kuromaku

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English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

Japanese 黒幕, literally "black curtain", alluding to the unseen operators in puppet theater; compare pull strings.

Noun[edit]

kuromaku (plural kuromaku)

  1. In Japan, an éminence grise or secret decision-maker.
    • 2012, David E. Kaplan, Alec Dubro, Yakuza: Japan's Criminal Underworld, page 97:
      The “black mists” of Japan did not die with Yoshio Kodama. In the spirit of the late kuromaku, questionable payments and mob connections still stretch far and wide among Japan's elected officials […]
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