Nemawashi (根 回 し) in Japanese culture is that informal process that silently supports the foundations of some change or planned project, talking to people who care about them, giving them support and advice on a continuous basis. It is considered an important element in every major change before any formal step is taken, and successful nemawashi allows changes made with the consent of all parties.
Nemawashi literally translates with "working around the roots", from the words (root) and mawasu (回 す "moving around [something]"). Its original meaning was literal: digging around the roots of a tree, preparing to be transplanted.
The nemawashi is often cited as an example of a Japanese word that is difficult to translate effectively because it is closely related to that culture.
wiki
