Departments
CHOONAIKAI
町内会
neighborhood association
Since time immemorial, Japanese culture has placed a heavy emphasis on the relationship between the community and the individual. The neighborhood association gives the individual an opportunity to take an active role in improving his or her immediate neighborhood. Neighborhood associations address issues like roadside greenery and neighborhood beautification. They may also mobilize residents in the event that intrusive development is planned.
Many neighborhood associations are now referred to as jichikai 自治会 (literally: “self-governing association”) rather than the older choonaikai. Choonaikai has some associations with the authoritarian neighborhood associations employed during the immediate prewar period.
CHOONAN
長男
eldest son
Japan’s traditional patriarchal society was based on primogeniture--by which the eldest son inherited his father’s business, titles, etc. Because of this custom, the eldest son was often viewed as the most important among the children of a family, and he was often spoiled as a consequence. The Japanese proverb Sooryoo no jinroku 総領の甚六 (“First born, least intelligent”) highlights the arbitrary nature of this system.
On the other hand, the eldest son’s favored position came with many responsibilities. He was responsible for the care of his parents in their old age. He might also have some responsibility for the welfare of his siblings.
CHOOREI
朝礼
morning meeting
Many Japanese workers begin the day with a morning meeting. Although the meeting may be companywide, a department level choorei is more common. The choorei is a forum for communicating announcements from upper management, discussing problems, and the planning the work for the day.