1.
natural features; climate and geography of a region
The natural environment of a place, including its climate, terrain, and geographical features, and the way these shape local life and culture.
この地域の風土に合った作物を育てる。
Grow crops suited to the natural features of this region.
温暖な風土のおかげで、一年中花が咲いている。
Thanks to the warm climate, flowers bloom all year round.
日本の食文化は、四季のある風土の中で育まれてきた。
Japan's food culture has been nurtured within a climate of four distinct seasons.
2.
local character; cultural climate; ethos
The distinctive atmosphere, values, or character of a place, organization, or society, shaped by its history and traditions.
この会社には自由な風土がある。
This company has a culture of freedom.
挑戦を歓迎する風土が組織を強くする。
A culture that welcomes challenges strengthens an organization.
長年かけて築かれた地域の風土は、そこに暮らす人々の価値観に大きな影響を与えている。
The local character built up over many years has a significant influence on the values of the people who live there.
USAGE:
風土 encompasses both the natural environment and the cultural character it produces. The philosopher 和辻哲郎 wrote the influential work 『風土』(1935), exploring how climate and geography shape cultural identity.
In sense 2, it is increasingly used for organizational culture: 企業風土 (corporate culture), 組織風土 (organizational culture).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 風土に合う (to suit the climate/character)
- 風土に根ざす (to be rooted in the local character)
- 企業風土 (corporate culture)
- 風土病 (endemic disease)
- 風土記 (topographical record; gazetteer)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 風土: climate and culture (nature + human character combined)
- 気候: climate (weather patterns only)
- 文化: culture (human activities and values)
- 土地柄: local character (more colloquial)