noun
Historical term for a firefighter in the Edo period, specifically a member of a firefighting brigade. Often associated with the 定火消 (jōbikeshi) system.
See also: 定火消し
江戸時代、火消し役は町火消しと定火消しに分かれていた。
In the Edo period, firefighters were divided into town firefighters and the official firefighting brigade.
noun
troubleshooter; problem-solver
Figurative use: a person who resolves difficult situations or crises, like a corporate fixer or mediator. Derived from the image of extinguishing fires.
彼は社内のトラブルを次々と解決する火消し役だ。
He is a troubleshooter who resolves one internal problem after another.
noun
relief pitcher; fireman (baseball)
Baseball term for a relief pitcher, especially one brought in to get out of a jam. Equivalent to 救援投手.
See also: 救援投手
ピンチの場面で火消し役がマウンドに上がった。
In a pinch, the relief pitcher took the mound.
Compound of 火消し (hikeshi, 'fire extinguishing') and 役 (yaku, 'role'). The figurative and baseball senses derive from the idea of 'putting out fires' in a crisis.