Japanese Business Glossary

営利 (eiri) refers to profit or for-profit activities in Japan. This term is used to describe business operations or activities that are conducted with the primary aim of generating profit. Companies and organizations engaged in eiri activities focus on making money by providing goods or services in exchange for payment.

In a broader sense, eiri contrasts with non-profit (非営利 = hieiri) activities, which are carried out without the primary goal of making a profit. Non-profit organizations typically focus on social, educational, charitable, or cultural objectives rather than financial gain.

Understanding eiri is essential for distinguishing between different types of organizations and their goals, as it impacts their financial management, taxation, and regulatory requirements.

嘆願書 (tangan sho) refers to a petition or written appeal in Japan. This document is used by individuals or groups to formally request something from authorities, such as the government, an organization, or an official. The petition typically outlines the issue at hand, provides supporting arguments or evidence, and asks for specific actions or decisions.

Tangan sho is often used in various contexts, including seeking legislative changes, requesting administrative actions, or appealing for leniency in legal or administrative matters. It is an important tool for expressing collective concerns or requests and can be signed by multiple people to demonstrate widespread support for the cause.

従業員 (jūgyoin) refers to an employee or staff member in Japan. This term describes individuals who work for a company or organization in exchange for wages or salary. Jugyoin are hired to perform specific tasks or roles as part of the workforce, contributing to the organization's operations and overall objectives.

The term encompasses a wide range of job positions and levels within a company, from entry-level workers to skilled professionals and managers. Companies are responsible for providing their jugyoin (employees) with compensation, benefits, and a safe working environment, as well as complying with labor laws and regulations that protect employees' rights.

約束手形 (yakusoku tegata) refers to a promissory note in Japan. This is a financial document in which one party (the maker) promises in writing to pay a specific sum of money to another party (the payee) either on demand or at a fixed or determinable future date.

A yakusoku tegata typically includes key details such as the amount to be paid, the date of payment, the names of the maker and the payee, and the place where the payment is to be made. It serves as a formal and legally binding commitment to fulfill the payment obligation, and it can be used in various business transactions, including loans, sales agreements, and trade financing.

The use of a promissory note in Japan provides a level of security and assurance to the payee, as it is a written promise that can be enforced legally if the maker fails to make the payment as agreed. This instrument is a common method of facilitating credit and financial transactions in the business world.

情報開示請求 (joho kaiji seikyū) translates to "request for information disclosure" in English. This is a formal procedure where an individual or organization requests access to certain information held by another party, often a government body or a corporation.

In Japan, this process is governed by laws designed to promote transparency and accountability.

When you make a joho kaiji seikyū, you usually need to specify the type of information you want, provide any necessary identification, and sometimes pay a fee.

The organization receiving the request is generally required to respond within a certain timeframe, either by providing the requested information or by explaining why it cannot be disclosed.

法人 (hojin) in Japanese refers to a legal entity or a corporation. It is a term used to describe any organization that has been granted legal rights and responsibilities separate from its individual members. In Japan, a hojin can be classified into different types, such as 株式会社 (Kabushiki Kaisha or KK), which is a joint-stock company; 合同会社 (Godo Kaisha or GK), which is a limited liability company; 合名会社 (Gomei Kaisha), which is a general partnership; 合資会社 (Goshi Kaisha), which is a limited partnership; 社団法人 (Shadan Hojin), which is a general incorporated association; and 財団法人 (Zaidan Hojin), which is a general incorporated foundation. Each type of hojin has its own set of rules and regulations governing its formation, management, and operation.