1.
control tower; command tower; conning tower
A tower structure from which operations are directed, such as on a military vessel, in a military base, or at a facility.
艦の司令塔から指示を出す。
To give orders from the ship's conning tower.
この城の司令塔は戦時中に使われていた。
This castle's command tower was used during wartime.
潜水艦の司令塔が海面に現れた。
The submarine's conning tower appeared above the surface.
2.
playmaker; leader; person who directs operations
Figuratively, a person who serves as the central decision-maker or director of a team or organization, especially in sports.
彼はチームの司令塔だ。
He is the team's playmaker.
キャプテンが司令塔として試合を組み立てた。
The captain built the game as the playmaker.
彼女はプロジェクトの司令塔として、各チームをまとめている。
She serves as the command center of the project, coordinating all the teams.
Originally a military term for a physical command structure, now widely used figuratively in sports journalism and business. In soccer and basketball, the 司令塔 is the player who directs the team's offense.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- チームの司令塔 — the team's playmaker
- 司令塔役 — the role of playmaker/director
- 司令塔として活躍する — to play an active role as playmaker
RELATED TERMS:
- 司令部 — headquarters, command center
- 管制塔 — air traffic control tower (different from 司令塔)