noun
Literal use for natural movement such as wind and tidal current; in modern general writing this is less common than the figurative social-trend sense.
漁師は風潮を読んで船を出した。
The fisherman read the wind and tide before taking the boat out.
noun
Common figurative use for a prevailing tendency, mood, or current in society, an organization, or a period.
若者の間で節約を重視する風潮が強まっている。
A trend toward valuing frugality is growing among young people.
その発言は、失敗を許さない風潮への批判だった。
The remark was a criticism of the tendency not to tolerate failure.