School Culture Festival. An annual event where classes and clubs showcase their work through performances, exhibits, and food stalls.
Dattai Ichijikin (脱退一時金)
The Pension Lump-Sum Withdrawal refund for temporary foreign residents leaving Japan.
Ganbatte (頑張って)
A common phrase of encouragement meaning "Do your best!", "Good luck!", or "Hang in there!".
Gensen-choshu (源泉徴収)
The "pay-as-you-earn" withholding system for Income Tax, deducted monthly from your salary.
Gensen-choshu-hyo (源泉徴収票)
The official Statement of Earnings you receive after the Year-End Tax Adjustment. A critical document.
Jumin-zei (住民税)
Residence Tax. The local tax paid to your city/prefecture, based on your previous year's income.
Keiyaku Kikan Manryō (契約期間満了)
Contract Period Expired. The official "involuntary" reason for leaving that makes you eligible for the 6-month exception at Hello Work.
Koyou Hoken (雇用保険)
Unemployment Insurance, administered by Hello Work.
Kōchō-sensei (校長先生)
The School Principal. The head of the school.
Kyōtō-sensei (教頭先生)
The Vice Principal. The deputy head of the school.
Kyushoku (給食)
School Lunch. The standardized lunch provided to students and staff, often eaten together in the classroom.
Nenmatsu Chosei (年末調整)
The Year-End Tax Adjustment, which finalizes your income tax for the year.
Nenkyū (年休)
Paid Annual Leave. Your yearly allotment of paid vacation days.
Nintei-bi (認定日)
Certification Day. The day you must visit Hello Work every 4 weeks to certify your unemployment and job-seeking activities.
Rishoku-hyo (離職票)
The Letter of Separation. The crucial document provided by your employer that you need to apply for unemployment benefits.
Sensei (先生)
Teacher. A respectful title used when addressing teachers, doctors, and other professionals. Always use it when speaking to or about a teacher (e.g., Tanaka-sensei).
Shakai Hoken (社会保険)
Social Insurance. The combined package of Employee Health Insurance and Pension Insurance.
Shokuinshitsu (職員室)
The Staff Room. The main office and workspace for all teachers and administrative staff.
Shotoku-zei (所得税)
Income Tax. The national tax on your income.
Souji (掃除)
Cleaning Time. A daily period where all students and staff work together to clean the school.
Tannin (担任)
Homeroom Teacher (HRT). The main teacher responsible for a specific class, particularly in elementary school.
Undōkai (運動会)
Sports Day. A major school event where students compete in various athletic activities, often in color-coded teams.
Uwabaki (上履き)
Indoor Shoes. Slippers or soft-soled shoes that must be worn inside the school building.