illegal donation; secret contribution
Refers to political donations that violate campaign finance laws, often hidden or unreported. Commonly used in news and political contexts.
It was revealed that the politician had received illegal donations.
The minister was forced to resign over the secret contribution scandal.
Slush fund or bribe money; broader term for illicit funds, not limited to political donations.
Standard kanji spelling using 闇 (dark, illegal) and 献金 (donation).
Katakana spelling of 闇, often used for emphasis or in headlines.
Compound of 闇 (yami, 'darkness; illegal') and 献金 (kenkin, 'donation; contribution'). The term likely emerged in post-war Japanese political discourse to describe covert political funding.