Japanese Business Glossary

保守的 (hoshuteki) is a Japanese word that means "conservative" in English.

It is used to describe someone or something that is traditional, cautious, and resistant to change or innovation.

In a broader sense, it can refer to political conservatism, conservative approaches in business, or even personal behavior that favors maintaining the status quo.

告示 (kokuji) in Japanese typically means "announcement" or "notice." In the context of business and legal matters in Japan, it often refers to official announcements made by government agencies or public offices.

These announcements can cover a wide range of topics, such as changes in laws and regulations, public tenders, or other official matters that need to be communicated to the public or specific stakeholders.

For businesses, paying attention to relevant kokuji can be crucial as it may contain important information affecting their operations or compliance requirements.

離脱 (ridatsu) is a Japanese term that generally means "withdrawal," "separation," or "exit." It is used in various contexts, including business, personal relationships, and political scenarios. In a business context, it can refer to a company or individual withdrawing from a project, partnership, or agreement. In a personal context, it can mean leaving a group, club, or organization. In a political context, it might refer to a country exiting an international agreement or union, similar to "Brexit" (British exit from the European Union). The specific meaning of ridatsu depends on the context in which it is used.

単身赴任 (tanshin funin), job transfer away from one's family, refers to a situation where an employee is assigned to work in a different location from where their family lives. The term literally means "single-person posting." This typically happens in Japanese companies when an employee is transferred to another city or region for work, but their family remains in their original home.

During a tanshin funin, the employee lives alone in the new location, often in a company-provided apartment, while maintaining their primary residence where their family stays. This arrangement can last for months or even years, depending on the length of the assignment. It is a common practice in Japan, reflecting the country's strong work ethic and the importance placed on career advancement. However, it can be challenging for both the employee and their family due to the physical separation.

ご入用 (go-nyuyo), need or requirement, is a polite expression in Japanese used to ask or refer to something that someone needs or requires. It combines the honorific prefix ご (go), which adds politeness, with the word 入用 (にゅうよう, nyuyo), meaning "need" or "requirement."

For example, if you enter a shop and a clerk asks, ご入用のものがございますか (ごにゅうようのものがございますか), they are politely asking, "Is there anything you need?"

提示 (teiji), presentation, display, or showing, in a Japanese business context generally means to present or show something. This can refer to presenting necessary documents or information during various business operations.

For example, in tax-related matters, specific documents might need to be teiji during tax filing or audits. These can include original documents or copies, and sometimes electronic versions are acceptable depending on the requirements.

In meetings, such as shareholders' meetings, certain documents or records need to be teiji upon request. This ensures transparency and compliance with legal requirements.