Translation guide
The person who hosts or facilitates a formal event, show, or ceremony. In Japanese, the role and title depend heavily on the context—weddings, TV shows, corporate events, and parties each use different terms.
The person who introduces speakers, keeps the program moving, and engages the audience at a formal dinner, awards ceremony, or similar gathering.
The most general and neutral term for an MC or host at any kind of event. Safe for most situations.
He acted as the master of ceremonies at the wedding reception.
Refers to the act of emceeing or the role itself. Often used in phrases like 司会をする (to emcee).
Common loanword used especially in entertainment, music events, and casual contexts. Pronounced エムシー.
He was in charge of MCing the event.
The main presenter or anchor of a broadcast program.
The person who hosts the wedding reception, introduces speakers, and manages the flow of the party.
The person who officiates or leads a formal, often traditional ceremony (e.g., awards, tea ceremony, Shinto ritual).
司会者 is the safest, most general term for any kind of MC. MC is a loanword common in entertainment and casual contexts but may sound out of place in very formal or traditional settings. パーソナリティ is only for radio hosts.
The direct transliteration マスター・オブ・セレモニー is not used in natural Japanese. Always use 司会者 or MC depending on context.
Who will be the master of ceremonies at the banquet?
He's a popular TV show host.
今日の司会は田中さんです。
Today's MC is Mr. Tanaka.
Specifically for radio show hosts. Not used for TV or events.
He is famous as a radio personality.
We left the wedding reception MC to a professional.
表彰式の司会者は落ち着いた口調で進行した。
The MC of the awards ceremony proceeded in a calm tone.