Japanese Business Glossary

慰労 (iro) refers to expressing appreciation and gratitude for someone's hard work and efforts, often through acts of recognition or reward, in Japan. This term is commonly used in workplaces and social settings to acknowledge the dedication and contributions of individuals or teams. Iro can take various forms, such as giving a thank-you note, offering a bonus, organizing a celebration, or providing a day off. The practice of iro is important in fostering a positive environment, boosting morale, and motivating people to continue their good work. It reflects a cultural emphasis on recognizing and valuing the efforts and achievements of others.

配偶者の扶養義務 (haigusha no fuyo gimu) refers to the legal obligation of a spouse to support their partner financially and emotionally in Japan. This duty ensures that both spouses contribute to the well-being and maintenance of the household, providing for basic needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. The obligation extends to situations where one spouse may not be able to support themselves due to reasons such as unemployment, illness, or other circumstances. The concept of haigusha no fuyo gimu is rooted in Japanese family law, which emphasizes mutual support and cooperation between married partners. This legal requirement aims to promote stability and fairness within the marriage, ensuring that both individuals uphold their responsibilities toward each other.

節税 (setsuzei) refers to tax-saving strategies or tax planning in Japan. It involves legally minimizing the amount of taxes owed by making use of various deductions, credits, allowances, and exemptions provided under tax laws. Individuals and businesses engage in setsuzei to reduce their tax liability and retain more of their income or profits. Common methods include maximizing allowable deductions, investing in tax-advantaged accounts, taking advantage of tax credits, and structuring business operations efficiently. Effective setsuzei requires a good understanding of tax regulations and careful financial planning. It is an important aspect of financial management, helping taxpayers optimize their finances and achieve greater economic efficiency.

行為 (koi) refers to an act or action taken by an individual, encompassing a wide range of behaviors, deeds, or activities. In legal contexts, koi often denotes a deliberate act that can have legal consequences, such as entering into a contract, committing an offense, or fulfilling an obligation. It implies intentional and voluntary conduct, as opposed to actions that occur accidentally or involuntarily. Understanding koi is essential in various fields, including law, ethics, and psychology, as it helps to determine responsibility, intent, and the impact of an individual's actions on others and society. In everyday use, koi can simply refer to any action or behavior performed by a person in their daily life.

留置 (ryuchi) is a Japanese term that generally refers to detention or custody. It is used in legal contexts to describe the act of detaining a person, typically by law enforcement authorities, for the purpose of investigation or to ensure the person's appearance in court.

In criminal procedure, someone who is arrested may be placed in 留置所 (ryuchijo), which is a detention facility where they are held temporarily during the investigation and before any formal charges or trial.

The purpose of ryuchi is to prevent the suspect from fleeing, destroying evidence, or committing further offenses while the investigation is ongoing.

請書 (ukesho) refers to a written document or pledge in Japan, often used to confirm an agreement, request, or promise. This document is typically signed by the involved parties to formalize their commitment to certain terms or conditions. Ukesho is commonly used in various contexts, such as business transactions, legal agreements, or employment contracts, to ensure clarity and mutual understanding of the responsibilities and expectations. By creating a ukesho, parties can prevent misunderstandings and provide a tangible record of their agreement, which can be referred to in case of disputes or the need for clarification. It serves as a formal and legally binding record of the commitments made by each party.