noun
illegal donation; secret contribution
Refers to political donations that violate campaign finance laws, often hidden or unreported. Commonly used in news and political contexts.
その政治家はヤミ献金を受け取っていたことが発覚した。
It was revealed that the politician had received illegal donations.
闇献金問題で大臣が辞任に追い込まれた。
The minister was forced to resign over the secret contribution scandal.
Compound of 闇 (yami, 'darkness; illegal') and 献金 (kenkin, 'donation; contribution'). The term likely emerged in post-war Japanese political discourse to describe covert political funding.