1.
mastermind; wire-puller; power behind the scenes
A person who secretly controls or influences events from behind the scenes, especially in politics or crime. Originally referred to the black curtain used in kabuki theater to hide stagehands.
事件の黒幕は誰だ。
Who is the mastermind behind the incident?
政治の黒幕として長年影響力を持っていた。
He wielded influence for many years as a political power broker.
表に出ないが、彼こそがこの計画の黒幕だと言われている。
He doesn't appear publicly, but he is said to be the mastermind behind this plan.
ETYMOLOGY:
From 黒 (black) + 幕 (curtain). In kabuki theater, a black curtain hides stagehands who move props and assist actors. By extension, the word came to mean someone who operates unseen, pulling strings from behind the scenes.
USAGE:
Used in news, politics, and crime stories. Also common in manga and anime to describe the secret villain controlling events. Almost always carries a negative connotation.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 事件の黒幕 (the mastermind behind an incident)
- 政界の黒幕 (a political power broker)
- 黒幕を暴く (to expose the mastermind)