要(かなめ)

The crucial element that everything depends on. Originally the rivet (要(かなめ)) of a folding fan (扇(おうぎ)) — the small pin at the base that holds all the blades together. Without it, the fan falls apart, hence the figurative meaning.

Common collocations

• チームの要(かなめ) — linchpin of the team
• 組織(そしき)の要(かなめ) — the key person/element of an organization
• 防衛(ぼうえい)の要(かなめ) — linchpin of defense
• 要(かなめ)となる — to serve as the key element
• 扇(おうぎ)の要(かなめ) — the pivot of a fan (also figurative: the central hub)

Etymology

From the rivet (要(かなめ)) of a folding fan. The metaphor of a small but essential component holding a larger structure together is the core of this word's meaning.

Similar words

• 要(よう) — necessity, need (same kanji, on'yomi reading, different nuance)
• 中心(ちゅうしん) — center, core (more neutral, less emphasis on indispensability)
• 柱(はしら) — pillar (similar metaphor of structural support)

Cultural note

要(かなめ) is also used as a given name (for both genders), suggesting someone essential or pivotal.