The Mystery of Playing Cards: Why is the 'King of Diamonds' the Only One Looking to the Side? The 'Pose of Ambition' Hidden in History | Design | Business | Thinking Methods | Trivia | SNS Strategy
Hello everyone! This is Kuro no Ichigo 😊
A series questioning the everyday norms. This time, it's about a staple of games loved around the world: **"playing cards."**
If you have a deck of cards handy, try comparing the four Kings (K). The Kings of Spades, Hearts, and Clubs are all looking toward us (a diagonal face close to a front-facing view).
However, only the "King of Diamonds" is looking completely to the side.
"Was it just drawn differently by chance?" No, no, this reflects the "obsession" and "character" of the historical figures who served as models for the cards.
1. The four kings have "models"
Actually, each King in a deck of cards has a real (or legendary) model.
Spades: King David (King of Israel)
Hearts: Charlemagne (King of the Carolingian Empire)
Clubs: Alexander the Great (King of Macedonia)
Diamonds: Julius Caesar (Dictator of the Roman Empire)
Yes, the model for the King of Diamonds is that famous Caesar of "Et tu, Brute?" fame.
2. Why is only Caesar looking to the side?
There are two main reasons why Caesar is looking to the side.
Obsession with "money": Diamonds are a symbol of "currency (wealth)." Caesar was extremely ambitious and had a strong obsession with wealth and power. It is said that he is looking to the side to keep his eyes on the diamond mark (money).
"Profile" is authority: In Roman coins of that time, a "profile" was engraved to show the emperor's authority. Caesar was also the first person to have his own portrait engraved on a coin. Because he brought that "coin portrait" icon into playing cards, he still looks to the side today.
By the way, while the other three show both hands or hold weapons, Caesar holds an axe with only one hand. This is also his thorough style of the "one eye (profile)."
3. Kuro no Ichigo's infusion of soul
Now, this is where the main point of the "Kuro Style" begins.
This pose of Caesar is very similar to **"single-point breakthrough branding"** in business.
The strategy of facing 'forward': Like the Spades or Hearts, you stand firm as a mainstream figure and win trust. This is the standard way of fighting that many people choose.
The strategy of facing 'sideways (Diamonds)': Like Caesar, you focus on one point, saying, 'This is all I see' or 'I will not break this style.' Regardless of what is around you, by narrowing your field of vision, you can stand out as a one-of-a-kind character (icon).
Are you buried by 'facing the same way as everyone else'? Dare to show an attitude of shifting your gaze and continuing to stare at a specific 'diamond (value)'. That is what creates a presence like the 'King of Diamonds,' which stands out the most among the four.
Facing the same direction as others is not always the correct answer. The 'profile' you gaze at with passion is what becomes your brand.
Finally
Next time you play with cards, take a good look at the profile of the King of Diamonds. Think, 'Ah, this person is still looking at their own unique value.'
Is your messaging just 'facing forward' to please everyone? Do you have the courage to show a bold 'profile'?
See you in the next article 😌
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