Japanese Business Glossary

生年月日 (seinengappi) is a Japanese term that means "date of birth." When writing a date of birth in Japanese, the standard format is year, month, and day, in that order. The year is typically written in the Western calendar year format or using the Japanese era name.

For example, January 1, 2000, would be written as 2000年1月1日 or 平成12年1月1日 (Heisei 12 nen 1 gatsu 1 nichi), where "年" (nen) stands for year, "月" (gatsu) stands for month, and "日" (nichi) stands for day. This format is consistent across various official documents, forms, and records.

When filling out forms, it is important to use this format to ensure clarity and compliance with Japanese standards. It reflects the structured and precise nature of Japanese documentation practices.

新 (shin) is a Japanese kanji character that means "new." It is commonly used as a prefix in various contexts to indicate something recent, modern, or newly introduced.

The character 新 can also be found in words like 新年 (shinnen), meaning "New Year," and 新製品 (shinseihin), meaning "new product." Its usage signifies innovation, freshness, and the introduction of new concepts or items. In business and everyday life, the concept of 新 is associated with progress and improvement, reflecting the importance of embracing change and new opportunities in Japanese culture.

弔慰 (choi) is a Japanese term that refers to expressions of condolence or sympathy offered to someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one. This concept is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and involves showing respect and support to the bereaved during their time of mourning.

Acts of choi can take various forms, such as sending condolence messages, offering flowers, attending the funeral or wake, and providing practical or emotional support to the grieving family. It is customary to offer a 弔慰金 (choikin), a monetary gift, to help with funeral expenses or as a gesture of support. These practices help to honor the deceased and offer comfort to those left behind, reflecting the values of compassion and communal solidarity.

The importance of choi in Japanese society underscores the significance of maintaining respectful and supportive relationships, particularly during life's most challenging times.

法令 (horei) is a Japanese term that refers to laws and regulations established by governmental authorities. It encompasses all legal rules, statutes, and ordinances that are enacted to govern behavior, maintain order, and protect the rights and responsibilities of individuals and organizations within a society.

Horei is a fundamental aspect of the legal system, providing the framework within which societal activities are regulated. These laws and regulations cover a wide range of areas, including criminal law, civil law, business regulations, environmental protections, and public safety measures. Compliance with 法令 is mandatory, and violations can result in legal penalties, fines, or other consequences.

小規模企業共済 (shokibo kigyo kyosai) is a savings and mutual aid system in Japan designed specifically for small business owners, individual proprietors, and freelancers. The system provides a form of retirement plan, offering tax benefits and financial security for participants. Contributions made to the system are tax-deductible, reducing the overall tax burden on the business owner. Upon retirement, participants receive a lump-sum payment or annuity, depending on their preference. Additionally, the system offers financial support in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as business closure or illness, helping to mitigate risks associated with running a small business.

葉巻 (Hamaki) is the Japanese term for a cigar. A cigar is a tightly rolled bundle of dried and fermented tobacco leaves designed for smoking. Unlike cigarettes, cigars are larger and often hand-rolled, offering a more complex and richer flavor profile. They are typically enjoyed slowly, allowing the smoker to savor the intricate flavors and aromas that develop during the aging and fermentation process of the tobacco leaves.

Hamaki can vary in size, shape, and strength, with different types of tobacco blends contributing to a wide range of tastes and experiences. The culture of cigar smoking often includes rituals and social aspects, such as selecting, cutting, and lighting the cigar, as well as pairing it with beverages like whiskey or coffee. In Japan, as in other parts of the world, Hamaki is appreciated for its craftsmanship and the leisurely experience it provides.