noun
chairman; chairperson; presiding officer
Used for the person who chairs a meeting, committee, or formal gathering. Common in business, political, and organizational contexts.
彼が会議の座長を務めた。
He served as the chairman of the meeting.
座長は議題を一つずつ進めていった。
The chairperson proceeded through the agenda items one by one.
noun
troupe leader; head of a theatrical company
Specifically refers to the leader or proprietor of a theatrical troupe, especially in traditional Japanese performing arts like kabuki or modern theater groups.
その劇団の座長は有名な俳優だ。
The leader of that theater troupe is a famous actor.
座長が新しい公演の構想を発表した。
The troupe leader announced the concept for the new performance.
Compound of 座 (za, 'seat' or 'theater troupe') and 長 (chō, 'leader' or 'head'). The meaning extends naturally from 'head of a seating group' to 'chairperson' and 'theatrical troupe leader'.