1.
collusive relationship; corrupt ties; cozy relationship
An improperly close relationship between entities that should maintain independence, especially between politicians and businesses, or between government agencies and private interests. Carries a strongly negative connotation.
The collusive relationship between politicians and corporations became a problem.
Composed of 癒着 (adhesion; collusion) and 関係 (relationship). The word 癒着 originally means tissue adhesion in medicine, but in political and social contexts it metaphorically describes entities that have become improperly stuck together. This is a staple term in Japanese news coverage of political scandals.
Common collocations
- 癒着関係を暴く: to expose a collusive relationship
- 癒着関係を断つ: to cut off corrupt ties
- 癒着関係が疑われる: to be suspected of collusion
- 政官癒着: politician-bureaucrat collusion
Usage
Almost always used with negative connotation. The term implies that the closeness of the relationship leads to corruption, favoritism, or abuse of power. It is a common keyword in investigative journalism and political commentary.