黒くろ子ご

noun

kabuki stagehand in black; stage assistant dressed in black

In kabuki, a stagehand dressed entirely in black who moves props and assists actors, traditionally considered 'invisible' to the audience.

• 歌か舞ぶ伎きでは、黒くろ子ごが舞ぶ台たいの上うえで小こ道どう具ぐを動うごかす。

  In kabuki, the kurogo moves props on stage.

noun

behind-the-scenes manipulator; string-puller; hidden supporter

Figurative extension: a person who works unseen to influence events or support someone, like a puppeteer or secret advisor.

• 彼かれは会かい社しゃの黒くろ子ごとして、重じゅう要ような決けっ定ていを裏うらで支ささえている。

  He works behind the scenes at the company, supporting important decisions.