民主主義

• Reading: みんしゅしゅぎ
• Romaji: minshushugi
• Kanji breakdown: 民 (min/tami) — people, citizens; 主 (shu/nushi) — master, main; 義 (gi) — righteousness, doctrine
• Pronunciation: /miɴ.ɕɯ.ɕɯ.ɡi/

Meaning

Democracy; democratic principles. A system of government in which supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or through freely elected representatives.

One of the most fundamental political concepts in modern Japanese discourse. Commonly appears in compounds such as 自由民主主義 (liberal democracy), 議会制民主主義 (parliamentary democracy), and 直接民主主義 (direct democracy). The health of 民主主義 is a perennial topic in Japanese media, particularly in relation to voter turnout, political apathy, and the concentration of power.

Examples

1. 民主主義が機能するためには、市民一人ひとりが政治に関心を持ち続けることが不可欠だ。 For democracy to function, it is essential that each and every citizen maintains an interest in politics.
2. 選挙への無関心が続けば、民主主義の根幹が揺らぎかねないと専門家は警鐘を鳴らす。 Experts warn that if public indifference to elections continues, the very foundation of democracy could be shaken.
3. 戦後日本は民主主義の定着を最重要課題の一つとして、教育制度の改革に取り組んだ。 Postwar Japan undertook educational reform as one of its most important tasks in order to establish democracy.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, history, education, international relations, media

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Formed from 民主 (minshu, people as master — from 民 people + 主 master/lord) and 主義 (shugi, principle/ism). A Meiji-era coinage that translated the Western concept of 'democracy' as governance by the people.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji–Contemporary

Generation: All ages

Social background: General