Translation guide
The English word 'sponsor' can refer to a person or organization that provides financial support, often for an event, broadcast, or individual. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is スポンサー (suponsā), a loanword widely used in business and media. However, depending on the context, other terms like 協賛 (kyōsan) for corporate sponsorship or 後援 (kōen) for backing an event or person may be more natural. This guide helps you choose the right expression based on the type of sponsorship and the relationship involved.
To refer to a company or person that provides funds for a TV show, event, sports team, etc.
The most direct and common translation, used in business, media, and everyday conversation. It can refer to both the entity and the act of sponsoring.
この番組は複数のスポンサーによって提供されています。
This program is brought to you by several sponsors.
彼は新しいスポンサーを探している。
He is looking for a new sponsor.
Often used for corporate sponsorship of events, exhibitions, or projects. It emphasizes cooperation and support, and is common in formal contexts.
Literally 'provision' or 'offering', but in media contexts (e.g., TV commercials) it means 'sponsored by'. Often seen in phrases like 提供でお送りします (brought to you by).
To refer to someone who supports a person, group, or activity, often with money or influence, but not necessarily in a commercial sense.
A person or organization that provides backing, support, or patronage. It can be used for political supporters, patrons of the arts, or sponsors of individuals.
彼は有力な後援者を何人か持っている。
He has several influential sponsors.
A supporter or backer, often used in contexts like crowdfunding, charity, or personal projects. It implies providing assistance, not necessarily financial.
A patron, especially of the arts or a specific artist. It has a slightly old-fashioned or high-culture nuance.
To express the action of providing financial support for an event, program, or person.
The most straightforward way to say 'to sponsor'. スポンサーになる means 'to become a sponsor', while スポンサーをする means 'to act as a sponsor'.
その会社がイベントのスポンサーになった。
That company sponsored the event.
A formal verb meaning 'to sponsor (an event, exhibition, etc.)'. Often used in business or official announcements.
当社はこのプロジェクトを協賛しています。
Our company is sponsoring this project.
To back or support an event, organization, or person. It can be used for non-commercial sponsorship, like a government agency backing a cultural event.
市がこのコンサートを後援している。
The city is sponsoring this concert.
In media contexts, this means 'to sponsor (a program)'. It is typically used in the phrase 提供でお送りする.
この番組はABC株式会社が提供しています。
This program is sponsored by ABC Corporation.
In Christian contexts, a sponsor is a godparent who takes responsibility for a child's religious education.
Specifically refers to a godparent in Christian baptism. 代父 is godfather, 代母 is godmother.
洗礼式で代父母が選ばれた。
Godparents (sponsors) were chosen at the baptism.
スポンサー is the most general and widely understood. 協賛 is specifically for corporate sponsorship of events and has a formal tone. 後援 implies backing or patronage, often by an organization or influential person, and can be non-financial. Use スポンサー when in doubt.
スポンサーを募集中です。
We are looking for sponsors.
協賛企業一覧
List of sponsoring companies
後援：文部科学省
Sponsored (backed) by: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
While スポンサーする is sometimes used, it can sound awkward. It's more natural to use スポンサーになる or 協賛する. For media sponsorship, 提供する is standard.
その会社がスポンサーになった。
That company became a sponsor. (natural)
その会社がスポンサーした。
That company sponsored. (less natural)
このイベントは多くの企業の協賛で開催されます。
This event is held with the sponsorship of many companies.
この番組はABC株式会社の提供でお送りします。
This program is brought to you by ABC Corporation.
Many sponsors (backers) gathered through crowdfunding.
彼女は若い芸術家のパトロンとして知られている。
She is known as a patron (sponsor) of young artists.