根回し

• Reading: ねまわし
• Romaji: nemawashi
• Kanji breakdown: 根 (ne) — root; 回 (mawa) — turn, go around
• Pronunciation: /ne.ma.wa.ɕi/

Meaning

Building consensus behind the scenes; laying the groundwork before a formal decision.

A noun and suru-verb describing the Japanese practice of informally consulting stakeholders before a meeting or decision to ensure smooth agreement. An essential concept in Japanese business and politics. Common phrases include 根回しをする (to lay the groundwork), 事前の根回し (advance consensus-building), and 根回しが足りない (insufficient groundwork). Understanding this concept is key to Japanese organisational culture.

Examples

1. 会議の前に関係者への根回しを済ませておいた。 I had already laid the groundwork with the relevant parties before the meeting.
2. 根回しなしで提案したら反対意見が続出した。 When I made the proposal without any groundwork, objections came pouring in.
3. 政治家は法案の可決に向けて各党に根回しをした。 The politician worked behind the scenes with each party to get the bill passed.

Usage Guide

Context: business, politics, organisational culture, meetings

Tone: strategic

Origin & History

Originally a gardening term meaning to trim the roots of a tree before transplanting (根 ne = roots + 回し mawashi = going around). The metaphor of carefully preparing roots before a big change transferred perfectly to the practice of informal pre-negotiation.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional