noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
secret feud; behind-the-scenes conflict
Refers to a hidden, ongoing struggle or rivalry, often in political, business, or organizational contexts. Can be used as a noun or with する to describe engaging in such a feud.
党内で激しい暗闘が続いている。
A fierce secret feud continues within the party.
彼らはポストを巡って暗闘し
They are engaged in a behind-the-scenes struggle over the position.
noun
wordless pantomime in the dark (kabuki)
A kabuki technique where actors perform a silent, mimed scene in darkness or near-darkness, often conveying a secret or tense moment. Rare outside of kabuki contexts.
See also: だんまり
歌舞伎の暗闘は、暗がりでの無言の立ち回りを指す。
In kabuki, 暗闘 refers to a wordless fight scene performed in the dark.