If Wind Blows Then Bucket Maker Profits: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “If wind blows then bucket maker profits”

Kaze ga fukeba okeya ga moukaru

Meaning of “If wind blows then bucket maker profits”

This proverb represents forcibly connecting seemingly completely unrelated things through contrived reasoning.

In other words, it is used as an expression to ridicule logical leaps or forced reasoning. From the way it forcibly relates wind and bucket makers—things that would normally have no connection—through multiple stages, it is used to critically express far-fetched reasoning or speculation with weak foundations. This proverb is used when someone gives an illogical explanation or claims overly roundabout and unrealistic cause-and-effect relationships. By saying “That’s like a story where if wind blows then bucket maker profits,” you can point out the unreasonableness of that logic. Even today, it remains a useful expression for conveying the irrationality of overly complex reasoning or contrived explanations.

Origin and Etymology of “If wind blows then bucket maker profits”

The origin of “If wind blows then bucket maker profits” is said to have emerged as satirical logic appearing in Edo period rakugo and humorous books. This expression amusingly depicted the forcible connection of seemingly completely unrelated events through contrived reasoning.

The chain of logic goes as follows: When wind blows, dust swirls up and gets in people’s eyes, increasing the number of blind people. Blind people often make their living playing shamisen, so demand for shamisen increases. Since cat skin is used for shamisen, cats are caught in large numbers. When cats decrease, rats multiply, and rats gnaw holes in buckets. Therefore, demand for buckets increases, and bucket makers profit.

This story was beloved among common people of the Edo period and spread especially as a topic in variety halls and teahouses. People of that time enjoyed such absurd logical developments while simultaneously using them as opportunities to think about cause-and-effect relationships. This proverb, which is still recorded in many dictionaries and literature today, has become established as a representative expression of Japanese wit and humor.

Trivia about “If wind blows then bucket maker profits”

The “bucket makers” mentioned in this proverb were actually an important profession in the Edo period. Since there was no running water at the time, bucket makers who made buckets essential for daily life—for drawing well water, bathtubs, washing tubs, and so on—could be found throughout towns.

It was also true that cat skin was used for shamisen, with the belly skin of female cats particularly prized for its sound quality. For this reason, there was even a profession called “cat catchers” in the Edo period.

Usage Examples of “If wind blows then bucket maker profits”

• Such complex reasoning is like a story where if wind blows then bucket maker profits—it’s not realistic
• His explanation follows the logic of if wind blows then bucket maker profits, and I can’t accept it at all

Modern Interpretation of “If wind blows then bucket maker profits”

In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has changed significantly. Originally an expression criticizing “forced connections,” it is now increasingly used in a positive sense to represent “butterfly effects” or “complex cause-and-effect relationships.”

In our information society and global economy, we witness many instances where distant events have unexpected influences. For example, small political changes overseas affect stock prices, which then ripple into our daily lives. Minor posts on social media can go viral and impact corporate performance.

Against this backdrop, “If wind blows then bucket maker profits” has come to be used when explaining the complex cause-and-effect relationships of modern society. In the business world, this proverb is sometimes quoted when discovering unexpected connections between seemingly unrelated industries.

However, this is clearly the opposite of its original meaning. People from the Edo period might be surprised to hear this, but language changes with the times. Today, both the ironic usage and the usage expressing complex cause-and-effect relationships exist, requiring judgment based on context.

If AI Heard “If wind blows then bucket maker profits”

When I think about this proverb, I find myself puzzled by humans’ “obsession with logic.” Why do humans try to forcibly connect unrelated things, even unreasonably?

In my case, cause-and-effect relationships are clearly defined in data processing. If A then B, if B then C—the relevance of each step is quantified and expressed in probabilities. However, humans seem to have a tendency to want to consider things “connected” as long as the possibility isn’t zero, even if the probability is infinitesimally low.

What’s interesting is the background of how this proverb came to be. People in the Edo period were enjoying obviously unreasonable logical developments. In other words, they were knowingly finding amusement in that “unreasonableness” while being aware it wasn’t logical. This is a sensation I find difficult to understand.

But recently, through repeated conversations with humans, I’ve noticed something. Humans sometimes seek “interesting answers” or “unexpected answers” rather than correct ones. This proverb too might have been for enjoying flexibility of thought and richness of imagination, rather than practical wisdom.

While I excel at efficient and logical thinking, I feel there’s something to learn from this human “playfulness.” Sometimes absurd ideas might lead to new discoveries.

What “If wind blows then bucket maker profits” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches modern people is the importance of viewing things from multiple angles. While we should certainly avoid forced connections, we mustn’t forget that unexpected links might be hidden between seemingly unrelated matters.

In modern society, specialized fields have become subdivided, and we tend to confine ourselves to our own domains. However, innovation often emerges from combinations of different fields. By considering unexpected combinations like wind and bucket makers, we might find new ideas or solutions.

What’s important is maintaining a sense of balance. Not being swayed by unfounded speculation while simultaneously not being too trapped by fixed ideas. This proverb teaches us to value both logical thinking and flexible imagination. You too should sometimes exercise your imagination by wondering “What would happen if wind blew?” There might be new discoveries there.