# Nemawashi

/nɛmɑwɑʃi/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nemawashi
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

the process of talking to people privately before a meeting to get their support for a new idea. It helps make sure everyone agrees before the official decision is made.

For teachers: the informal process of quietly laying the foundation for some proposed change or project by talking to the people concerned and gathering support. Often used in a business context to describe consensus-building prior to formal decision-making.

## Examples

- He did some nemawashi before the board meeting to ensure approval.
- The manager spent the week performing nemawashi with department heads to ensure the new policy would not face resistance during the Friday summit.
- Successful implementation of the merger required months of careful nemawashi, as the leadership sought to align the disparate interests of various stakeholders before any public announcement.

## Synonyms

consultation, groundwork, coordination

## Antonyms

confrontation

## Usage notes

- Often used as a loanword from Japanese in international business contexts; frequently paired with the verb 'to do' or 'to perform'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.