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.
Mr. Tanaka served as chairperson of the meeting.
He has served as the leader of the theater troupe for many years.
He was elected chairperson of the committee.
As chairperson, he summarized the discussion.
団長 is the leader of a group or delegation (like a sports team or tour group), while 座長 specifically leads a traditional theatrical troupe.
委員長 specifically means the head of a committee, whereas 座長 can refer to the chair of any meeting, panel, or discussion.
主宰 emphasizes organizing or running a group or event, while 座長 emphasizes the act of chairing a specific meeting.
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'.