noun
Refers to a person or organization that provides support, influence, or protection, often in political, business, or personal contexts. Can be used concretely (a powerful backer) or abstractly (moral support).
彼は有力な政治家を後ろ盾にして立候補した。
He ran for office with the backing of an influential politician.
このプロジェクトには大企業の後ろ盾がある。
This project has the support of a major corporation.
noun
shield that protects one's back
Literal, historical meaning referring to a physical shield worn on the back. Rarely used in modern Japanese outside of historical or military contexts.
戦国時代の武士は後ろ盾を背中に装着することもあった。
Warriors in the Sengoku period sometimes wore a shield on their back.
Compound of 後ろ (ushiro, 'behind') and 盾 (tate, 'shield'). Originally referred to a physical shield protecting one's back, later extended metaphorically to mean a person or entity that provides support or protection.