At the N1 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), you’ll encounter grammar that helps express logical sequences and formal narrative flow. One such grammar structure is ～を皮切りに（して）・～を皮切りとして, which is used to indicate the beginning of a series of events or actions.
🧠 Meaning
This grammar structure can be translated as:
- Starting with…
- Beginning with…
- Triggered by…
It is used to describe the starting point of a series of events, often with the implication that more of the same kind followed.
🧩 Structure
- [Noun] + を皮切りに（して）
- [Noun] + を皮切りとして
The noun is typically the first in a series of similar actions or events.
⚠️ Notes
- Often followed by verbs like 始まる, 展開する, 続く.
- Usually describes positive or neutral developments.
- Not used for natural phenomena or casual situations.
- Primarily seen in formal or written language.
📘 Examples
Example 1:
このコンサートを皮切りに、全国ツアーが始まった。
(Kono konsāto o kawakiri ni, zenkoku tsuā ga hajimatta.)
→ Starting with this concert, a nationwide tour began.
Example 2:
東京を皮切りとして、アジア各国でイベントが開催された。
(Tōkyō o kawakiri to shite, Ajia kakkoku de ibento ga kaisai sareta.)
→ Beginning in Tokyo, events were held throughout Asian countries.
Example 3:
新製品の発売を皮切りに、売り上げが急増した。
(Shinseihin no hatsubai o kawakiri ni, uriage ga kyūzō shita.)
→ The release of the new product triggered a rapid increase in sales.
Example 4:
彼の受賞を皮切りに、若手作家たちの作品にも注目が集まった。
(Kare no jushō o kawakiri ni, wakate sakka-tachi no sakuhin ni mo chūmoku ga atsumatta.)
→ His award marked the beginning of increased attention to works by young authors.
🔄 Similar Grammar
| Grammar | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| ～をはじめ | Starting with / Including | Lists a representative item among many |
| ～に始まり | Starting from | Temporal, often used for sequential time-based events |
| ～を契機に | Triggered by | Emphasizes a turning point or opportunity |
| ～以来 | Since (point in time) | Continuous action from a starting point |
📝 Usage Tips
- Both forms are interchangeable.
- Use for series of formal events (e.g., tours, campaigns).
- Not used in daily casual speech.
- Common in business, media, and academic contexts.
🎓 Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| JLPT Level | N1 |
| Formality | High |
| Meaning | Starting with / Beginning with / Triggered by |
| Function | Marks the beginning of a series of actions/events |
🗣 Practice
Try writing sentences with ～を皮切りに or ～を皮切りとして. Some prompts:
- Describe the beginning of a project or campaign.
- Talk about a concert tour or performance schedule.
- Write about a change that started with a certain event.
