1.
hanamichi; kabuki stage runway
A raised walkway extending through the audience in a kabuki theater, used for dramatic entrances and exits of actors.
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.
He won the championship in his final tournament as coach, making for a splendid farewell.
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.