Japanese Business Glossary

利息 (risoku) is a Japanese term that translates to "interest" in English. It refers to the cost of borrowing money, typically expressed as a percentage of the principal amount loaned. When an individual or entity takes out a loan, they agree to repay the principal amount along with additional money, which is the interest, over a specified period.

Interest rates can vary based on factors such as the loan type, duration, creditworthiness of the borrower, and prevailing economic conditions.

事務所利用可 (jimusho riyouka) is a Japanese phrase that means "office use permitted" or "suitable for office use." This term is commonly found in real estate listings and rental agreements to indicate that a particular property, such as an apartment, commercial space, or building, can legally and appropriately be used as an office.

When looking for office space, businesses often look for this designation to ensure that the property meets regulatory requirements and is equipped for office activities, such as having the necessary infrastructure, zoning, and facilities. This information helps potential tenants quickly identify properties that meet their business needs.

摘要 (tekiyou) is a Japanese term that translates to "summary" or "abstract." It refers to a concise overview or brief of the main points and key information from a larger document, report, or study.

In academic, business, and professional contexts, tekiyou is used to provide readers with a quick understanding of the essential content without needing to read the entire text. This is particularly useful for decision-makers, researchers, or anyone who needs to grasp the core message efficiently. Writing a clear and accurate tekiyou is important as it helps convey the main ideas and findings succinctly, aiding in effective communication and understanding.

優先 (yuusen) is a Japanese term that translates to "priority" or "preference." It refers to the act of giving precedence to certain tasks, individuals, or issues over others based on their importance or urgency. In various contexts, such as business, project management, and daily life, yuusen is crucial for effective time management and resource allocation.

For instance, in a business setting, prioritizing tasks can help ensure that critical deadlines are met and that the most important objectives are achieved first. Similarly, giving priority to certain customers or clients can enhance satisfaction and strengthen relationships.

衆議院 (shugiin) is the Japanese term for the House of Representatives, which is the lower house of Japan's National Diet, the country's bicameral legislature. The House of Representatives is one of two houses in the Diet, the other being the House of Councillors (参議院, sangiin).

The House of Representatives holds significant legislative power, including the ability to pass laws, approve the budget, and select the Prime Minister. Members of the House of Representatives are elected through a combination of single-member districts and proportional representation. The House of Representatives has the authority to override decisions made by the House of Councillors with a two-thirds majority vote, highlighting its critical role in Japan's legislative process.

売引買引 (baihiki kaihiki) is a Japanese term that translates to "discounted purchase and sale." This term is commonly used in financial and commercial contexts to refer to transactions where goods or securities are bought and sold at discounted prices.

In business, baihiki kaihiki can be part of strategies to manage inventory, cash flow, or investment portfolios. For example, companies may offer discounts to quickly sell off excess stock or to incentivize early payment from customers. In financial markets, this can involve buying or selling securities at prices lower than their face value.