政商

• Reading: せいしょう
• Romaji: seishō
• Kanji breakdown: 政 (sei) — politics, government; 商 (shō) — commerce, merchant
• Pronunciation: /se.i.ɕoː/

Meaning

Politically connected businessman; crony capitalist. A business figure who gains wealth and influence primarily through political connections rather than open market competition.

Originally referring to merchants who supplied the Meiji government and gained special privileges, 政商 now describes businesspeople who profit from close ties to ruling parties or officials — through preferential contracts, regulatory favours, or inside information. The term carries strong negative connotations of corruption and collusion, appearing frequently in investigative journalism.

Examples

1. 政商と政治家の癒着が明るみに出て、世論の批判が高まった。 The collusion between politically connected businessmen and politicians came to light, fuelling public criticism.
2. 彼は補助金事業を独占する典型的な政商として批判されてきた。 He has long been criticised as a typical crony capitalist who monopolises subsidy projects.
3. 明治期の政商は殖産興業政策の下で急速に台頭した。 Politically connected merchants rose rapidly under the Meiji-era policy of industrial promotion.

Usage Guide

Context: political corruption, business history, investigative journalism

Tone: critical

Origin & History

From 政 (sei) meaning 'politics or government' and 商 (shou) meaning 'commerce or merchant.' The compound describes a merchant whose fortunes are tied to political patronage.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Business and political class