Keiretsu (affiliates): This means an affiliate of a company. In Japan, business is usually conducted between affiliates of the same corporate group and sometimes it is not easy for non-affiliates to enter into contracts with a corporation who is so affiliated. Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, the Fuyo Group (Fuji Bank Group) are examples of major keiretsu.

Nemawashi (maneuver behind the scenes): If anybody wants to present his or her idea or plan at a meeting, usually he or she should discuss the idea with his or her colleagues first, sometimes over drinks. At the same time, the idea should gradually be informed personally to a majority or all of the participants before the meeting. Therefore when the meeting is actually held, everybody understands the idea or plan and very few, if any, are opposed to it. This is nemawashi which Japanese business people always tend to use.

Sahbisu zangyo (free overtime work): In Japanese corporations, even though working hours are fixed from 9 to 5, it is rather difficult to leave the office sharply at 5 o'clock. So employees stay until 6 or 6:30 without being paid. Some supervisors ask his or her subordinates to work overtime for free. That is why such work is sarcastically called sahbisu zangyo or "free overtime work".

Nenko joretsu (seniority system): Although it is changing recently, almost all Japanese corporations are using this system. In this system, salaries will be decided by age and not according to ability.

Nijikai (a party following the main party): Japanese business people like to have a party and very often they use such opportunities for their nemawashi (see above). After the party, many people want to go to a karaoke bar for the nijikai. Some wanting to go to a further bar is called sanjikai or tertiary party. It is one of the reasons why Sauna bath in Tokyo are crowded after midnight by people who have missed their last train.

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