Endnotes
[1] Translated as “administrative scrivener,” this is a specialized legal profession unique to Japan. A gyōsei shoshi helps prepare various legal documents, including wills, inheritance claims, vehicle registrations, articles of incorporations, etc. They also regularly deal with immigration matters.
[2] Just under $20,000 US.
[3] In Japan it is common to mark important documents with a personal registered seal, a jitsuin, in lieu of a signature. The format and contents of these seals is tightly regulated, with most being made by professionals and used for many years. When not needed, they are kept in a safe or other well hidden place along with the registration certificate verifying the person’s identity.
[4] A type of matchmaking meeting that could lead to marriage if the cou
