Japanese Business Glossary

事業主借 (jigyounushi-kari) refers to "owner's loan" or "owner's borrowing" in a business context. This term is used in the accounting of small businesses or sole proprietorships to indicate the funds that the business owner has borrowed from the business. It represents the amount of money taken out of the business for personal use or to cover personal expenses, which the owner intends to repay at a later date.

In accounting, jigyounushi-kari is recorded as a liability on the balance sheet, reflecting the obligation of the owner to return the borrowed funds to the business. This practice helps keep the business finances separate from the owner's personal finances, ensuring clear and accurate financial reporting. Managing jigyounushi-kari is important for maintaining transparency and accountability in the financial operations of a business, allowing for better tracking of cash flow and financial health.

同一世帯 (douitsu setai) refers to "same household" or "same family unit" in Japanese. This term is used to describe individuals who live together and share living expenses as a single household unit.

In legal, administrative, and social contexts, douitsu setai is important for determining eligibility for various benefits, services, and obligations. For instance, health insurance, tax deductions, and public assistance programs often consider the combined income and status of all members within the same household.

The concept of douitsu setai ensures that resources are allocated fairly and appropriately based on the collective circumstances of the household members. It helps in identifying dependents, calculating household income, and assessing the overall financial and social support needs of the family unit.

利便性 (riben-sei) refers to "convenience" or "user-friendliness." It describes the ease and practicality with which something can be used or accessed, making it a key factor in evaluating products, services, and systems. High 利便性 means that an item or service is designed to be efficient, straightforward, and accessible, minimizing effort and maximizing user satisfaction.

In various contexts, such as technology, urban planning, and customer service, prioritizing riben-sei can lead to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty. For example, a smartphone with an intuitive interface, a city with well-connected public transportation, or a customer service process that resolves issues quickly all exemplify high 利便性. By focusing on convenience, businesses and organizations can improve user experiences, streamline operations, and enhance overall effectiveness.

改訂 (kaitei) refers to "revision" or "amendment." It involves making changes or updates to a document, publication, policy, or any other content to improve its accuracy, relevance, and overall quality.

In the context of books, kaitei might mean updating the content to include new information or correct errors. In legal or administrative settings, it could involve amending laws, regulations, or procedures to reflect current conditions or new insights. The process of kaitei ensures that information remains up-to-date and applicable, maintaining the integrity and usefulness of the material.

賞与 (shoyo) refers to "bonus" or "annual bonus" in a Japanese employment context. It is a form of additional compensation given to employees, typically based on their performance and the company’s profitability. In Japan, bonuses are usually paid twice a year, often in summer and winter, and can constitute a significant portion of an employee's total annual income.

These bonuses are designed to reward employees for their hard work, motivate them, and align their interests with the company's success. The amount of the shoyo can vary widely depending on the industry, company performance, and the individual employee's role and contributions. For many employees, receiving a 賞与 is an expected part of their compensation package, playing a crucial role in financial planning and job satisfaction.

要介護 (youkaigo) refers to "nursing care required" or "long-term care needed" in Japan. This term is used within the context of the country’s long-term care insurance system to classify individuals who need assistance with daily living activities due to aging, illness, or disability.

The 要介護 classification is determined through an assessment process that evaluates the physical and mental condition of the person. Based on the severity of their condition, they are assigned a care level ranging from 要介護1 (mild care needs) to 要介護5 (intensive care needs). This classification helps determine the type and amount of care services the individual is eligible for, such as home care, daycare services, or admission to a nursing home.

The purpose of the youkaigo system is to ensure that those who need long-term care receive appropriate support, helping to maintain their quality of life and alleviate the burden on families and caregivers.