noun
clan-based factionalism; clan favoritism
Historical term referring to the dominance of former feudal domains (han) in the Meiji government, where officials from the same domain formed exclusive cliques.
明治政府では藩閥政治が行われていた。
In the Meiji government, clan-based factional politics were practiced.
彼は藩閥の弊害を批判した。
He criticized the evils of clan favoritism.