Japanese Business Glossary

法人保険 (houjin hoken) is a Japanese term that translates to "corporate insurance" or "business insurance" in English. It refers to insurance policies that businesses purchase to protect against various risks and liabilities associated with their operations. Types of 法人保険 include property insurance, which covers damage to business property due to events like fire, theft, or natural disasters. Liability insurance protects against legal claims arising from accidents, injuries, or negligence. Business interruption insurance compensates for lost income and ongoing expenses if business operations are disrupted by an insured event. Employee benefits insurance includes health, life, and disability insurance for employees. These insurance policies help businesses manage risk, protect their assets, and ensure continuity in the face of unforeseen events.

健康保険料 (kenkou hokenryou) is a Japanese term that translates to "health insurance premium" in English. It refers to the amount of money that individuals or employers pay to a health insurance provider to maintain health insurance coverage.

In Japan, health insurance is mandatory, and premiums are typically deducted from employees' salaries. Employers often share the cost of these premiums with their employees. The premiums help cover the costs of medical services, treatments, and medications, ensuring that insured individuals have access to necessary healthcare without incurring significant out-of-pocket expenses.

The calculation of 健康保険料 is usually based on the insured person's income, with higher earners paying more in premiums. The collected premiums fund the health insurance system, allowing for the distribution of healthcare benefits to policyholders.

保険金 (Hokenkin) refers to insurance money or benefits paid out by an insurance company to a policyholder or beneficiary. This payment is made under the terms of an insurance policy when a specified event, such as an accident, illness, death, or property damage, occurs. The purpose of hokenkin is to provide financial protection and support to individuals or businesses, helping them to recover from losses or unforeseen circumstances.

The amount and conditions of the insurance payout are determined by the policy agreement, which outlines the coverage details, premium payments, and claim procedures. Receiving hokenkin typically requires the policyholder to file a claim and provide necessary documentation to prove the occurrence and extent of the covered event. This concept is fundamental in risk management, offering peace of mind and financial stability by mitigating the impact of adverse events.

保証 (Hosho) refers to a guarantee or assurance provided to ensure that certain conditions or promises will be fulfilled. In Japanese legal and business contexts, hosho often involves a commitment by one party to take responsibility for the performance, quality, or obligations of another party.

There are various types of hosho, such as product warranties, service guarantees, and financial guarantees. For instance, a product warranty assures customers that a product will function as expected for a specified period, and if it doesn't, the manufacturer or seller will repair, replace, or refund it. In financial contexts, a guarantor may promise to pay back a loan if the original borrower fails to do so.

養老保険 (Yoro Hoken) refers to endowment insurance in Japan. This type of life insurance policy combines both insurance and savings elements, providing a lump-sum payment either upon the policyholder's death or at the end of a specified period, whichever comes first. The primary purpose of yoro hoken is to offer financial protection and savings for the future, making it a popular choice for long-term financial planning.

With yoro hoken, policyholders pay regular premiums over the life of the policy. If the policyholder passes away during the term of the policy, the beneficiaries receive the death benefit. If the policyholder survives the term, they receive the maturity benefit, which is the sum assured along with any accumulated bonuses or interest. This dual benefit structure makes yoro hoken a versatile financial product, catering to both risk coverage and wealth accumulation needs.

Yoro hoken is often used for various financial goals, such as saving for retirement, children's education, or other significant future expenses. It provides a disciplined savings approach, as policyholders are committed to paying premiums regularly. The guaranteed payout at the end of the term offers peace of mind, knowing that there is a financial cushion available for future needs.

In summary, yoro hoken is a comprehensive insurance product that offers both protection and savings benefits, making it an effective tool for long-term financial security and planning in Japan.

保険料 (hokenryo) is a Japanese term that translates to "insurance premium" in English. It refers to the amount of money that an individual or entity pays to an insurance company in exchange for coverage under an insurance policy.

The insurance premium is usually paid on a regular basis, such as monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on the terms of the policy. The amount of the premium is determined based on various factors, including the type of insurance, the level of coverage, the risk profile of the insured, and other relevant factors.

By paying the insurance premium, the insured gains financial protection against specific risks or losses, such as health issues, accidents, property damage, or other covered events. The premium is a crucial aspect of maintaining active insurance coverage and ensuring that the insured can receive benefits or compensation when needed.