Japanese Business Glossary

仕組み債 (shikumi-sai) refers to structured bonds or structured notes in Japan. These are complex financial instruments that combine bonds with derivatives to create customized investment products tailored to meet specific investor needs or to achieve particular financial objectives.

Structured bonds are designed to offer higher returns or specific risk/return profiles that are not available through traditional bonds. They can be linked to various underlying assets or benchmarks, such as interest rates, stock indices, commodities, currencies, or other financial indicators. The performance of these underlying assets directly impacts the returns and risks associated with the structured bonds.

Investors in shikumi-sai might receive higher interest payments or other benefits if certain conditions are met. However, these instruments also come with higher risks, including the possibility of losing part or all of the invested principal if the underlying assets perform poorly.

shikumi-sai are typically used by sophisticated investors who have a thorough understanding of the associated risks and rewards. They are often utilized for portfolio diversification, risk management, or to capitalize on specific market opportunities. Due to their complexity, structured bonds require careful consideration and analysis before investment.

委嘱 (ishoku) refers to the act of entrusting or commissioning someone with a specific task, duty, or responsibility. It involves appointing or assigning an individual or organization to carry out a particular role or function on behalf of another party, often within a formal or official context.

In professional or governmental settings, ishoku can be used to describe situations where a person is appointed to a committee, tasked with a special project, or given a specific mandate to perform certain duties. This could include roles such as advisory positions, consultancy, research assignments, or any specialized work that requires specific expertise or authority.

The process of ishoku typically involves a formal agreement or contract outlining the scope of work, responsibilities, and expectations of the appointed party. It ensures that the individual or entity entrusted with the task understands their obligations and the objectives they are expected to achieve.

保険外交員 (hoken gaikoin) refers to an insurance agent in Japan. This person is responsible for selling and promoting insurance policies to clients. Their duties include explaining different insurance products, assessing the needs of potential clients, and recommending suitable policies. They also handle paperwork, assist clients with claims, and provide ongoing customer service. Insurance agents often build and maintain relationships with their clients to ensure their insurance needs are met over time. The role requires strong communication skills, a good understanding of insurance products, and the ability to build trust with clients.

出典 (shutten) means "source" or "reference" in Japanese. It refers to the origin of information, data, or a quotation used in a document, book, article, or any other form of writing. Citing the shutten is essential in academic and professional writing as it gives credit to the original authors and allows readers to verify the information. Properly referencing sources ensures the credibility and reliability of the content. It also helps to avoid plagiarism by acknowledging the contributions of others.

貸付 (kashitsuke) means "loan" or "lending" in Japanese. It refers to the act of providing money or other assets to a borrower under the agreement that it will be repaid, often with interest, over a specified period. kashitsuke can occur in various contexts, such as personal loans between individuals, business loans for companies, or financial institutions lending to clients. The terms and conditions of the loan, including the interest rate, repayment schedule, and any collateral requirements, are typically outlined in a formal agreement. The purpose of kashitsuke is to provide the borrower with the necessary funds or resources while creating a legal obligation for repayment.

執行役員 (shikko yakuin) refers to an "executive officer" in Japanese. This position is typically found within corporations and is responsible for executing the company's strategies and overseeing day-to-day operations. Unlike directors who are involved in setting broad company policies and making high-level decisions, shikko yakuin are more focused on implementing these policies and managing specific functions or departments within the organization. They report to the board of directors and ensure that the company's operations align with its goals and objectives. The role of shikko yakuin is crucial for effective management and operational efficiency in a corporate setting.