property, manage it more efficiently, and potentially reduce tax liabilities. It is often used in real estate development projects and estate planning.

代襲相続 (daishuu souzoku) is a Japanese term that translates to "substitute inheritance" or "representation inheritance" in English. This legal concept applies when an heir who would have inherited from a deceased person (the decedent) has already passed away before the decedent. In such cases, the deceased heir's descendants (typically children) inherit in place of the original heir.

For example, if a parent dies and their child, who was the designated heir, has also died, the grandchild would inherit the share that the child would have received. This ensures that the inheritance rights are preserved within the family lineage.