Japanese Business Glossary

妥当 (dato) means "appropriate," "reasonable," or "proper" in Japanese. It is used to describe something that is fair, justified, or suitable for a particular situation or context.

For example, when making decisions, dato can refer to a course of action that is well-considered and suitable given the circumstances. It is often used in legal, business, and everyday contexts to indicate that a decision, action, or solution meets the necessary criteria and is acceptable.

隠蔽 (inpei) means "concealment" or "cover-up" in Japanese. It refers to the act of hiding or deliberately withholding information, actions, or facts to prevent them from being discovered. This term is often used in contexts involving deception or unethical behavior, such as in scandals, fraud, or legal matters, where individuals or organizations may try to obscure the truth or avoid accountability.

Inpei is generally viewed negatively, as it implies dishonesty and a lack of transparency.

更生 (kosei) means "rehabilitation" or "reformation" in Japanese. It refers to the process of helping someone improve or return to a better state, often used in the context of personal development, correctional programs, or societal reintegration.

In the criminal justice system, kosei involves efforts to rehabilitate offenders, enabling them to reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens. This can include educational programs, counseling, vocational training, and other support services.

In a broader sense, kosei can also refer to the improvement or reform of systems, organizations, or processes to enhance their efficiency, effectiveness, or ethical standards.

元号 (gengo) refers to the era name used in Japan to mark periods of time. Each emperor's reign is associated with a unique era name. The era name changes when a new emperor ascends the throne. For example, the current era, which began in 2019, is called Reiwa, following the "Heisei" era that ended in 2019.

Era names are used in official documents, calendars, and other contexts. They reflect significant cultural and historical shifts and are chosen to embody the aspirations and values of the new era. The practice of using gengo dates back over a thousand years and remains an integral part of Japanese culture and timekeeping.

聴取 (choshu) means "hearing," "listening," or "interview" in Japanese. It is commonly used in legal and administrative contexts to refer to the act of collecting information, testimony, or statements by listening to someone.

In legal settings, choshu might involve gathering evidence or taking statements from witnesses or involved parties during an investigation or trial. In administrative contexts, it can refer to conducting interviews or hearings to understand various issues or collect necessary information for decision-making.

The term emphasizes the process of listening carefully and attentively to obtain accurate and relevant information.

見解 (kenkai) means "opinion," "view," or "perspective" in Japanese. It refers to a person's or group's interpretation, understanding, or stance on a particular issue or topic.

The term is commonly used in various contexts, such as academic, professional, and everyday discussions, to express one's thoughts or conclusions based on analysis, experience, or belief. For example, a company might release a statement explaining its kenkai on a market trend, or an expert might share their kenkai on a specific subject during an interview.