background check; identity investigation
Colloquial term for a background check, often with the specific implication of investigating someone's family origin or social status, especially in contexts like marriage or employment. Historically associated with discrimination against burakumin.
Some parents conduct a background check on their child's partner before marriage.
Discriminatory practices through background checks became an issue.
More formal term for a personal background check, often used in legal or official contexts, without the specific discriminatory nuance.
Similar meaning but can be broader, covering one's past and character; less colloquial than 身元調査.
Compound of 身元 (identity, background) and 調査 (investigation).