Japanese Business Glossary

督促 (tokusoku) means "demand," "reminder," or "prompt" in Japanese. It refers to the act of urging or pressing someone to fulfill an obligation, such as making a payment, completing a task, or meeting a deadline.

In business and legal contexts, tokusoku is commonly used to refer to formal reminders or demands for action. For example, a company might send a 督促状 (tokusokujo), a written reminder or demand letter, to a customer who has overdue payments. In legal contexts, it can involve urging compliance with court orders or other legal requirements.

Tokusoku ensures that obligations are met in a timely manner and helps prevent delays and defaults. It is an important aspect of managing relationships and transactions, ensuring accountability and adherence to agreed-upon terms.

証明書 (shomeisho) means "certificate" or "document of proof" in Japanese. It refers to an official document issued by an authorized body that verifies certain facts or information. These certificates can be used in various contexts, such as identity verification, academic records, professional qualifications, and legal documents. They are essential for various official purposes, including legal proceedings, employment, education, and personal identification. Certificates serve as credible evidence of the information they attest to, ensuring trust and verification in administrative and professional processes.

担保する (tanpo suru) means "to secure" or "to guarantee" in Japanese. It refers to the act of providing collateral or security to ensure the fulfillment of an obligation, such as a loan or debt.

In financial contexts, tanpo suru involves offering assets like property, stocks, or other valuables as collateral to back a loan. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender has the right to seize the collateral to recover the owed amount. This practice reduces the lender's risk and makes it easier for borrowers to obtain financing.

外貨建て (gaika-date) refers to transactions, investments, or financial instruments that are denominated in foreign currency. This term is often used in contexts such as foreign currency-denominated bonds, loans, deposits, or investment funds.

For example, an "外貨建て預金" (gaika-date yokin) is a bank deposit account where the funds are held in a foreign currency like US dollars, euros, or other non-Japanese currencies. Similarly, "外貨建て債券" (gaika-date saiken) are bonds issued in a currency different from the issuer's domestic currency.

Investing or conducting transactions in gaika-date can offer advantages such as diversification and potential higher returns due to interest rate differences. However, it also involves currency risk, where fluctuations in exchange rates can affect the value of the investment or transaction.

検印 (kenin) refers to an inspection seal or verification stamp in Japanese. This stamp or seal is used to indicate that a document, item, or transaction has been checked, verified, and approved by an authorized person.

In business and administrative contexts, kenin is often used to authenticate documents, confirm accuracy, and signify official approval. For example, in a financial transaction, a manager might use a kenin to indicate that they have reviewed and approved the transaction details. Similarly, in quality control processes, a kenin might be applied to products or reports to confirm that they meet required standards.

The use of kenin ensures accountability and transparency, as it provides a clear record of who has reviewed and authorized the document or item. This practice helps maintain the integrity and reliability of organizational processes and records.

覚書 (oboe-gaki) refers to a memorandum or a written note in Japanese. It is a document used to record agreements, understandings, or important information between parties. Unlike formal contracts, oboe-gaki is typically less formal but still serves as a useful reference for the terms and conditions agreed upon.

In business contexts, oboe-gaki can be used to outline the details of negotiations, meetings, or preliminary agreements before a final contract is drawn up. It helps ensure that all parties have a clear understanding of what has been discussed and agreed upon, providing a written record that can be referred to later.