1.
written proposal for internal approval; request for decision document
A formal document circulated within a Japanese organization to obtain approval from multiple managers or executives before a decision or expenditure can proceed. A key component of the ringi system of consensus-based decision-making.
稟議書を回す。
To circulate an approval request document.
新しいパソコンを購入するために稟議書を作成した。
I drafted an approval request to purchase a new computer.
部長の承認がないと稟議書が先に進まないので、早めに相談しておこう。
The approval document can't move forward without the department head's sign-off, so let's consult them early.
A core concept of Japanese corporate culture. The 稟議 system (also written 禀議) is a bottom-up decision-making process where a proposal originates at a lower level and is circulated upward through the organization, collecting approval stamps (判子 or 印鑑) from each relevant manager.
This process can be slow but ensures that all stakeholders are informed and have a chance to object. Many companies have moved to electronic ringi systems (電子稟議) to speed up the process.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 稟議書を回す: to circulate an approval document
- 稟議書を作成する: to draft an approval document
- 稟議書を提出する: to submit an approval document
- 稟議書が通る: for an approval document to be approved
- 稟議書が却下される: for an approval to be rejected
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 稟議: the ringi system/process itself — the broader concept
- 決裁: formal approval, authorization — the act of approving
- 起案: drafting a proposal — the first step before ringi