Translation guide
A performance or situation where one person does everything, or a display of individual talent.
A stage show, play, or performance featuring a single performer.
A meeting, event, or activity where one person does all the talking or controls everything.
A small business, project, or operation where a single individual handles all tasks.
To manage or run something single-handedly. Common for small shops or businesses.
あの店は店主が一人で切り盛りしている。
That shop is a one-man show run by the owner.
The direct translation 'ワンマンショー' is understood but can sound like English-influenced Japanese. Use native phrases like 一人芝居 or 独壇場 for more natural expression.
While 'one-man show' is common in English, Japanese often uses gender-neutral terms like 一人芝居 (one-person play) or ソロ (solo). For a female performer, 一人芝居 is perfectly appropriate.
Literally 'one-person play'. The standard term for a theatrical one-man or one-woman show.
彼は一人芝居で全国を回っている。
He's touring the country with his one-man show.
A solo performance event, often used for rakugo, comedy, or music recitals.
来月、有名な落語家の独演会があります。
There's a one-man show by a famous rakugo storyteller next month.
Loanword from English, used in entertainment contexts but less common than native terms.
彼のソロショーは大成功だった。
His one-man show was a huge success.
A situation where one person monopolizes the stage or conversation. Often used critically.
会議は彼の独壇場だった。
The meeting was his one-man show.
Literally 'one-person stage'. Similar to 独壇場, implying someone is acting alone without collaboration.
彼女の一人舞台のような発表だった。
Her presentation was like a one-man show.
A natural way to describe someone doing everything themselves, often in a work context.
あの部署は彼が一人で全部やっている。まるでワンマンショーだ。
He runs that department all by himself. It's like a one-man show.
Loanword from English, used figuratively for a one-person-dominated situation. Slightly colloquial.
彼のスピーチは完全なワンマンショーだった。
His speech was a complete one-man show.
Simple and natural way to say 'doing it alone'.
彼の会社は実質一人でやっているようなものだ。
His company is practically a one-man show.