By ProDev Teach | Updated: May 2025
???? Meaning & Usage
The expression ～を皮切りに is used to indicate the start of an action or event, often followed by a series of similar events. It translates to “starting from,” “beginning with,” or “as the first in a series.” This structure is formal and commonly used in news reports, speeches, and official announcements.
Structure:
Noun + を皮切りに
Used when:
- Describing the start of a series of events or actions.
- Often used in formal or written Japanese, such as news reports, announcements, or speeches.
???? Example Sentences
- 今日を皮切りに、新しいプロジェクトが始まります。
Starting from today, a new project will begin. - この映画は、世界中の都市を皮切りに公開されます。
This movie will be released starting from cities around the world. - 彼の演技は、映画祭を皮切りに多くの賞を受賞しました。
His acting, starting from the film festival, won many awards. - このキャンペーンは、東京を皮切りに全国で展開されます。
This campaign will start in Tokyo and then expand nationwide. - 彼は、昨年の夏を皮切りに、いくつかのイベントを成功させました。
Starting from last summer, he has successfully organized several events.
???? Grammar Notes
The structure ～を皮切りに implies that an event or action is the first step in a series of similar actions or events. The following actions typically build upon the first, or the first action sets the tone for what’s to follow.
Examples of use:
- イベント: Event series
- プロジェクト: Project series
- 公開: Release series
???? Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blanks
- 彼の新しい小説は、先週を皮切りに、全国で発売されます。
- このコンサートツアーは、東京を皮切りに、各地を回ります。
- 彼の新しいプロジェクトは、来月を皮切りに、複数の国で展開される予定です。
✔ Answers:
- 彼の新しい小説は、先週を皮切りに、全国で発売されます。
- このコンサートツアーは、東京を皮切りに、各地を回ります。
- 彼の新しいプロジェクトは、来月を皮切りに、複数の国で展開される予定です。
2. Translate into Japanese
- The festival started from last year and continues this year.
- The new restaurant chain will open, starting from New York City.
✔ Suggested Answers:
- そのフェスティバルは昨年を皮切りに、今年も続いています。
- 新しいレストランチェーンは、ニューヨーク市を皮切りにオープンします。
???? Related Grammar
- ～からして： Similar structure, used to express that something, starting from a particular point, is an example of something.
- ～をもちまして： Used to express a starting or concluding point in time, often in formal announcements or speeches.
???? Summary
- ～を皮切りに = Starting from / Beginning with
- Level: JLPT N1
- Form: Noun + を皮切りに
- Style: Formal, Written, Used in official settings
I’m a software engineer based in Japan, with experience in developing web and mobile applications. I’m passionate about technology, especially in DevOps, AI, and app development using platforms like AWS, Flutter, and Node.js. My goal is to build a website that shares knowledge about the Japanese language and IT, helping everyone learn and grow more easily in the digital era.
