Japanese Business Glossary

保険外交員 (hoken gaikoin) refers to an insurance agent in Japan. This person is responsible for selling and promoting insurance policies to clients. Their duties include explaining different insurance products, assessing the needs of potential clients, and recommending suitable policies. They also handle paperwork, assist clients with claims, and provide ongoing customer service. Insurance agents often build and maintain relationships with their clients to ensure their insurance needs are met over time. The role requires strong communication skills, a good understanding of insurance products, and the ability to build trust with clients.

訂正 (teisei) means "correction" or "amendment" in Japanese. It refers to the process of fixing errors or making adjustments to something that was previously incorrect or inaccurate. This term is commonly used in various contexts, such as correcting mistakes in documents, revising written content, or updating information. For example, if there is a typo in a published article or an error in a financial report, a teisei would be issued to address and rectify the mistake. The purpose of teisei is to ensure accuracy and clarity, maintaining the integrity of the information being presented.

出典 (shutten) means "source" or "reference" in Japanese. It refers to the origin of information, data, or a quotation used in a document, book, article, or any other form of writing. Citing the shutten is essential in academic and professional writing as it gives credit to the original authors and allows readers to verify the information. Properly referencing sources ensures the credibility and reliability of the content. It also helps to avoid plagiarism by acknowledging the contributions of others.

親族 (shinzoku) means "relatives" or "kin" in Japanese. It refers to family members who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption. This term encompasses a wide range of familial relationships, including immediate family members such as parents, siblings, and children, as well as extended family like grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws. shinzoku is often used in legal and social contexts to discuss matters involving family rights, inheritance, and obligations. The concept emphasizes the importance of family bonds and the network of relationships that connect individuals within a family unit.

養子 (yoshi) means "adopted child" in Japanese. It refers to a child who has been legally taken into a family different from their biological one, gaining the same rights and status as a biological child within that family. The process of adoption involves legal procedures to ensure that the child's welfare and rights are protected. In Japan, yoshi can also include adult adoption, a practice often used to ensure the continuity of family businesses or inheritances. Adoption creates a formal and permanent parent-child relationship, providing the adopted child with care, support, and familial bonds within their new family.

貸付 (kashitsuke) means "loan" or "lending" in Japanese. It refers to the act of providing money or other assets to a borrower under the agreement that it will be repaid, often with interest, over a specified period. kashitsuke can occur in various contexts, such as personal loans between individuals, business loans for companies, or financial institutions lending to clients. The terms and conditions of the loan, including the interest rate, repayment schedule, and any collateral requirements, are typically outlined in a formal agreement. The purpose of kashitsuke is to provide the borrower with the necessary funds or resources while creating a legal obligation for repayment.