Japanese Business Glossary

長 (cho) in Japanese means "chief," "head," or "leader." It is commonly used to denote someone in a position of authority or leadership within an organization, institution, or group. For example, 社長 (Shacho) refers to the president or CEO of a company, and 校長 (Kocho) refers to the principal of a school. The term can be attached to various titles to indicate the top person responsible for overseeing operations and making critical decisions. The role of cho is pivotal, as they guide the direction, strategy, and overall management of their respective organizations.

減資 (genshi) refers to the reduction of a company's capital. This process involves decreasing the company's stated capital on its balance sheet and is typically undertaken for several reasons, such as restructuring the company, offsetting accumulated losses, or returning excess capital to shareholders.

The process of genshi must be conducted according to legal procedures, including obtaining approval from shareholders and sometimes regulatory authorities. There are different methods of genshi, such as reducing the par value of shares, canceling a portion of the shares, or buying back shares and then canceling them. This reduction can improve the financial health of a company by aligning the capital structure more closely with its operational needs and market value.

While genshi can signal a company's attempt to streamline its operations and improve financial stability, it may also raise concerns among investors about the company’s past performance or future prospects. Therefore, clear communication and strategic planning are essential when a company decides to undertake a capital reduction.

結果 (kekka) translates to "result" or "outcome" in English. It refers to the final consequence or end product of a process, action, or event.

In various contexts, kekka can be used to describe the outcome of an experiment, the result of a test or examination, the consequence of a decision or action, or the final standings in a competition. It emphasizes the conclusion or the effects that follow from prior actions or conditions.

故意 (koi) translates to "intent" or "deliberate" in English. It refers to actions taken with the intention or deliberate purpose of achieving a specific outcome.

In legal contexts, koi is often used to describe intentional acts or behaviors, distinguishing them from accidental or negligent actions. For example, in criminal law, a crime committed with koi means that the perpetrator acted with the intent to commit the offense, as opposed to it happening accidentally or due to carelessness.

規程, pronounced kitei in Japanese, refers to regulations, rules, or provisions established within an organization or institution. These guidelines are designed to govern the behavior, procedures, and operations within the entity. Kitei encompasses a wide range of internal rules, including codes of conduct, operational procedures, and compliance requirements, which help ensure that the organization functions smoothly and consistently.

Kitei is typically documented in official manuals or policy handbooks and is communicated to all members of the organization. These regulations serve multiple purposes, such as maintaining order, ensuring legal compliance, promoting safety, and setting standards for performance and conduct.

規定 (kitei) refers to "regulation," "rule," or "provision" in English. It denotes established guidelines, directives, or standards that are formally set by an organization, institution, or government to govern behavior, procedures, or operations.

Kitei can cover a wide range of areas, including company policies, legal requirements, safety standards, and operational procedures. These rules are designed to ensure consistency, compliance, and orderly conduct within the specified context. Adhering to kitei is often mandatory, and violations can lead to penalties or other consequences.