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.
彼は結婚式の司会者を務めた。
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).
今日の司会は田中さんです。
Today's MC is Mr. Tanaka.
Common loanword used especially in entertainment, music events, and casual contexts. Pronounced エムシー.
彼はイベントのMCを担当した。
He was in charge of MCing the event.
The main presenter or anchor of a broadcast program.
Works for TV/radio hosts as well. Very common.
その番組の司会者はとても人気がある。
The host of that show is very popular.
Frequently used in entertainment industry contexts.
彼女は朝の情報番組のMCです。
She is the MC of the morning news show.
The person who hosts the wedding reception, introduces speakers, and manages the flow of the party.
Standard term. Often a professional or a friend asked to do the role.
結婚式の司会者を友人に頼んだ。
I asked a friend to be the MC at my wedding reception.
Specifically refers to the MC role at the wedding reception (披露宴).
披露宴の司会はプロに任せた。
We left the wedding reception MC to a professional.
The person who officiates or leads a formal, often traditional ceremony (e.g., awards, tea ceremony, Shinto ritual).
Used for imperial or highly formal state ceremonies. Very specific and rare.
式部官が宮中儀式の進行を務めた。
The master of ceremonies officiated the imperial court ritual.
Can be used for formal ceremonies as well, though less traditional-sounding than 式部官.
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.
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.
宴会の司会者は誰ですか？
Who will be the master of ceremonies at the banquet?
彼は人気番組の司会者です。
He's a popular TV show host.
Specifically for radio show hosts. Not used for TV or events.
彼はラジオのパーソナリティとして有名だ。
He is famous as a radio personality.