元締(もとじ)め

もとじめ
noun
boss; ringleader; organizer
1. boss; ringleader; organizer
The person who controls or manages an operation from behind the scenes. Often implies the top figure in an organization, especially one with shady or informal power structures.
彼(かれ)がこの組織(そしき)の元締(もとじ)めだ。
He is the boss of this organization.
密輸(みつゆ)の元締(もとじ)めがついに逮捕(たいほ)された。
The ringleader of the smuggling operation was finally arrested.
地元(じもと)の祭(まつ)りの元締(もとじ)めとして、彼女(かのじょ)は準備(じゅんび)から片付(かたづ)けまですべてを取(と)り仕切(しき)っている。
As the organizer of the local festival, she oversees everything from preparation to cleanup.

Originally referred to the person who controlled the source (元(もと)) of goods or money. In Edo-period Japan, it denoted the head of a trade guild or the person who managed the distribution of licensed goods.

In modern usage, the word often carries a negative connotation, suggesting someone who pulls the strings behind an illegal or semi-legal operation. However, it can also be used neutrally for anyone who is the central organizing figure of an activity.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 犯罪(はんざい)の元締(もとじ)め: criminal ringleader
  • 闇(やみ)の元締(もとじ)め: shadowy mastermind
  • 興行(こうぎょう)の元締(もとじ)め: entertainment promoter/organizer

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 黒幕(くろまく): puppet master, behind-the-scenes manipulator — emphasizes secrecy and manipulation
  • 親分(おやぶん): boss (of a gang) — more specifically a yakuza or gang leader
  • 首謀者(しゅぼうしゃ): mastermind, instigator — formal term for the person who plans a crime
general
Added 2026.4.20 23:30
24500/24748_motojime