Translation guide
A henchman is a loyal follower or subordinate who carries out orders, often for a villain or in a criminal context. In Japanese, the best choice depends on the nuance: a criminal underling, a loyal retainer, or a generic subordinate.
A subordinate in a criminal organization or gang, often doing dirty work.
The most common and direct translation for a henchman in a criminal or villainous context. Implies someone who follows orders without question.
ボスの手下が汚れ仕事を引き受ける。
The boss's henchmen handle the dirty work.
Often used for a follower in a yakuza or gang hierarchy. Can also be used affectionately for a protégé.
組長の子分たちが集まった。
The boss's henchmen gathered.
A more formal term for subordinates under one's command, often used in historical or organizational contexts.
彼は多くの配下を従えている。
He has many henchmen under his command.
A faithful retainer or follower, often in a feudal or fantasy setting.
A retainer or vassal serving a lord. Common in historical dramas and fantasy.
悪代官の家来が村人を脅した。
The corrupt official's henchmen threatened the villagers.
A historical term for a samurai's retainer or follower. Rare in modern speech.
A person who works under someone else, without strong criminal or villainous connotations.
A neutral term for a subordinate in a workplace or organization. Not inherently villainous.
彼は上司の命令に忠実な部下だ。
He is a loyal henchman to his boss.
手下 (てした) is the closest to 'henchman' in a villainous context. 子分 (こぶん) implies a hierarchical gang relationship, often yakuza. 部下 (ぶか) is a neutral 'subordinate' and can be used in any workplace, but lacks the criminal nuance unless context makes it clear.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches all nuances of 'henchman'. Using 手下 for a loyal samurai retainer would be odd; use 家来 instead. Using 家来 for a modern office worker would be comical.
The warlord and his henchmen headed to the battlefield.
A derogatory term for someone who always tags along with a superior, like a sycophantic follower.
彼は社長の腰巾着だ。
He's the president's henchman (always hanging around).