noun
sponsorship; backing; good offices
Refers to the support, patronage, or behind-the-scenes help provided by an influential person or organization. Often used in phrases like 肝いりで (under the auspices of) or 肝いりの事業 (a project backed by someone).
このイベントは市長の肝いりで実現した。
This event was realized under the auspices of the mayor.
彼の肝いりのプロジェクトがついに始まった。
His pet project, which he had been backing, finally got underway.
noun
village official (Edo period)
Historical term for a local official who acted as an intermediary between the village and the authorities during the Edo period. Not used in modern contexts.
江戸時代の肝煎りは村の代表として重要な役割を果たした。
During the Edo period, the village official played an important role as the representative of the village.
Alternate kanji spelling; less common than 肝いり but still seen.
後援 is a more formal and general term for support or backing, often used for organizations or public figures. 肝いり implies a more personal, behind-the-scenes involvement by a specific influential person.
名主 was another type of village headman during the Edo period, but with slightly different responsibilities depending on the region. 肝煎り is more specific to certain areas and roles.
Compound of 肝 (kimo, 'liver; heart; courage') and 入り (iri, 'entering; putting in'). The original meaning likely referred to putting one's heart or spirit into something, which evolved into the sense of personal backing or sponsorship. The historical village official sense may derive from the idea of someone who 'puts their heart' into managing village affairs.