Japanese Business Glossary

睡眠口座 (suimin koza), or "dormant account" in English, refers to a bank account that has not been active for an extended period. Typically, an account is considered dormant if there have been no transactions, such as deposits, withdrawals, or transfers, for a certain length of time, often ranging from one to five years depending on the bank's policies. Despite being inactive, the account remains in existence and retains any funds deposited in it. Banks may charge fees for maintaining dormant accounts, which can gradually reduce the account balance. To reactivate a dormant account, the account holder usually needs to contact the bank and conduct a transaction. Managing dormant accounts is essential for banks to ensure they maintain accurate records and for account holders to avoid unnecessary fees and potential complications in accessing their funds.

仮払金 (karibaraikin), or "temporary advance payment" in English, refers to funds disbursed by a company or organization for expenses that have not yet been substantiated by receipts or invoices. These payments are often made to employees or contractors to cover anticipated costs for business-related activities, such as travel, supplies, or project expenses. The recipient is expected to provide appropriate documentation, such as receipts or invoices, to account for the expenses incurred. Once the expenses are verified, the temporary advance payment is reconciled against the actual costs. This ensures accurate financial tracking and accounting. Proper management of karibaraikin is crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability in financial operations.

厚生年金保険 (kosei nenkin hoken), or "Welfare Pension Insurance" in English, is a mandatory social insurance program in Japan designed to provide pension benefits to employees in both the public and private sectors. This system is a crucial part of Japan's social security framework and covers a wide range of employees, including full-time and part-time workers, as well as certain categories of temporary workers.

Employers and employees both contribute to the kosei nenkin hoken fund through payroll deductions. The contributions are calculated based on the employee's monthly salary and bonuses. The funds collected are used to provide various benefits, including old-age pensions, disability pensions, and survivors' pensions, which support individuals and their families in times of need.

Kosei nenkin hoken aims to ensure a stable and secure income for individuals after retirement, as well as provide financial support in the event of disability or death. Proper enrollment and regular contributions to this insurance program are essential for employees to receive these benefits in the future.

官製はがき (kansei hagaki), or "government-issued postcard" in English, refers to a type of postcard produced and distributed by the Japanese government. These postcards are pre-stamped and can be used for various types of mail, including personal correspondence, business communication, and seasonal greetings such as New Year's cards (年賀状, Nengajo).

The use of kansei hagaki is convenient because they come with a pre-printed postage stamp, eliminating the need for the sender to purchase and attach a separate stamp. These postcards are available at post offices and other authorized retail locations throughout Japan.

Kansei hagaki is known for its reliability and standardization, ensuring that it meets the postal service's requirements for delivery. They are often used for official communications and by individuals who appreciate the convenience of pre-stamped mailing.

歳 (sai), or "years" in English, is a term used in Japan to denote age. It signifies the number of years a person has lived since birth. In Japanese culture, age is an important aspect of social interaction, influencing how individuals address each other and their roles within various social settings. For instance, age determines the use of honorifics in language, with older individuals often being addressed more formally out of respect.

In formal and informal contexts, people commonly ask and share their age using the term 歳. For example, a person might say, "私は25歳です" (Watashi wa ni-ju-go sai desu), meaning "I am 25 years old." The character sai is also used in official documents, school records, and legal contexts to record and verify age.

縁の下の力持ち (en no shita no chikara mochi) is a Japanese idiom that refers to someone who works hard behind the scenes, providing essential support and making significant contributions without seeking recognition or praise. This phrase emphasizes the importance of those who play crucial but often invisible roles in ensuring the success and smooth functioning of a group, organization, or project.

In any setting, be it a workplace, family, or community, the en no shita no chikara mochi are the individuals whose efforts may go unnoticed but are vital for achieving overall goals. They are the backbone, often taking on challenging tasks and responsibilities to support others.