noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
out of office; out of power; in opposition
Refers to a political party or politician not currently in government; often used in contrast with 与党 (ruling party).
That party has been in opposition for many years.
His policy proposals from his time out of office attracted attention.
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
unaffiliated; in private practice; independent
Describes a professional, especially a researcher or doctor, who works independently rather than for a university, hospital, or large institution.
See also: 在朝
He left the university and became an independent researcher.
As a doctor in private practice, he contributes to local healthcare.
He is known as an independent researcher not affiliated with any university.
The party that lost the election stepped down into opposition.
He left the hospital and became a doctor working independently.
独立 broadly means independent or self-reliant, whereas 在野 more specifically describes a professional who works outside institutional affiliation like a university or hospital.
From 在 (ざい, 'to be at') + 野 (や, 'field, wilderness'), originally meaning 'to be in the fields' or 'out of the court'. Extended to mean 'out of power' or 'not in government', and later to 'independent professional'.
She has worked for years as a politician out of power.