根回し

• Reading: ねまわし
• Romaji: nemawashi
• Kanji breakdown: 根 (ne) — root; 回 (mawa) — go around, circulate; 回し is the noun form of 回す (to go around)
• Pronunciation: /nemawashi/

Meaning

Groundwork; behind-the-scenes consensus building. The practice of consulting key stakeholders individually before a formal decision to ensure smooth approval.

One of the most culturally distinctive concepts in Japanese organisational life. 根回し comes from the horticultural practice of carefully preparing a tree's roots before transplanting it — ensuring it will survive the move. In business and politics, 根回し means quietly sounding out and persuading key decision-makers in private before any formal meeting, so that the meeting itself proceeds without surprise or conflict. It is widely practised and not considered manipulative within Japanese culture.

Examples

1. 会議前に十分な根回しをしておかないと、議題が否決されるリスクがある。 If you don't do sufficient groundwork before a meeting, there is a risk that the agenda will be rejected.
2. 彼は重要な人事案を通すため、役員全員に個別に根回しした。 He consulted each board member individually in advance to push through an important personnel proposal.
3. 根回しの文化に不慣れな外国人社員が会議で突然反対されて戸惑った。 A foreign employee unfamiliar with the culture of prior consensus-building was taken aback when suddenly met with opposition at a meeting.

Usage Guide

Context: business, politics, organisational culture, decision-making

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From the horticultural term 根回し (nemawashi) — the practice of pruning roots around a tree before transplanting, to minimise shock. The metaphorical extension to organisational consensus-building became widespread in the 20th century as Japanese corporate culture developed its distinctive decision-making style.

Cultural Context

Era: Shōwa–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Business and government