Japanese Business Glossary

祖父母 (sofubo) refers to grandparents in Japanese. It combines the words 祖父 (sofu), meaning grandfather, and 祖母 (sobo), meaning grandmother. This term is used to collectively describe both paternal and maternal grandparents. Grandparents play a significant role in Japanese culture and family life, often involved in caring for and educating their grandchildren, passing down traditions, and maintaining family bonds.

指導 (shidou) refers to guidance, leadership, or instruction in Japanese. It involves directing, mentoring, or providing advice to someone, often in an educational, professional, or developmental context.

In an educational context, teachers and mentors provide shidou to students to help them understand subjects, develop skills, and achieve academic goals. In a professional context, supervisors and managers offer shidou to employees to enhance their job performance, career development, and adherence to organizational goals. For personal development, coaches, advisors, or more experienced individuals give shidou to help someone improve personally, such as in sports, hobbies, or personal growth.

普請 (fushin) refers to construction or building activities in Japanese. This term is traditionally used to describe the process of constructing buildings, homes, or other structures. It encompasses various aspects of construction work, including planning, designing, and the actual building process.

Fushin can also extend to repairs, renovations, and maintenance of existing structures. Historically, it involved community efforts where people would come together to build or repair communal facilities, such as temples, bridges, or roads.

In modern usage, fushin still retains its connection to construction and can be used to refer to any building project or significant structural work. The term emphasizes the collective effort and organization required to complete such projects.

国家総合職 (kokka sogoshoku) refers to the National Public Service General Position in Japan. This term describes a category of civil service positions that are considered high-level and involve comprehensive administrative duties within the national government.

Kokka sogoshoku employees are typically involved in policy planning, research, and administrative tasks across various government ministries and agencies. They play a crucial role in shaping and implementing national policies, managing public resources, and contributing to the overall governance of the country.

To become a kokka sogoshoku official, candidates usually must pass a rigorous national examination, which assesses their knowledge, analytical abilities, and suitability for public service. Successful candidates are then assigned to different government departments based on their skills and the needs of the government.

This career path is prestigious and often attracts highly qualified individuals who are committed to public service and interested in contributing to the development and administration of national policies.

委嘱 (ishoku) refers to the act of entrusting or commissioning someone with a specific task, duty, or responsibility. It involves appointing or assigning an individual or organization to carry out a particular role or function on behalf of another party, often within a formal or official context.

In professional or governmental settings, ishoku can be used to describe situations where a person is appointed to a committee, tasked with a special project, or given a specific mandate to perform certain duties. This could include roles such as advisory positions, consultancy, research assignments, or any specialized work that requires specific expertise or authority.

The process of ishoku typically involves a formal agreement or contract outlining the scope of work, responsibilities, and expectations of the appointed party. It ensures that the individual or entity entrusted with the task understands their obligations and the objectives they are expected to achieve.

謝礼 (sharei) in Japanese refers to a token of appreciation or gratitude, often given in the form of money or gifts. This term is commonly used in various contexts, such as when someone receives a service or favor that doesn't necessarily involve a formal transaction. For instance, after giving a lecture or participating in a cultural event, an individual might receive a sharei as a gesture of thanks. It is not considered a formal payment or salary, but rather a way to express gratitude for the effort or service provided. This practice is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the contributions of others.