Japanese Business Glossary

上様 (uesama) is a Japanese honorific term historically used to address or refer to someone of high status or nobility. It literally means "Upper Lord" and was commonly used during the feudal era in Japan to address samurai, lords, and other high-ranking officials. In modern times, uesama is rarely used in everyday conversation but can sometimes be found in formal or ceremonial contexts, such as in traditional Japanese theater or historical dramas. It signifies a deep level of respect and reverence, reflecting the hierarchical nature of Japanese society.

勝訴 (shoso) in Japanese refers to winning a lawsuit or a court case. It combines the characters "勝" (sho), meaning "victory" or "to win," and "訴" (so), meaning "lawsuit" or "litigation." This term is used to describe a legal outcome where one party is declared the winner by the court, successfully proving their case against the opposing party. Achieving shoso is often the result of presenting compelling evidence, strong legal arguments, and effective advocacy by legal representatives. In the context of business or personal disputes, shoso can have significant implications, including financial compensation, enforcement of rights, or resolution of conflicts. The term underscores the importance of the legal process in resolving disputes and upholding justice.

上告 (jokoku) refers to the process of appealing to the Supreme Court in Japan. It is a legal procedure where a party who is dissatisfied with the decision made by a lower court, such as a district court or high court, seeks a final judgment from the highest court in the country. This type of appeal is typically allowed in cases involving significant legal questions or issues of interpretation of law. The Supreme Court has the authority to review and potentially overturn lower court decisions. However, not all cases are eligible for jokoku; the Supreme Court carefully selects cases that have substantial legal implications or those that require clarification of legal principles. This process ensures that the legal system remains consistent and that judicial precedents are properly established.

希薄 (kihaku) means "thin," "weak," or "dilute" in Japanese. It is used to describe something that lacks density, concentration, or intensity. For example, it can refer to a weak solution in chemistry, thin air at high altitudes, or a lack of strong emotions or relationships. In a social context, kihaku might describe a situation where human connections or bonds are weak or insubstantial. This term can also be applied to describe ideas or arguments that are not well-developed or lack depth. Overall, kihaku conveys the sense of something being less than robust, whether in physical, emotional, or intellectual terms.

変更 (henko) means "change" or "modification" in Japanese. It is used to describe the act of altering something from its original state. This can apply to a wide range of contexts, such as changing plans, modifying documents, or making adjustments to a schedule. In legal or business settings, henko might refer to amendments to contracts, updates to company policies, or revisions of official documents. The concept emphasizes the process of making alterations to improve, update, or correct something. It implies a shift from one condition to another, aiming for a desired outcome or improvement.

保険外交員 (hoken gaikoin) refers to an insurance agent in Japan. This person is responsible for selling and promoting insurance policies to clients. Their duties include explaining different insurance products, assessing the needs of potential clients, and recommending suitable policies. They also handle paperwork, assist clients with claims, and provide ongoing customer service. Insurance agents often build and maintain relationships with their clients to ensure their insurance needs are met over time. The role requires strong communication skills, a good understanding of insurance products, and the ability to build trust with clients.