Japanese Business Glossary

仕組み債 (shikumi-sai) refers to structured bonds or structured notes in Japan. These are complex financial instruments that combine bonds with derivatives to create customized investment products tailored to meet specific investor needs or to achieve particular financial objectives.

Structured bonds are designed to offer higher returns or specific risk/return profiles that are not available through traditional bonds. They can be linked to various underlying assets or benchmarks, such as interest rates, stock indices, commodities, currencies, or other financial indicators. The performance of these underlying assets directly impacts the returns and risks associated with the structured bonds.

Investors in shikumi-sai might receive higher interest payments or other benefits if certain conditions are met. However, these instruments also come with higher risks, including the possibility of losing part or all of the invested principal if the underlying assets perform poorly.

shikumi-sai are typically used by sophisticated investors who have a thorough understanding of the associated risks and rewards. They are often utilized for portfolio diversification, risk management, or to capitalize on specific market opportunities. Due to their complexity, structured bonds require careful consideration and analysis before investment.

更送 (kousou) refers to the act of resending or sending again. It is commonly used in contexts where an item, document, or piece of information needs to be sent a second time due to various reasons, such as non-receipt by the intended recipient, errors in the initial transmission, or updates to the content that require the recipient to receive the revised version.

In business or administrative settings, kousou might occur if an important document was lost, misdelivered, or if corrections needed to be made to the originally sent material. The process ensures that the necessary information reaches the recipient accurately and in a timely manner.

原資 (genshi) refers to the source of funds or capital in Japan. This term is used to describe the origin or primary source of money used for a particular purpose, such as investment, business operations, or covering expenses.

For example, in the context of business financing, genshi could refer to the initial capital invested by the founders, funds raised from investors, or revenue generated from business activities. In public finance, it could refer to tax revenues or government allocations used to fund public projects and services.

Understanding genshi is important for financial planning and management, as it helps identify where the money is coming from and how it can be effectively utilized to achieve financial goals and sustain operations. It is a fundamental concept in both personal and corporate finance, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of funds.

修正 (shuusei) refers to correction, revision, or modification. This term is used to describe the act of making changes to something in order to improve it, correct errors, or update information. shuusei can apply to a wide range of contexts, including documents, plans, systems, and processes.

For example, in a business setting, shuusei might involve correcting financial statements, revising project plans, or updating company policies. In a legal context, it could refer to amending contracts or legal documents to reflect new agreements or correct mistakes.

The purpose of shuusei is to ensure accuracy, improve quality, and adapt to new information or changing circumstances. It is an important process in maintaining the reliability and effectiveness of various activities and operations.

終身医療保険 (shuushin iryou hoken) refers to whole life medical insurance in Japan. This type of insurance provides coverage for medical expenses throughout the insured person's lifetime, as long as they continue to pay the premiums.

Shuushin iryou hoken is designed to offer financial protection against medical costs, including hospitalization, surgeries, and other medical treatments. The key feature of this insurance is that it guarantees coverage for the insured individual's entire life, unlike term insurance policies that provide coverage for a specified period.

One of the main benefits of shuushin iryou hoken is the assurance of continuous medical coverage, regardless of changes in health condition or age. Policyholders can also often choose from various options and riders to customize their coverage based on their specific needs.

This type of insurance is popular among those who want long-term security and peace of mind regarding their healthcare expenses. It ensures that they will have financial support for medical treatments without the worry of losing coverage later in life.

祖父母 (sofubo) refers to grandparents in Japanese. It combines the words 祖父 (sofu), meaning grandfather, and 祖母 (sobo), meaning grandmother. This term is used to collectively describe both paternal and maternal grandparents. Grandparents play a significant role in Japanese culture and family life, often involved in caring for and educating their grandchildren, passing down traditions, and maintaining family bonds.