The prime contractor who holds the main contract (often hires subcontractors and bears contractual responsibility).
この工事は元請けが設計し、複数の下請けが施工した。
This construction was designed by the prime contractor and carried out by several subcontractors.
元請けは品質管理や安全対策の責任を負う。
The prime contractor is responsible for quality control and safety measures.
下請け業者は問題があれば元請けに報告する義務がある。
Subcontractors are obliged to report problems to the prime contractor.