Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

Words Kanji Guides About

永田町 (ながたちょう) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

永なが田た町ちょう

な

が

た

ちょ

う

Freq.FrequencyTop 50,000

Meanings

1

noun

Nagata-chō; Japan's political center

Metonym for the Japanese government or political establishment, similar to 'Downing Street' for the UK. Used in news and political commentary.

永なが田た町ちょうの反はん応のうは鈍にぶかった。
The reaction from Nagata-chō (the political establishment) was slow.
その政せい策さくは永なが田た町ちょうでは不ふ評ひょうだ。
That policy is unpopular in Nagata-chō (among politicians).

Kanji

永eternity, long, lengthy
田rice field, rice paddy
町town, village, block

Similar words

霞かすみが関せき
Refers to the bureaucratic/administrative center (ministries), while 永田町 refers to the political/legislative center (Diet, Prime Minister's office).

Etymology

From the district name 永田町 (Nagata-chō) in Chiyoda, Tokyo, where the National Diet Building and Prime Minister's Official Residence are located. The metonymic use is well established.