事なかれ主義
Meaning
A don't-rock-the-boat mentality — the principle of avoiding trouble, conflict, or controversy at all costs.
Describes a deeply ingrained attitude in Japanese institutional culture where maintaining the status quo is prioritised over solving problems or taking risks. It is overwhelmingly used critically to describe bosses, politicians, or organisations that sweep issues under the rug rather than addressing them. The term captures frustration with a passive, risk-averse approach to leadership and governance.
Examples
- うちの上司は事なかれ主義だから問題をいつも先送りにする。 My boss has a total don't-rock-the-boat mentality, so he always kicks problems down the road.
- 事なかれ主義じゃ何も変わらないよ。 Nothing's ever going to change with a conflict-avoidance mentality.
- 日本の政治って事なかれ主義の典型だと思う。 I think Japanese politics is the textbook definition of don't-rock-the-boat.
Usage Guide
Context: workplace, politics, social commentary
Tone: critical, frustrated
Do Say
- 事なかれ主義の管理職が多すぎる (There are too many managers with a don't-rock-the-boat mentality)
- 事なかれ主義はもうやめにしよう (Let's stop this conflict-avoidance mentality)
Don't Say
- 上司に面と向かって「事なかれ主義ですね」は挑発的すぎる (Saying 'you're all about avoiding trouble' directly to your boss is too provocative)
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 事なかれ主義 with genuine prudence or caution — it specifically implies avoiding problems rather than solving them
- Using it as a positive trait — it is almost always used critically
Origin & History
Compound of 事なかれ (let there be no trouble, using the classical negation なかれ) + 主義 (principle/ideology). Long used to critique risk-averse leadership in Japanese organisations and politics.
Cultural Context
Era: Long-standing term, increasingly used in modern social criticism
Generation: Adults 20s and above
Social background: Professional and political discourse
Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. A common critique of Japanese organisational and political culture.
Related Phrases
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