1.
descent from heaven; bureaucratic parachuting
The practice of retired senior government officials taking lucrative positions in the private sector or government-affiliated organizations, leveraging connections from their former roles.
天下りが問題になっている。
Amakudari has become a problem.
官僚の天下りを規制する法律ができた。
A law was enacted to regulate the practice of bureaucrats parachuting into the private sector.
退職した高官が関連企業に天下りするケースは後を絶たない。
Cases of retired high-ranking officials parachuting into affiliated companies continue unabated.
Literally means "descent from heaven," evoking the image of a deity descending from the heavens to earth. In modern usage, it refers almost exclusively to the practice of retired senior bureaucrats taking well-paid positions at companies or organizations with ties to their former ministry. The practice is widely criticized as a form of institutional corruption.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 天下り先: destination organization for an amakudari placement
- 天下りを受け入れる: to accept an amakudari official
- 天下りを禁止する: to prohibit amakudari
- 天下り人事: amakudari personnel appointment
CULTURAL CONTEXT:
Amakudari has been a persistent issue in Japanese politics. Retired officials bring regulatory connections that benefit companies, but the practice creates conflicts of interest. Multiple reform efforts have attempted to curb it, though critics argue enforcement remains weak.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 渡り: "hopping" — moving between multiple post-retirement positions in succession, compounding the amakudari problem
- 天上がり: the reverse practice, where private-sector workers temporarily join a government ministry