Japanese Business Glossary

詐害行為 (sagai kōi) refers to fraudulent acts or actions taken with the intent to deceive or harm others, typically in a financial or legal context. In Japan, this term is often used in legal situations where someone is accused of trying to defraud creditors or other parties by transferring assets, hiding property, or engaging in other deceptive practices to avoid fulfilling obligations or debts.

The law in Japan provides measures to protect against such fraudulent activities, allowing affected parties to challenge and nullify transactions or actions that are deemed to be fraudulent. This is to ensure fairness and protect the rights of creditors and other stakeholders.

交付 (kōfu) refers to the act of delivering, issuing, or handing over something, typically official documents or certificates, in a formal or legal context. This term is commonly used when discussing the provision of government-issued documents such as licenses, permits, certificates, or notifications.

For example, when a government agency issues a business license, the act of providing that license to the recipient is referred to as kofu. It signifies the official transfer of a document from the issuing authority to the individual or organization entitled to receive it.

生前贈与 (seizen zōyo) refers to the act of gifting assets or property during a person's lifetime, as opposed to bequeathing them through a will after death. This practice is often used in estate planning to reduce the amount of inheritance tax that beneficiaries would need to pay upon the benefactor's death.

In Japan, seizen zoyo can include gifts of money, real estate, stocks, or other valuable assets. There are specific tax implications and regulations governing such gifts, including annual tax-free allowances for each recipient and potential tax deductions.

返還 (henkan) refers to the act of returning or restoring something to its original owner or state. This term is often used in legal, financial, and governmental contexts in Japan.

For example, henkan can refer to the return of property, funds, or assets that were previously transferred or taken. It can also be used in the context of repatriating territories or returning borrowed items. The concept emphasizes the obligation to restore ownership or possession to the rightful party.

受理 (juri) refers to the acceptance or receipt of a document, application, or request by an official body or authority. This term is commonly used in administrative and legal contexts in Japan.

For example, when an individual submits an application for a business license, marriage registration, or legal document, the act of the relevant authority accepting and acknowledging the receipt of this submission is called juri. It signifies that the submission has been formally received and will be processed or considered according to the applicable rules and regulations.

義援金 (gienkin) refers to monetary donations or contributions made to support disaster relief efforts or provide aid to individuals affected by emergencies, such as natural disasters or other crises. These funds are typically collected by government agencies, non-profit organizations, or charitable institutions and are used to offer financial assistance to victims, support recovery and rebuilding efforts, and provide essential resources like food, water, and medical supplies.

Gienkin is a common form of humanitarian support in Japan and is often mobilized quickly in response to disasters to help alleviate the immediate needs of those affected.