腹をくくる (Hara wo Kukuru)
2026-11-07
腹をくくる (Hara wo Kukuru)
The Buck Stops Here
The Buck Stops Here
The Japanese expression "Hara wo Kukuru" (腹をくくる) literally means "to tie one's stomach." It describes making a firm decision, accepting the consequences, and preparing to face whatever comes next.
In Japanese culture, the stomach (腹) is traditionally associated with courage, determination, and one's true intentions.
American President Harry S. Truman famously kept a sign on his desk that read, "The Buck Stops Here."
The message was simple: A leader cannot pass responsibility to someone else.
In business, leaders can delegate tasks, authority, and decision-making. But they cannot delegate ultimate responsibility.
When things go well, everyone deserves recognition. When things go wrong, a true leader does not look for someone to blame.
Instead, the leader steps forward and accepts responsibility.
That is the spirit of 腹をくくる.
Leadership is not about having the power to make decisions. It is about having the courage to accept their consequences.
Japanese Wisdom: You can delegate authority, but you cannot delegate ultimate responsibility.
Disclaimer: I use AI as a tool to help create images and proofread my writing. However, the ideas, opinions, experiences, and messages in my posts are my own. AI does not generate my posts for me. It simply helps me present my own words and ideas more clearly.
Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
Uchikura & Co., LLC.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
ABOUT THIS BLOG
I was born and raised in Japan and have spent most of my adult life in the United States. Through this blog, I share Japanese culture, language, expressions, and wisdom. My goal is not to say one culture is better, but to explore different perspectives and what we can learn from them.
Your comments are always welcome.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
Uchikura & Co., LLC.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
ABOUT THIS BLOG
I was born and raised in Japan and have spent most of my adult life in the United States. Through this blog, I share Japanese culture, language, expressions, and wisdom. My goal is not to say one culture is better, but to explore different perspectives and what we can learn from them.
Your comments are always welcome.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..