Japanese Business Glossary

The term 機械 (kikai) in Japanese translates to "machine" or "machinery" in English. It refers to mechanical devices or equipment used for specific purposes, such as manufacturing, transportation, or any other function that requires mechanical assistance. Machines can range from simple tools like levers and pulleys to complex systems like computers and industrial robots.

催告書 (saikokusho) is a written notice or demand letter in Japan. It is typically used in legal and business contexts to formally notify or demand action from a party. This document serves several purposes.

Firstly, it formally informs the recipient of a specific issue, such as overdue payments, contract breaches, or required actions. Secondly, it explicitly demands that the recipient take a specific action within a stipulated timeframe. This could be the payment of a debt, the fulfillment of contractual obligations, or any other required action. Thirdly, it acts as a legal record showing that the sender has formally notified the recipient. This can be important in subsequent legal proceedings if the matter is not resolved.

A saikokusho typically includes the date of the notice, the names and addresses of the sender and recipient, a detailed description of the issue or breach, the specific actions demanded, the deadline for compliance, and the consequences of non-compliance. Issuing a saikokusho is often a preliminary step before taking more serious legal actions, such as filing a lawsuit.

がん保険 (gan hoken) is a type of cancer insurance in Japan. This insurance is designed to provide financial support specifically for cancer-related treatments and expenses. It typically covers costs that may not be fully included in regular health insurance, such as advanced medical treatments, hospitalization, surgery, and other cancer-related care.

Gan hoken helps cover the costs of treatments, including hospitalization, surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Some policies provide coverage for cutting-edge treatments and technologies that might not be covered by standard health insurance. Many cancer insurance policies offer lump-sum payments upon diagnosis, which can be used for various expenses, including non-medical costs like transportation, home care, or even daily living expenses during treatment. The insurance can also provide a supplemental income if the insured is unable to work due to cancer treatment.

Having cancer insurance can alleviate financial stress, allowing the insured and their family to focus on recovery without worrying about the high costs of cancer treatment. It's important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any gan hoken policy to understand what is covered, any exclusions, and the benefits provided.

慶弔費 (keichouhi), ceremonial expenses, refers to expenses related to ceremonial occasions, both celebratory and mournful. These include costs for events such as weddings, funerals, and other significant life events. In a business context, keichouhi can cover gifts or monetary contributions for celebrations or condolences, flowers or wreaths for funerals, and expenses for attending ceremonies or events. These expenses are often recorded separately in accounting to distinguish them from regular business expenses. They reflect a company's commitment to maintaining relationships and showing respect for employees, clients, and business partners during important personal events.

The term 予算 (yosan) in Japanese means "budget." It refers to the estimation of income and expenditure for a specific period, typically a fiscal year, for individuals, businesses, or government entities.

In a business context, a budget outlines the expected revenues and allocates resources to different departments and projects, serving as a financial plan to achieve business goals.

Creating and managing a budget is essential for financial planning, monitoring performance, and making informed financial decisions.

The term 留意 (ryui) in Japanese means "to pay attention to" or "to take note of." It is often used to indicate that one should be cautious or mindful of certain things.

In a business context, ryui is commonly used to advise individuals to be aware of particular details or considerations. For example, a company might advise its employees to ryui specific regulations or market conditions.