Japanese Business Glossary

出向 (shukkou) refers to "temporary transfer" or "secondment" in a Japanese business context. It involves the assignment of an employee to work at a different company or a different department within the same company for a specified period.

This practice is common in Japan and serves various purposes. For the employee, shukkou can provide opportunities for professional development, gaining new skills, and experiencing different working environments. It also helps employees build broader networks and understand different aspects of the business.

For the company, shukkou can be a strategic move to strengthen partnerships with other companies, foster talent development, and facilitate knowledge transfer. It also allows companies to address staffing needs in specific areas temporarily without permanent hiring.

Upon completing the shukkou period, employees typically return to their original positions or may be reassigned based on the needs of the company and the skills they have acquired during their secondment. This practice helps in building a more versatile and skilled workforce, contributing to the overall growth and adaptability of the organization.

介護認定 (kaigo nintei) refers to "long-term care certification" in Japan. This process determines an individual's eligibility for long-term care services under the country’s Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) system.

The certification process involves a comprehensive assessment of the individual's physical and mental condition to evaluate their need for care and support. This assessment is typically carried out by a municipal government-appointed team of healthcare professionals who review the individual's ability to perform daily activities and their overall health status. The results are then reviewed by a certification committee that assigns a care level.

The levels range from 要支援1 and 2 (support required) to 要介護1 through 5 (care required), with higher numbers indicating a greater need for assistance. The assigned level determines the range and extent of care services the individual is entitled to, including home care, daycare services, and institutional care.

Kaigo nintei is crucial for ensuring that those who need long-term care receive appropriate and adequate support, helping them maintain their quality of life and relieving the burden on families and caregivers.

オプション取引 (opushon torihiki) refers to "options trading" in Japanese. It is a type of financial transaction where investors buy and sell options contracts, which give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price within a specific period.

There are two main types of options: call options and put options. A call option gives the holder the right to buy the underlying asset, while a put option gives the holder the right to sell the underlying asset. Options trading is used for various purposes, including speculation, hedging, and generating income.

Speculators use options to profit from expected price movements of the underlying asset. Hedgers use options to protect against potential losses in their investment portfolios. Additionally, options can be used to generate income through strategies like writing covered calls.

Options trading involves understanding various factors such as strike price, expiration date, volatility, and the pricing of the options themselves. While options trading offers the potential for high returns, it also carries significant risks, requiring a solid understanding of the market and careful management of investment strategies.

未満 (miman) is a Japanese term that means "less than" or "under." It is used to indicate that a certain number or quantity falls short of a specified amount. For example, if a sign says "18歳未満" (juuhas-sai miman), it means "under 18 years old." This term is commonly used in various contexts such as age restrictions, numerical limits, and legal guidelines to clearly specify boundaries that should not be exceeded. It helps in setting clear limits and ensuring compliance with rules and regulations.

所以 (yuen) is a Japanese term that means "reason" or "cause." It is used to explain why something happens or the basis for a particular situation or action. For example, when providing an explanation for a decision or event, one might say "その所以は" (sono yuei wa), meaning "the reason for that is." The term is often found in formal or written contexts, such as legal documents, scholarly works, or detailed explanations.

そうさつ (sousatsu) is a Japanese term that means "remarriage." It refers to the act of marrying again after a previous marriage has ended, whether through divorce, annulment, or the death of a spouse. Remarriage is a common practice and is recognized legally and socially in Japan. Individuals who remarry may face various considerations, such as blending families, dealing with legal and financial implications, and adjusting to new family dynamics.