Japanese Business Glossary

道路に面している (doro ni men shite iru) translates to facing the road or facing the street in English.

It typically refers to a property, building, or piece of land that has its front side directly adjacent to a road. This is a common term in real estate and urban planning in Japan, indicating the location and accessibility of a property.

保障 (hosho) refers to security, assurance, or guarantee provided to ensure protection or fulfillment of certain conditions in Japan. This term is often used in various contexts such as insurance, legal agreements, and social security. For instance, in the context of insurance, hosho represents the coverage provided to policyholders against specific risks or losses. In legal terms, it may refer to the guarantees stipulated in contracts to ensure that all parties fulfill their obligations. Socially, hosho can pertain to government-provided welfare and social security measures that protect citizens' well-being.

下宿 (geshuku) refers to a type of lodging or boarding in Japan. It typically involves renting a room in a private home or a boarding house, where the landlord may provide additional services such as meals and cleaning. This arrangement is often more personal and home-like compared to staying in a hotel or renting an apartment.

Geshuku is commonly used by students, single workers, or individuals who need temporary accommodation. It provides a more affordable and convenient living option, especially for those who prefer a more community-oriented or family-like environment.

底地 (sokochi) refers to "land underlying leased property" in Japanese. It is the land that is owned by one party but leased to another party who uses it, often for building purposes. The owner of the sokochi is entitled to receive rent from the tenant who uses the land.

In real estate and property law, sokochi is an important concept because it distinguishes the ownership of the land from the ownership of any structures built on the land. This type of arrangement is common in urban areas where land is leased for commercial or residential development.

Understanding sokochi is crucial for property transactions, land development, and investment decisions, as it involves navigating the rights and obligations of both the landowner and the lessee. This includes aspects such as lease terms, rent payments, and the eventual return of the land to the owner after the lease period ends.

係る (kakaru) means "related to" or "pertaining to" in Japanese. It is often used in formal and legal contexts to describe matters, issues, or items that are connected or relevant to a specific subject.

For example, in legal documents, you might see a phrase like "この契約に係る問題" (kono keiyaku ni kakaru mondai), which means "issues related to this contract." It helps specify the scope or relevance of certain information, making it clear what is being referred to or addressed.

扶養者 (fuyosha) refers to a dependent or a person who is supported financially by someone else, typically a family member. In a legal and tax context, a fuyosha is an individual, such as a child, spouse, or elderly parent, who relies on the primary income earner for financial support.

For instance, in the Japanese tax system, the primary income earner may receive tax deductions or benefits for supporting a fuyosha. This designation is important for understanding household finances, tax obligations, and eligibility for various social welfare benefits.

Having a fuyosha affects financial planning and can provide certain tax advantages, making it an important consideration for families and individuals managing their financial responsibilities.