Shokkiin

Shokkiin (written 書記員 in kanji) is a Japanese term that denotes a clerk or secretary within an organization. The word combines 書記, meaning writing or record-keeping, with 員, meaning member, to describe a person responsible for documentation and administrative tasks. In contemporary usage, shokkiin can appear as a job title in government agencies, corporations, associations, universities, and other institutions, though more common terms include 書記 (shoki), 事務員 (jimuin), or 秘書 (hisho), depending on the duties involved.

Typical responsibilities of a shokkiin include recording minutes of meetings, handling correspondence, filing and organizing documents, maintaining records and archives, scheduling and coordinating meetings, and assisting with general administrative tasks. The role may also involve handling confidential information and coordinating with other departments, staff, and external stakeholders.

Historically or in more formal contexts, shokkiin could refer to an official position within bureaucratic or religious organizations where meticulous record-keeping and procedure were central. In modern usage, the term is less common as a everyday job title, with many organizations opting for more specific terms such as administrative assistant, secretary, or clerk, while shokkiin remains a recognized term in certain traditional or formal contexts.

Etymology: the compound consists of 書記 (secretary or chronicle-keeper) and 員 (member), conveying the idea of a person responsible for writing and maintaining records within a group.