Ama kudari (天下り) is a Japanese phrase meaning, literally, "descending from heaven". Originally, it was a Shinto term used for the gods in heaven descending to earth. Today, it refers to the practice in Japan for senior elite bureaucrats to use their connections when they retire from their government post. The relationships they have built up during their life serving government agencies are very valuable for the business community.

The government bureaucrats in ancient times worked for the Emperor of Japan, considered to be the direct descendant of the gods. Thus, they are also associated with the heaven and the gods. This positive image still applies today for the worker of the government in Japan, though in western countries this practice might be more viewed as cronyism.