The term is frequently found in reference to private entrepreneurs who profited conspicuously from the First World War (1914–18): compare Japanese sensō narikin war profiteers..
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in Journal of the Royal Statistical Society. From Japanese narikin from nari-, combining form of naru to become, (in shogi) be promoted + kin (from Middle Chinese; also more fully kinshō) gold, money, major piece in shogi.