風見鶏 (Kazami-dori) Knowing Which Way the Wind Blows
2026-11-07
風見鶏 (Kazami-dori)
Knowing Which Way the Wind Blows
Knowing Which Way the Wind Blows
In Japanese, 風見鶏 (Kazami-dori) means "weather vane," traditionally shaped like a rooster on a rooftop. It shows which direction the wind is coming from.
However, 風見鶏 also describes someone who changes opinions or positions depending on political or social circumstances. It often carries a negative meaning, suggesting someone without firm principles.
In business and leadership, knowing which way the wind is blowing is essential. Markets change, technology advances, and people's expectations evolve.
But understanding the wind does not mean you must follow it.
Think about a sailboat.
A sailboat cannot sail directly into the wind, but by adjusting its sails and changing course, it can make progress against the wind.
A skilled sailor does not control the wind. Instead, the sailor understands it and uses it to reach the destination.
The same applies to leadership. Changing your strategy does not necessarily mean abandoning your principles. Sometimes, adjusting your course is the only way to move forward.
Japanese Wisdom: Understand the wind. Adjust your sails. But never lose sight of your destination.
The wind determines the conditions, not your direction.
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.
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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.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..