1.
hanamichi; kabuki stage runway
A raised walkway extending through the audience in a kabuki theater, used for dramatic entrances and exits of actors.
役者が花道から登場した。
The actor appeared from the hanamichi runway.
歌舞伎の花道は客席の中を通っている。
The hanamichi in kabuki runs through the middle of the audience seating.
花道での見得は歌舞伎の見どころの一つだ。
The dramatic poses on the hanamichi are one of the highlights of kabuki.
2.
glorious exit; last hurrah
A grand or honorable departure, especially a final moment of glory before retirement or stepping down. Used figuratively based on the kabuki sense.
引退試合で花道を飾った。
He adorned his final stage with a retirement match.
監督として最後の大会で優勝し、見事な花道となった。
He won the championship in his final tournament as coach, making for a splendid farewell.
長年会社に貢献してきた彼女にふさわしい花道を用意したい。
I want to prepare a fitting send-off for her, who has contributed to the company for many years.
Literally "flower path." In kabuki theater, the 花道 is a raised platform extending from the stage through the audience, allowing actors to make dramatic entrances and exits close to the spectators.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 花道を飾る (adorn one's final stage; make a glorious exit)
- 花道から登場する (appear from the hanamichi)
- 花道を用意する (prepare a grand send-off)
The figurative sense of a "glorious exit" is very common in sports and business. The set phrase 花道を飾る means to crown one's career with a final achievement before retiring.