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.
Mr. Tanaka served as chairperson 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.
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.
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'.