Japanese Business Glossary

同性婚 (douseikon) translates to "same-sex marriage" in English. This term refers to the legally recognized marriage between two people of the same sex, whether male or female.

In Japan, the legal status of same-sex marriage is complex and varies by region. While same-sex marriage is not legally recognized at the national level, certain municipalities and prefectures have introduced partnership certificates that provide limited legal benefits to same-sex couples. These certificates, however, do not equate to full marriage rights and are primarily symbolic, offering some recognition but no legal standing equivalent to heterosexual marriages.

Public opinion in Japan has been shifting over the years, with increasing support for same-sex marriage. Various surveys indicate a growing acceptance among the Japanese population, especially among younger generations.

懸賞 (kensho) refers to prizes or rewards offered in competitions, contests, or lotteries in Japan. These prizes can range from cash and gift cards to products or experiences. The term is commonly associated with various promotional activities and campaigns designed to attract customers or participants.

In a business context, companies often use kensho as a marketing tool to boost sales, increase brand awareness, or engage with their audience. Participants typically need to fulfill certain conditions, such as purchasing a product, answering survey questions, or submitting entries to be eligible for the prizes.

特約 (tokuyaku), special agreement or special provision, in Japanese refers to a special agreement, clause, or provision within a contract. It is an additional term that modifies or supplements the standard terms of the agreement.

Tokuyaku clauses are often used to address specific needs or circumstances that are not covered by the general contract terms. They can be tailored to meet the particular requirements of the parties involved.

For example, in a business context, a tokuyaku might specify special payment terms, delivery conditions, or other unique arrangements that are critical to the deal but are not part of the standard contract language.

The term 国家総合職 (kokka sougou shoku), National General Professional Career, refers to a high-level civil service position in Japan, aimed at recruiting future leaders for government ministries and agencies. This position is highly prestigious and involves handling advanced policy planning, drafting, and research tasks. The recruitment process for these roles is extremely competitive and includes a rigorous examination.

The exam for the National General Professional Career, also known as the 国家総合職試験, is challenging and consists of multiple stages, such as written tests, policy proposals, and interviews. Candidates are evaluated on their knowledge and aptitude for dealing with complex societal issues. Eligible candidates must be university graduates or expected to graduate soon and meet specific age requirements. The acceptance rate for this exam is very low, reflecting its high difficulty and the strong competition among applicants.

There are two main types of national civil service positions in Japan: the General Professional Career (総合職) and the General Administrative Career (一般職). The General Professional Career positions involve frequent relocations and a broader scope of responsibilities focused on policy-making and high-level administrative tasks. In contrast, General Administrative Career positions are more specialized, stable, and involve fewer relocations with more operational duties.

Candidates aspiring to work in the General Professional Career are expected to possess a global perspective and a keen understanding of societal issues, aiming to address and resolve these problems through their roles. In comparison, those in the General Administrative Career typically work on the front lines of administration, handling specific operational tasks.

事案 (jiaan) is a Japanese term that translates to "case," "incident," or "affair" in English. It is often used in legal, business, and governmental contexts to refer to a specific issue, matter, or case that needs attention or resolution. For example, in a legal setting, it could refer to a particular legal case or incident under investigation. In a business context, it might refer to a specific problem or situation that a company needs to address.

地方自治体 (chiho jichitai) refers to local governments in Japan. These local governments are responsible for managing various public services and administrative functions within their designated areas. There are two main types of local governments in Japan: prefectures and municipalities. Japan is divided into 47 prefectures, which include one to (Tokyo), one do (Hokkaido), two fu (Osaka and Kyoto), and 43 ken (other prefectures). Municipalities are smaller administrative units within the prefectures and include cities, towns, and villages.

Local governments have the authority to create and enforce local regulations, manage local public services like education, transportation, and welfare, and handle administrative tasks such as tax collection and local infrastructure development. They play a crucial role in addressing the specific needs of their communities.