In Japan, it's called a "descent from heaven." The term originated in Shinto religion, but it's more widely used when government officials or civil servants retire into related private-sector jobs. The system has a long history in Japan, but in recent years it has become a topic of debate. "It's a revolving door of bureaucrats who retire and get well-paying jobs in companies they used to supervise," said Jeff Kingston of Temple University, Japan Campus. "The system creates a conflict of interest because it nurtures overly cozy relationships between the government and private companies."