Burakumin

American  

[boor-uh-koo-min] / ˈbʊər əˌku mɪn /

plural noun

1. (in Japan) the members of a large social minority who have traditionally been considered outcasts.

---

Etymology

Origin of Burakumin

1965–70; < Japanese, equivalent to buraku settlement, ghetto (< Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese bùlùo (or bùlào ) settlement, village) + -min people (< Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese mín )

Example Sentences

Seattle’s ordinance banning caste-based discrimination would also cover, for example, the historically oppressed Roma people, the Burakumin of Japan and Bantu and Yibir, Gabooye, and Tumal communities of Somalia.

From Seattle Times

Talking about death is still taboo for some Japanese—and in parts of the country the burakumin, an often ostracised group who are descendants of medieval outcasts, still fill a large share of jobs in the funeral business.

From Economist

The demolition of thousands of wooden shacks in the area earmarked for development forced residents – among them forced Korean labourers and members of the burakumin underclass – to relocate to the banks of the Ota River.

From The Guardian

Burakumin, meaning "hamlet people", dates back to the feudal era.

From BBC

In a survey last year conducted by the Tokyo government, one in 10 said that they would have reservations about their child marrying someone with Burakumin ancestry, although nearly a half of respondents said this wouldn't bother them.

From BBC