JLPT N1
財閥
財閥 is the Japanese term for powerful, family-run business empires that were central to modern Japan before WWII.
Readings
1 Noun
Zaibatsu / Pre-war Conglomerate
A huge, family-controlled industrial and financial conglomerate that dominated Japan’s economy from the late 1800s until the end of World War II. The “Big Four” were Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Sumitomo, and Yasuda.
Example
日本 の 近代化 は 、 三井 や 三菱 など の 財閥 によって 支えられた 。
Japan's modernization was supported by zaibatsu like Mitsui and Mitsubishi.
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2 Noun
Tycoon / Financial Magnate
In a more modern and colloquial sense, an extremely wealthy person or family with vast business influence.
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