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.
A law was enacted to regulate the practice of bureaucrats parachuting into the private sector.
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 note
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
Related Words
Compare:
渡り ("hopping")