[JLPT N1 Grammar] ～を皮切りに（して）・～を皮切りとして – Starting With / Beginning With

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

???? 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

???? 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.

thuandao

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.