Japanese Business Glossary

相続放棄 (souzoku houki) is a Japanese term that translates to "renunciation of inheritance" or "disclaimer of inheritance." It refers to the legal act by which an heir formally declines their right to inherit assets, debts, or obligations from a deceased person's estate.

This process must be carried out through a formal declaration to the family court within three months of becoming aware of the inheritance. The decision to renounce inheritance is often made to avoid inheriting debts or to simplify the distribution of the estate among other heirs.

Souzoku houki is an important legal option for individuals who wish to avoid financial liabilities or potential disputes that might arise from accepting an inheritance. Once an inheritance is renounced, the heir cannot later claim any part of the estate.

別版 (beppan) is a Japanese term that translates to "separate edition" or "different version." It refers to an edition or version of a publication, product, or document that differs from the original or main edition.

This term is commonly used in publishing, where beppan might indicate a special edition of a book, magazine, or newspaper that contains unique content, such as additional articles, exclusive interviews, or special illustrations. In the context of software or digital products, beppan could refer to a version of a program or application that includes specific features or modifications not found in the standard release.

諮問 (shimon) is a Japanese term that translates to "consultation" or "inquiry." It refers to the act of seeking advice, opinions, or recommendations from experts, advisory bodies, or relevant authorities on specific matters.

This process is often used in government, business, and organizational contexts where decision-makers require informed input before making policy decisions, implementing new strategies, or addressing complex issues. The aim of shimon is to gather diverse perspectives and specialized knowledge to ensure well-rounded and effective decision-making.

但し書き (tadashigaki) is a Japanese term that translates to "proviso," "clause," or "stipulation." It refers to a specific section within a document, contract, law, or agreement that outlines exceptions, conditions, or additional details related to the main content.

A tadashigaki provides clarification and specifies particular circumstances under which certain rules or statements apply differently. For example, in a contract, a tadashigaki might detail conditions under which a party is exempt from certain obligations or has additional responsibilities.

協定 (kyoutei) is a Japanese term that translates to "agreement" or "pact." It refers to a formal arrangement or contract between two or more parties, often involving negotiations to reach mutually beneficial terms.

Kyoutei can be used in various contexts, such as international treaties, business contracts, labor agreements, and environmental accords. The purpose of a kyoutei is to outline the specific obligations, rights, and responsibilities of each party involved, ensuring that all parties have a clear understanding of their commitments.

口座 (kouza) is a Japanese term that translates to "account," typically referring to a bank account. It is used to describe an arrangement between a customer and a financial institution that allows the customer to deposit, withdraw, and manage their money.

A kouza can be of various types, including savings accounts, checking accounts, and investment accounts. Each type of account serves different financial needs, such as saving money, managing daily expenses, or investing in financial markets.

Having a kouza is essential for conducting financial transactions, receiving salaries, paying bills, and managing personal or business finances efficiently.