noun
leader; boss; head of a faction
Refers to the person who leads a group, faction, or movement. Often used in political, organizational, or historical contexts.
彼は改革派の旗頭として知られている。
He is known as the leader of the reformist faction.
選挙で旗頭を決める会合が開かれた。
A meeting was held to decide the leader for the election.
noun
top part of a flag; flag head
Literal meaning: the upper section of a flag, including the pole tip and any ornament. Less common in everyday speech.
旗頭に金色の飾りがついている。
There is a gold ornament on the top of the flag.
noun
festival banner pole (Okinawa)
Specific to Okinawan festivals: a tall bamboo pole with a vertical flag and elaborate top decoration, used in annual fertility and harvest celebrations.
沖縄の祭りでは、色鮮やかな旗頭が練り歩く。
During Okinawan festivals, colorful festival banner poles are paraded around.