noun
national constituency; nationwide electoral district
Political term for a constituency that covers the entire nation, as opposed to a local district. Used in contexts such as proportional representation blocks or historical national elections.
参議院の比例代表は全国区で選ばれる。
Members of the House of Councillors under proportional representation are elected from a national constituency.
noun
nationwide fame; being known across the country
Figurative extension of the political term: describes a person, product, or phenomenon that has achieved recognition throughout Japan. Often used in media and entertainment contexts.
彼は全国区のタレントになった。
He became a nationally known celebrity.
その商品は全国区で人気がある。
That product is popular nationwide.
選挙区 is a general term for an electoral district, which can be local or national. 全国区 is a specific type of electoral district covering the entire nation.
Compound of 全国 (zenkoku, 'the whole country') and 区 (ku, 'district, ward'). Originally a political term for a nationwide electoral district, later extended to mean nationwide fame or recognition.