Japanese Business Glossary

収支 (shuushi) refers to "income and expenditure" or "revenue and expenses" in Japanese. It is a term used to describe the financial balance between the money that comes into an organization, household, or business (income) and the money that goes out (expenses).

In the context of personal finance, keeping track of shuushi involves monitoring earnings from salaries, investments, and other sources, and comparing these with expenditures on items like housing, food, and utilities. For businesses, shuushi encompasses all revenues from sales and services, as well as all costs, including production, salaries, and operating expenses.

Analyzing shuushi is crucial for understanding financial health, making informed budgeting decisions, and ensuring sustainability. A positive shuushi indicates a surplus where income exceeds expenses, while a negative 収支 signals a deficit where expenses surpass income. Regularly reviewing and managing 収支 helps maintain financial stability and achieve long-term financial goals.

出役 (shutsuyaku) refers to "attendance" or "participation" in a particular role or duty, often in the context of performing assigned tasks or responsibilities. This term is frequently used in various settings, including workplaces, events, and community activities, to denote the active involvement or presence of an individual fulfilling their duties.

In the workplace, shutsuyaku might involve an employee attending a meeting, participating in a project, or performing specific job functions. In community settings, it can refer to members contributing to local events or volunteer activities. The concept of shutsuyaku emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's obligations and being actively engaged in the assigned roles, ensuring that tasks are completed effectively and collaboratively.

凡例 (hanrei) refers to the "legend" or "key" in Japanese, typically found in maps, charts, diagrams, or books. It is a guide that explains the symbols, colors, and notations used within the document or illustration, helping readers understand and interpret the information accurately.

In a map, the hanrei might include symbols for different types of terrain, landmarks, and routes. In a chart or diagram, it could explain various data points, lines, and shading used to represent specific information. In books, particularly reference books, hanrei can provide explanations of abbreviations, typographical conventions, and other editorial marks.

弁済 (bensai) refers to "repayment" or "settlement" in a financial and legal context in Japan. It involves fulfilling a monetary obligation or debt by paying off the amount owed to a creditor or lender.

In practice, bensai can occur in various situations, such as repaying a loan, settling an invoice, or fulfilling a contractual payment obligation. The act of bensai discharges the debtor's liability, thereby concluding the financial obligation and restoring the creditor's financial position.

Ensuring timely and complete bensai is crucial for maintaining good financial standing and relationships between parties involved. It reflects financial responsibility and adherence to agreed terms, which is essential for trust and credibility in both personal and business transactions.

金 (kin) refers to "gold" in Japanese. Gold is a precious metal that has been highly valued for its rarity, beauty, and various practical applications throughout history. In Japan, as in many other cultures, gold has been used for a wide range of purposes, including currency, jewelry, ornaments, and art.

Gold holds significant cultural and economic importance. It is often associated with wealth, prosperity, and status. Historically, gold was used in coinage and as a standard for monetary systems. In modern times, it continues to be a valuable asset for investment and is traded in global markets.

Apart from its economic value, gold is also used in traditional crafts and cultural artifacts. For instance, gold leaf is applied in Japanese lacquerware (漆器, shikki) and other art forms to create intricate and beautiful designs. The metal's durability and resistance to tarnish make it ideal for these artistic and decorative applications.

出向 (shukkou) refers to "temporary transfer" or "secondment" in a Japanese business context. It involves the assignment of an employee to work at a different company or a different department within the same company for a specified period.

This practice is common in Japan and serves various purposes. For the employee, shukkou can provide opportunities for professional development, gaining new skills, and experiencing different working environments. It also helps employees build broader networks and understand different aspects of the business.

For the company, shukkou can be a strategic move to strengthen partnerships with other companies, foster talent development, and facilitate knowledge transfer. It also allows companies to address staffing needs in specific areas temporarily without permanent hiring.

Upon completing the shukkou period, employees typically return to their original positions or may be reassigned based on the needs of the company and the skills they have acquired during their secondment. This practice helps in building a more versatile and skilled workforce, contributing to the overall growth and adaptability of the organization.