Translation guide
The top aide to a leader, especially in military, government, or corporate settings. In Japanese, the term varies by context.
The senior military officer who assists a commander or heads a joint staff.
The senior aide to a head of state or government, managing the executive office.
A senior executive who assists the CEO or top leader in managing the organization.
A direct translation sometimes used in business contexts, but not as common as in English. Often the role is described rather than given a fixed title.
彼はCEOの最高補佐責任者として戦略を統括している。
He oversees strategy as Chief of Staff to the CEO.
The English 'Chief of Staff' maps to several distinct Japanese terms depending on context. Using the wrong one can cause confusion. Always consider the domain: military, government, or corporate.
In corporate settings, it's often safer to describe the person's function (e.g., 社長の補佐役, 'assistant to the president') rather than forcing a direct title.
Standard term for Chief of Staff in military contexts, especially for army or joint staff positions.
彼は陸軍の参謀長に任命された。
He was appointed Chief of Staff of the Army.
Used for Chief of Staff in specific branches, e.g., 陸上幕僚長 (Chief of Staff, Ground Self-Defense Force).
統合幕僚長は自衛隊の制服組トップです。
The Chief of Staff, Joint Staff is the top uniformed officer of the Self-Defense Forces.
Common translation for White House Chief of Staff or similar roles. Literally 'chief aide'.
大統領首席補佐官は政権の要だ。
The White House Chief of Staff is the linchpin of the administration.
Specifically the Chief Cabinet Secretary in Japan, a role akin to Chief of Staff for the Prime Minister.
官房長官が記者会見を行った。
The Chief Cabinet Secretary held a press conference.
Distinguish between the generic term for foreign chiefs of staff and the specific Japanese cabinet position.
アメリカの首席補佐官は大統領の最側近だ。
The U.S. Chief of Staff is the president's closest aide.
In Japanese companies, the Chief of Staff role is less formalized. Use phrases like 社長補佐 (しゃちょうほさ, 'president's aide') or explain the function.
彼女は社長の右腕として、社内調整を担当している。
She acts as the president's right hand, handling internal coordination.