Japanese Business Glossary

住宅ローン借り換え (jutaku ron karikae) is a Japanese term that translates to "mortgage refinancing" in English. It refers to the process of replacing an existing home loan with a new one, typically with better terms such as a lower interest rate, a different loan duration, or more favorable repayment conditions. The primary reasons for refinancing a mortgage include reducing monthly payments, lowering the overall cost of the loan, changing the loan type (e.g., from a variable rate to a fixed rate), or accessing home equity for other financial needs.

The process of jutaku ron karikae involves evaluating the current mortgage terms and financial goals, researching and comparing offers from various lenders, applying for the new loan and providing necessary documentation, and using the proceeds from the new loan to pay off the existing mortgage. Refinancing can lead to significant financial savings and improved loan terms, but it also requires careful consideration of associated costs such as application fees, appraisal fees, and closing costs.

事由 (jiyu) is a Japanese term that translates to "reason," "cause," or "grounds" in English. It refers to the underlying reason or justification for an action, decision, or event. In various contexts, jiyu can be used to explain why something happened or why a particular course of action was taken.

For example, in legal contexts, jiyu might refer to the grounds for a legal action or the reasons cited in a legal document. In everyday use, it can simply mean the cause or reason behind any action or event.

忌避 (kihi) is a Japanese term that translates to "avoidance," "evasion," or "challenge" in English. It refers to the act of avoiding or evading something, or in a legal context, it can mean challenging the impartiality of a judge or an official involved in a case.

In general usage, kihi can describe any deliberate effort to avoid a particular situation, duty, or responsibility. For example, it can refer to avoiding taxes, duties, or uncomfortable situations.

In a legal context, kihi is often used to refer to the right of a party in a legal proceeding to request the removal of a judge, juror, or official due to perceived bias, conflict of interest, or lack of impartiality. This ensures a fair trial or hearing by preventing any unfair influence on the outcome of the case.

概ね (omune) is a Japanese term that translates to "generally," "roughly," or "mostly" in English. It is used to indicate that something is true in a general sense or to a large extent, though not necessarily in every detail or instance. The term is often used to give an overall impression or summary rather than precise specifics.

For example, if someone says "概ね良好" (omune ryoko), it means "generally good" or "mostly satisfactory," implying that, while there might be some minor issues, the overall situation is positive. Similarly, "概ね理解しました" (omune rikai shimashita) means "I generally understand," indicating an understanding of the main points even if some details might still be unclear.

戻入 (reinyu or modoriire) is a Japanese term that translates to "reversal" or "reinstatement" in English. It refers to the act of returning something to its original state or position. In financial and accounting contexts, reinyu specifically means reversing a previously recorded entry or reinstating a previously deducted amount back into the accounts.

For example, if an expense was mistakenly recorded, a reinyu entry would be made to correct the mistake by reversing the initial entry. Similarly, if a provision or reserve was set aside for a specific purpose but is no longer needed, the funds can be reinyu, or returned, to the general account. This term is important for ensuring accuracy and transparency in financial records.

据え置き (sueoki) refers to a period in a loan or finance agreement where the borrower is not required to make principal repayments. During this period, the borrower typically only pays the interest on the loan.

This term is often used in the context of business loans and personal loans in Japan. The sueoki period can provide borrowers with temporary financial relief by reducing their monthly payment obligations to just the interest portion, allowing them to manage their cash flow better, especially during the initial phase of the loan term.

Understanding sueoki is important for businesses and individuals to make informed financial decisions and manage their loan repayments effectively.