noun
Refers to a person who takes over a role, position, or job from someone else. Often used in work or organizational contexts.
部長の後釜を探している。
We are looking for a successor for the department manager.
彼が辞めた後、後釜がなかなか見つからなかった。
After he quit, it was hard to find a replacement.
noun
Colloquial and somewhat dated term for a second wife, especially after divorce or death of the first wife. May carry a slightly informal or old-fashioned tone.
彼は後釜をもらった。
He took a second wife.
Compound of 後 (あと, 'after') and 釜 (かま, 'pot/kettle'). The metaphorical use likely comes from the idea of a new pot replacing an old one, but the exact origin is uncertain.