body double; political decoy
Originally a warrior who served as a double for a military leader to deceive enemies. In modern usage, often refers to a person who stands in for a public figure, especially in politics, to protect them or mislead others.
During the Warring States period, warlords used body doubles to deceive their enemies.
It seems that politician's speeches are being given by a body double.
wire puller; person behind the scenes; shadow commander
Figurative extension: a person who manipulates events or controls others from behind the scenes, often without appearing publicly. Common in political or organizational contexts.
He acts as the company's wire puller, manipulating the president from behind the scenes.
The real architect of this policy is said to be a shadow commander in the prime minister's office.
影武者 is a body double who impersonates someone's appearance for protection or deception, while 身代わり is the broader idea of anyone standing in for another in danger or blame.
影武者 is a decoy or body double used historically to impersonate someone (often for safety), while 代役 is a general stand-in for a role or job.
Standard spelling; used in both literal and figurative senses.
Rarely used kanji form; 陰 carries a nuance of 'hidden' or 'behind the scenes'.
Compound of 影 (kage, 'shadow') and 武者 (musha, 'warrior'). Literally 'shadow warrior', originally referring to a warrior who served as a double for a feudal lord in battle. The figurative sense of a behind-the-scenes manipulator developed from the idea of someone acting in place of the real leader.