also: こくえのさいしょう
expression, noun
Buddhist priest who is also an important politician
Historical term referring to a Buddhist monk who wielded significant political influence, often behind the scenes. The 'black robe' (黒衣) symbolizes the priest's vestments.
黒衣の宰相と呼ばれた僧侶は、朝廷で大きな力を持っていた。
The monk called the 'black-robed chancellor' held great power in the imperial court.
歴史の授業で、黒衣の宰相について学んだ。
In history class, we learned about the 'black-robed chancellor'.
Compound of 黒衣 (kokui, 'black robe', referring to a Buddhist priest's vestments) + の (no, possessive particle) + 宰相 (saishō, 'chancellor' or 'prime minister'). The term historically described influential Buddhist monks in Japanese politics.