相談役(そうだんやく)

そうだんやく
noun
advisor; counselor; consultant
businessoccupation
1. advisor; counselor; consultant
A person who serves as an advisor, especially in a formal or organizational role. In Japanese companies, this is often a senior advisory position given to retired executives. In broader usage, refers to anyone who serves as a go-to person for advice.
会社(かいしゃ)の相談役(そうだんやく)に就任(しゅうにん)する。
To be appointed as company advisor.
元社長(もとしゃちょう)が相談役(そうだんやく)として残(のこ)っている。
The former president remains as an advisor.
彼(かれ)はチームの相談役(そうだんやく)のような存在(そんざい)で、みんなから頼(たよ)りにされている。
He's like an advisor to the team, and everyone relies on him.

In Japanese corporate culture, 相談役(そうだんやく) is a specific position typically held by former presidents or chairmen who have retired from active management but remain in an advisory capacity. This system has been criticized for allowing retired executives to retain influence without accountability.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 顧問(こもん): advisor, consultant — similar corporate position, more formal
  • アドバイザー: advisor — loanword, broader usage
  • 参与(さんよ): councilor — a different advisory rank in organizations
  • コンサルタント: consultant — usually an external specialist

Related Words

Compare: 顧問(こもん) (advisor, consultant)
Compare: 知恵袋(ちえぶくろ) (fountain of wisdom)
Compare: 相談者(そうだんしゃ) (person seeking advice)
Compare: 助言者(じょげんしゃ) (advisor)
general
Added 2026.3.31 7:22 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
20500/20958_soudanyaku