noun
Literal use meaning the inside or center of a whirlpool or vortex. In everyday Japanese, 渦の中 is often plainer; 渦中 sounds more written or formal.
小舟は渦中に巻き込まれた。
The small boat was caught in the whirlpool.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
in the midst of a scandal; center of controversy; turmoil
Common figurative use for being caught up in, or at the center of, a scandal, controversy, quarrel, or public turmoil. Frequently appears in news phrases such as 渦中の人物 and 疑惑の渦中にある.
彼は疑惑の渦中にある。
He is in the midst of a scandal.
渦中の人物が会見を開いた。
The person at the center of the controversy held a press conference.
Refers to a disturbance, uproar, or commotion; 渦中 describes the position of someone or something caught in that uproar.
A Sino-Japanese compound of 渦, 'whirlpool' or 'vortex,' and 中, 'inside' or 'middle.' The figurative sense extends the image of being inside a swirling vortex to scandals and controversies.