Shirabe
English jmdict
1
noun (common) (futsuumeishi) alchemy
Many tales of alchemy show up in "Journey to the West".
2
noun (common) (futsuumeishi) way of making money;moneymaker;money-spinner
In present day Japan, "alchemy" is only used metaphorically; to refer to improper means of making money by politicians or religious hucksters with no morals or shame.