興味 and 関心: common patterns for interest
Learn the objects and expressions used with two overlapping nouns instead of forcing a rigid distinction.
Something one wants to explore
興味, read きょうみ, means interest. 日本の歴史に興味があります。 expresses an interest in Japanese history.
興味を持ちました。 says that someone developed an interest. The surrounding context supplies what prompted it.
An issue receiving attention
関心, read かんしん, describes attention or interest directed toward something. 環境問題に関心があります。 expresses an interest in environmental issues.
関心を寄せる means to show or direct interest. It does not by itself mean donating money or participating in an activity.
Overlapping uses
興味 and 関心 can describe interest in the same topic. Do not impose an absolute rule assigning personal enjoyment to 興味 and social issues to 関心.
興味はありますが、まだ調べていません。 says that there is interest, but no research has been done yet. Read the interest separately from the progress of any action.
Does 環境問題に関心があります mean that someone has already participated in environmental activities?
Show the answer and why
No. It expresses interest in environmental issues; participation requires separate information.