also: くろこ
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.
In kabuki, the kurogo moves props on stage.
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.
He works behind the scenes at the company, supporting important decisions.
Written with the same kanji, ほくろ means a skin mole while 黒子 read くろこ refers to a black-clad stage assistant in kabuki/puppet theater.
Standard kanji form for the kabuki stagehand and the extended figurative sense.
Rare reading; くろご is the standard pronunciation.
Alternate kanji spelling, literally 'black clothes', used in kabuki contexts.
The stage term was historically written 黒衣, literally “black clothing,” for an attendant dressed entirely in black. 黒子 is an alternative spelling of the same word.