Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 風 (wind) has a fascinating evolution. In ancient oracle bone script, it originally depicted a mythical bird with elaborate tail feathers, as ancient Chinese believed wind was created by a divine bird's wings. Over time, the character simplified - the bird elements transformed into the 虫 (insect) radical inside, reflecting the belief that wind could carry insects and influence seasonal changes. The outer frame evolved into the modern 風 form. The character not only means 'wind' but also carries connotations of style, custom, and influence, as wind spreads things far and wide. Arrived in Japan: The character 風 arrived in Japan during the 5th-6th centuries CE, brought by Buddhist monks and scholars along with other Chinese characters as part of the broader cultural exchange between China and Japan. It was formally incorporated into the Japanese writing system during the Asuka period when Japan began systematically adopting Chinese characters (kanji).