有事

• Reading: ゆうじ
• Romaji: yūji
• Kanji breakdown: 有 (yū/a) — have, exist; 事 (ji/koto) — matter, affair, event
• Pronunciation: /jɯː.dʑi/

Meaning

Emergency; contingency; wartime; crisis. A state of exceptional circumstances, especially armed conflict, serious security threat, or major national disaster requiring special governmental response.

Contrasted with 平時 (heiji, peacetime/normal times). The term gained prominence in Japan through debates over 有事法制 (emergency legislation), enacted in 2003, which defines governmental powers during armed attack situations. 有事 carries an urgency and gravity not present in general terms for emergency (緊急事態, 非常事態). In security discourse, 台湾有事 (a Taiwan contingency) has become a key phrase in discussions of regional stability.

Examples

1. 有事の際に政府がいかに迅速かつ適切に対応できるかが、安全保障の要となる。 How swiftly and appropriately the government can respond in a contingency is the cornerstone of national security.
2. 台湾有事への備えとして、日米同盟の強化が急務だと防衛省は訴えた。 The Ministry of Defense urged that strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance is an urgent priority in preparation for a Taiwan contingency.
3. 平時には見えにくい制度の脆弱性が、有事においてはっきりと露呈することがある。 Institutional vulnerabilities that are hard to see in peacetime can become starkly exposed during a crisis.

Usage Guide

Context: security, defence, law, crisis management, journalism

Tone: grave

Origin & History

Formed from 有 (yū, to exist/have) and 事 (ji, matter/affair/event). The compound conveys the existence of a critical event or situation. Its use in official and legal contexts dates to the post-war security debates of the latter half of the 20th century.

Cultural Context

Era: Post-war–Contemporary

Generation: Adults

Social background: General