座長
Meanings
chairman; chairperson; presiding officer
Used for the person who chairs a meeting, committee, or formal gathering. Common in business, political, and organizational contexts.
He served as the chairman of the meeting.
The chairperson proceeded through the agenda items one by one.
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.
The leader of that theater troupe is a famous actor.
The troupe leader announced the concept for the new performance.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉が座長を務めるfor someone to serve as chairperson
Mr. Tanaka served as chairperson of the meeting.
- 劇団の座長を務めるto serve as the leader of a theatrical troupe
He has served as the leader of the theater troupe for many years.
- 座長に選ばれるto be selected/elected as chairperson
He was elected chairperson of the committee.
- 座長として〈事〉をまとめるto summarize/coordinate something as the chairperson
As chairperson, he summarized the discussion.