主催, 共催, and 後援: Hosting, cohosting, and supporting events
Compare a library hosting, a library and school cohosting, and a merchants’ association or university supporting an event. Read the organizational relationship and the stated timing.
An organization hosts
主催 means to host or organize. 「地域の図書館が読書会を主催しました。」 reports a local library hosting a book club meeting. It identifies the event and its organizer.
「大会の主催者から日程変更の連絡が届きました。」 says tournament organizers contacted the speaker about a schedule change. The organizer label is connected with the received notice.
Organizations cohost
共催 means cohosting or joint sponsorship. 「図書館と学校が読書会を共催した。」 reports a library and school jointly hosting a book discussion. The two organizations share the hosting relationship.
「二つの町による共催の展示が始まった。」 says an exhibition cohosted by two towns began. Cohosting is not simply attendance or an equal division of tasks.
An organization supports
後援 means sponsorship or support. 「地域の音楽祭は商店会の後援を受けて開かれた。」 reports a local music festival being held with support from the merchants’ association. The supported event was held.
「大学が学生の展示会を後援することになった。」 reports a university deciding to sponsor a student exhibition. Support alone does not establish a financial contribution, legal responsibility, or direct hosting.
How does the library and school’s 共催 differ from the university’s 後援?
Show the answer and why
共催 concerns the library and school hosting together, while 後援 concerns the university supporting the event. The support decision alone does not establish direct hosting or a funding contribution.