1.
bearer, supporter, person responsible for, driving force
A person or group that takes on the responsibility of carrying forward or sustaining something — a role, a tradition, an industry, or a future. Often used in discussions about who will continue or lead something important.
担い手 is derived from the verb 担う (to bear, to shoulder). It refers to the people who are responsible for carrying something forward — whether that is a tradition, an industry, or a society.
Common collocations
- 次世代の担い手: people who will lead the next generation
- 担い手不足: shortage of people to take on a role
- 担い手を育てる: to cultivate successors / train future leaders
- 地域の担い手: people who sustain a local community
- 文化の担い手: bearers of culture
Note: This word frequently appears in news and policy discussions about aging populations, rural depopulation, and the need to train successors in industries like agriculture, crafts, and traditional arts.