斜陽
Meanings
1
Literary or poetic term for the setting sun, often evoking a sense of decline or the end of an era.
The setting sun sinks behind the mountains.
2
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Figurative use for the decline of an industry, institution, or way of life; often used with 産業, 時代, etc.
Even in industries called declining, they can be revived with new technology.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉が斜陽を迎えるfor an industry, era, etc. to enter a period of decline
This shipbuilding industry, too, is now in decline.
- 斜陽に染まるto be bathed in the light of the setting sun
The mountains are beautifully bathed in the light of the setting sun.
- 斜陽の一途をたどるto follow a steady path of decline
The town's economy is steadily declining.