発起人

• Reading: ほっきにん
• Romaji: hokkinin
• Kanji breakdown: 発 (hatsu/ha) — start, launch; 起 (ki/o) — rise, begin; 人 (nin/hito) — person
• Pronunciation: /hok.ki.nʲin/

Meaning

Founder; incorporator; promoter. The person or persons who initiate the formation of a company and are legally responsible for the incorporation process.

In Japanese corporate law, 発起人 refers specifically to those who sign the articles of incorporation (定款) and take on legal obligations for the company's formation — including liability for any shortfall in subscribed capital. Under the Companies Act (会社法), a corporation requires at least one 発起人. More broadly, the term can refer to anyone who initiates or drives a new project or organisation.

Examples

1. 会社設立にあたり発起人は定款に署名する必要がある。 When establishing a company, the incorporators must sign the articles of incorporation.
2. 新事業の発起人として三名が名乗りを上げた。 Three individuals came forward as promoters of the new venture.
3. 発起人会を開催して設立準備を本格化させた。 A founding meeting was held to begin preparations for incorporation in earnest.

Usage Guide

Context: corporate law, business formation, legal, entrepreneurship

Tone: formal

Origin & History

Compound of 発起 (initiation, conception; from 発起する 'to conceive, to initiate') and 人 (person). Literally 'the person who gives rise to or initiates something.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Business professionals

Social background: Corporate/Legal