hanamichi; flower path; runway through audience
In kabuki, the elevated walkway from the back of the theater through the audience to the main stage, used for dramatic entrances and exits.
In kabuki, actors make their entrance via the hanamichi.
graceful exit; honorable retirement; swan song
Figurative use derived from the kabuki walkway; refers to leaving a career or position in a dignified, celebrated way, often at a peak.
He stepped down as president and made a graceful exit.
He caps his career with a final match.
The team arranged a fitting send-off for the retiring player.
He hit a home run in his final game, capping his career in style.
The actor made his entrance walking down the hanamichi.