Japanese Business Glossary

人時 (ninji) refers to "man-hours" or "person-hours," a unit of measurement that quantifies the amount of work performed by an individual within one hour. It is commonly used in various industries and project management to estimate labor costs, plan resources, and assess productivity. For example, if a task is estimated to take 10 ninji, it means that it would require 10 hours of work from one person or could be completed in 1 hour by 10 people working simultaneously.

Understanding and calculating ninji is crucial for efficient project planning and management. It helps in setting realistic deadlines, allocating resources effectively, and controlling labor expenses. By analyzing the number of ninji required for different tasks, businesses can optimize workflows, improve efficiency, and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. This concept is particularly important in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and IT, where precise labor estimations are essential for successful project execution.

死 (shi) refers to death, the end of life, and the cessation of all biological functions that sustain a living organism. In Japanese culture and society, death is approached with a blend of solemnity and respect, deeply influenced by religious and philosophical beliefs such as Buddhism, Shintoism, and Confucianism. The concept of shi encompasses both the physical aspect of dying and the spiritual journey that follows.

In Buddhism, which has a significant influence in Japan, death is seen as a transition to the next life in the cycle of rebirth. This belief encourages practices and rituals that honor the deceased and provide comfort to the living. Shintoism, Japan’s indigenous religion, emphasizes the purity and sacredness of life and death, often leading to rituals that purify the deceased's spirit.

Additionally, Confucian values stress filial piety and respect for ancestors, which is reflected in the customs surrounding death, such as funerals and memorial services. These rituals and beliefs aim to honor the deceased, provide solace to the bereaved, and ensure the proper passage of the soul.

介護施設 (kaigo shisetsu) refers to care facilities in Japan that provide support and services for the elderly and individuals who need assistance with daily activities due to aging, illness, or disability. These facilities are an essential part of Japan's healthcare and social welfare system, addressing the needs of an aging population.

There are various types of kaigo shisetsu, including nursing homes (特別養護老人ホーム, tokubetsu yougo roujin hoomu), which offer long-term care for those who require extensive assistance; day-service centers (デイサービスセンター, dei saabisu sentaa), where individuals can receive care and participate in activities during the day while living at home; and group homes (グループホーム, guruupu hoomu), which provide a more communal living environment for those with dementia or other conditions. These facilities aim to ensure the well-being and dignity of their residents by offering medical care, rehabilitation, daily living assistance, and social activities. The services are tailored to meet individual needs, promoting a higher quality of life for those who require ongoing care and support.

年金 (nenkin) refers to the pension system in Japan, which provides financial support to individuals during their retirement years. It is a vital part of Japan's social security system, aimed at ensuring that retirees have a stable income after they stop working. The Japanese pension system comprises two main components: the National Pension (国民年金, kokumin nenkin) and the Employees' Pension Insurance (厚生年金, kousei nenkin).

The National Pension is mandatory for all residents of Japan aged 20 to 59, including self-employed individuals, students, and unemployed people. The Employees' Pension Insurance covers salaried workers and is jointly funded by contributions from both employees and employers. These contributions are invested to provide monthly payments to retirees, ensuring they can maintain their standard of living. The amount received depends on the length of time and amount contributed to the system. The pension system also includes provisions for disability and survivor benefits, offering a safety net for various life circumstances.

私用 (shiyou) refers to personal use or private use of something. It is commonly used to describe actions or items that are intended for individual purposes rather than for public or professional use. For instance, when an employee uses company resources like a phone, computer, or vehicle for personal matters rather than work-related tasks, this is considered shiyou. The term emphasizes the distinction between personal and official or public usage, often highlighting the context in which an action or object is being utilized. In many organizational settings, policies are established to regulate shiyou to ensure that resources are used efficiently and appropriately.

日本酒度 (nihonshu-do) is a measure used to indicate the sweetness or dryness of Japanese sake. It is determined by the density of the sake relative to water. A positive 日本酒度 value indicates a drier sake, while a negative value suggests a sweeter sake. The scale typically ranges from -20 to +20, with most sakes falling between -5 (sweet) and +10 (dry). This measurement is essential for sake brewers and consumers, as it helps in understanding the flavor profile of the sake. A higher nihonshu-do signifies a lighter and more refreshing taste, often preferred for pairing with savory dishes, while a lower nihonshu-do points to a richer and sweeter flavor, suitable for sipping on its own or pairing with desserts.