Japanese Business Glossary

事例 (jirei) means "case" or "example" in Japanese. It refers to specific instances or occurrences used to illustrate a point, demonstrate a concept, or provide evidence in various contexts. For example, in a business setting, a jirei might describe a successful project to showcase effective strategies or solutions. In legal contexts, it can refer to case studies or precedents that are examined to understand the application of laws and regulations. Using jirei helps in understanding practical applications, drawing lessons, and making informed decisions by analyzing real-life examples or scenarios.

売却 (baikyaku) means "sale" or "disposal" in Japanese. It refers to the act of selling or transferring ownership of an asset, property, or goods in exchange for money. This term is commonly used in various contexts, such as real estate, business, and finance. For instance, a company might engage in baikyaku of its non-core assets to raise capital or streamline operations. In real estate, baikyaku involves selling property, such as land or buildings, to another party. The process of baikyaku typically includes determining the value of the asset, finding a buyer, negotiating terms, and completing the transaction. Understanding baikyaku is important for effective asset management and financial planning.

有効性 (yukosei) is a Japanese term that translates to "effectiveness" or "efficacy" in English. It refers to the degree to which something is successful in producing a desired result or the ability of a particular intervention, strategy, or action to achieve its intended goals. In a business context, yukosei is often used to evaluate the performance of a project, the impact of marketing campaigns, the efficiency of business processes, or the effectiveness of management strategies. Assessing yukosei involves analyzing outcomes, measuring performance against set objectives, and determining how well resources are utilized to achieve optimal results.

財形 (zaikei) refers to "zaikei savings" or "zaikei plans," which are a type of employee savings plan in Japan. These plans are designed to encourage employees to save money by offering tax advantages and sometimes employer contributions. There are three main types of zaikei plans: zaikei housing savings (財形住宅貯蓄), zaikei pension savings (財形年金貯蓄), and general zaikei savings (財形貯蓄). Each plan has specific conditions and benefits. For example, zaikei housing savings can be used to buy a home, while zaikei pension savings are intended for retirement.

生保 (seiho) is an abbreviation for "生命保険" (seimei hoken), which means "life insurance" in English. Life insurance in Japan, as in other countries, is a financial product that provides a lump-sum payment or regular income to designated beneficiaries upon the death of the insured individual. It is designed to offer financial protection and peace of mind to the policyholder's family or dependents, ensuring they are taken care of in the event of an untimely death.

Life insurance policies in Japan can vary widely, with some focusing on providing pure death benefits, while others may include savings and investment components. These policies may also offer additional coverage options, such as for critical illness or disability. The premiums for life insurance policies are typically paid on a regular basis, and the amount of coverage and benefits can be tailored to meet the specific needs and circumstances of the policyholder and their family. Life insurance is a common component of financial planning in Japan, helping individuals manage risk and secure their family's financial future.

報奨金 (hoshokin) refers to "reward money" or "incentive bonus" in English. It is a financial reward given to individuals or groups as recognition for achieving specific goals, performing exceptionally well, or contributing significantly to an organization or project. In a business context, hoshokin is often used to motivate employees, encourage productivity, and acknowledge outstanding performance.

These bonuses can be awarded for a variety of reasons, such as meeting sales targets, completing projects ahead of schedule, or coming up with innovative solutions. The amount and criteria for hoshokin can vary depending on the organization's policies and the nature of the achievement. By offering hoshokin, companies aim to create a positive work environment, foster a culture of excellence, and retain top talent by rewarding their hard work and dedication.