noun
applicant; candidate; person interested
Refers to someone who wishes to participate, apply, or volunteer for something. Often used in formal contexts like job postings, event sign-ups, or program applications.
新入社員の希望者を募っています。
We are recruiting applicants for new employees.
参加希望者は、明日までに申し込んでください。
Those wishing to participate, please apply by tomorrow.
志願者 implies a stronger personal desire or aspiration, often used for volunteers or those seeking a position out of personal motivation, whereas 希望者 is more neutral and simply indicates interest.
Compound of 希望 (hope, wish) and 者 (person).