C2 Sentence Structure 13 min read Hard

Starting With... and Continuing (〜を皮切りに)

Use 〜を皮切りに when one event starts a chain reaction of similar, developing actions.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use '〜を皮切りに' to describe an event that serves as the starting point for a series of subsequent, similar actions.

  • Must be preceded by a noun representing a starting event: {会議|かいぎ}を皮切りに.
  • The subsequent actions must be related to the starting event: {全国|ぜんこく}ツアーを皮切りに、各地で公演を行う.
  • It implies a domino effect or a sequence of expansion: {新商品|しんしょうひん}の発売を皮切りに、売り上げが伸びた.
Noun + を + 皮切りに + [Action 1, Action 2, Action 3...]

Overview

In Japanese, expressing the beginning of a sequence is nuanced. While simple structures exist for chronological order, the grammar pattern 〜を皮切りに（して） ({o kawakiri ni (shite)}) is reserved for a specific, powerful type of beginning. It signifies that an initial, often prominent event has kicked off a subsequent series of similar, large-scale developments.

It conveys a sense of momentum and expansion, as if the first action broke a barrier, enabling a flood of related activities.

Think of it as the first domino that topples, setting in motion a spectacular, pre-arranged chain reaction. You wouldn't use this for a mundane daily sequence. Instead, it frames the starting point as a launchpad for significant growth, success, or widespread activity.

For example, a company launching a single innovative product, which then leads to the release of an entire product ecosystem. The nuance is not just "A happened, then B, C, and D happened"; it is "A happened, and in doing so, unleashed the potential for a whole series of A-like events to occur."

This pattern is common in news reports, business presentations, and historical narratives where describing dynamic progress is key. It generally carries a positive or neutral connotation of development and proliferation. It answers the question, "What major event was the start of this significant trend?"

How This Grammar Works

The core of this expression is the noun 皮切り ({kawakiri}), which provides a rich metaphorical foundation. Literally, it means "skin cutting." This term is believed to originate from practices like the initial cut in leatherworking or other crafts, where the very first incision determines the shape and quality of the entire work. An alternative etymology points to 灸 ({kyū} - moxibustion), where the first application of heat was called the 皮切り.
In either case, the meaning is consistent: a decisive first step that sets the precedent and direction for all that follows.
〜を皮切りに weaponizes this concept. The particle を marks the preceding noun as the direct object of the implied action in 皮切り—the thing being "cut" or initiated. The に particle then functions adverbially, modifying the main clause of the sentence.
The entire phrase effectively means "with X as the inaugural act..." or "making X the start..." This structure emphasizes that the starting event wasn't just a point in time, but an action with consequences.
Critically, the events described in the main clause must be of a similar nature and scope to the initial event. If a band starts their tour in Tokyo, the subsequent events are more concerts. If a tech company releases a new phone, the subsequent events are more gadget releases.
This thematic link is non-negotiable. The pattern implies a focused expansion, not a random chain of events. For instance:
  • その映画は、カンヌ国際映画祭での受賞を皮切りに、世界中の映画賞を総なめにした。
  • ({sono eiga wa, kannu kokusai eigasai de no jushō o kawakiri ni, sekaijū no eigashō o sōname ni shita.})
  • Starting with its award at the Cannes Film Festival, that movie went on to sweep film awards all over the world.
Here, the initial award at Cannes is the 皮切り, and the following events are more awards—a clear series of similar, escalating achievements.

Word Order Rules

The syntax for 〜を皮切りに is rigid and straightforward, which makes it reliable to use once you understand its function. It always follows a noun that represents the inaugural event or action.
The fundamental structure is:
Noun + を皮切りに（して） + Main Clause
The noun must be an event, a product launch, a performance, or some other action that can logically initiate a trend. It cannot be a static object or a person in isolation. The main clause describes the series of subsequent, similar events that unfolded with momentum.
Let's break down a sentence:
  • [東京支社の設立] + を皮切りに + [アジア全域に事業を拡大した]
  • ([{Tōkyō shisha no setsuritsu}] | The establishment of the Tokyo branch) + {o kawakiri ni} + ([{ajia zen'iki ni jigyō o kakudai shita}] | the business expanded throughout the Asia region).
Here, the noun phrase 東京支社の設立 is a clear, singular event. を皮切りに marks it as the starting point, and the main clause details the ensuing expansion—opening more branches or increasing business presence, which are all activities of the same kind.
It is important that the noun is an action or event. You can't use a simple person or place without this context. For example, 東京を皮切りに... is ambiguous.
However, 東京での公演を皮切りに... ({Tōkyō de no kōen o kawakiri ni...} | Starting with the performance in Tokyo...) is perfect because 公演 is an event.

Formation Pattern

1
This pattern's formation is simple as it attaches directly to a noun. There are no complex conjugations involved. The primary variations relate to formality.
2
1. Identify the Noun:
3
Choose a noun that represents a singular, catalyzing event, action, or creation.
4
この新技術の発表 ({kono shin-gijutsu no happyō} | The announcement of this new technology)
5
2. Attach the Grammar:
6
Append one of the pattern's variations to the noun.
7
この新技術の発表 + を皮切りに
8
3. Add the Consequence:
9
Form a main clause describing the series of similar developments that followed.
10
関連特許の出願が相次いだ ({kanren tokkyo no shutsugan ga aitsuida} | A succession of related patent applications followed).
11
Full Sentence:
12
この新技術の発表を皮切りに、関連特許の出願が相次いだ。
13
({kono shin-gijutsu no happyō o kawakiri ni, kanren tokkyo no shutsugan ga aitsuida.})
14
Starting with the announcement of this new technology, a succession of related patent applications followed.
15
| Pattern Variation | Formality | Nuance | Example Sentence |
16
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
17
| Noun を皮切りに | Standard | The most common, concise, and versatile form. Suitable for both writing and formal speech. | 京都店を皮切りに、全国展開を始めた。 ({Kyōto-ten o kawakiri ni, zenkoku tenkai o hajimeta.}) |
18
| Noun を皮切りにして | Standard / Slightly Emphatic | The inclusion of して (the て-form of する) makes the act of "making it the start" more explicit. The meaning is identical, but it can add a slight deliberateness. | 彼の最初の小説を皮切りにして、次々とベストセラーが生まれた。 ({Kare no saisho no shōsetsu o kawakiri ni shite, tsugitsugi to besutoserā ga umareta.}) |
19
| Noun を皮切りとして | Formal / Written | This uses として ({to shite}, as), creating a stiffer, more academic or report-like tone. It is functionally identical to 〜を皮切りにして. Best reserved for official documents. | 2020年の法改正を皮切りとして、多くの企業が働き方改革を推進した。 ({Nisen-nijū-nen no hōkaisei o kawakiri to shite, ōku no kigyō ga hatarakikata kaikaku o suishin shita.}) |

When To Use It

This pattern is not for everyday sequences. Its use is restricted to situations where an initial event triggers a noteworthy and sustained expansion or series of developments. The scale must be significant enough to warrant the dramatic nuance of 皮切り.
1. Business and Corporate Growth:
This is a classic context. It's perfect for describing a successful business strategy unfolding.
  • 当社は、主力商品である「A-1」のヒットを皮切りに、家電市場で不動の地位を築いた。
  • ({tōsha wa, shuryoku shōhin de aru 'Ē-wan' no hitto o kawakiri ni, kaden shijō de fudō no chii o kizuita.})
  • Starting with the success of our flagship product 'A-1', our company built an unshakable position in the home appliance market.
2. Creative and Artistic Careers:
It's used to describe the breakout moment for an artist, author, or director that leads to a string of successes.
  • 彼女は、デビュー作の受賞を皮切りに、国際的な監督としてのキャリアを歩み始めた。
  • ({kanojo wa, debyū-saku no jushō o kawakiri ni, kokusaitekina kantoku to shite no kyaria o ayumi hajimeta.})
  • Starting with the award for her debut work, she began her career as an international director.
3. Social and Cultural Trends:
It can describe the start of a movement, trend, or series of events that captures public attention and spreads.
  • その動画投稿を皮切りに、全国で同様のチャレンジが流行した。
  • ({sono dōga tōkō o kawakiri ni, zenkoku de dōyō no charenji ga ryūkō shita.})
  • Starting with that video post, similar challenges became popular across the country.
An important constraint is that 〜を皮切りに almost always describes positive or neutral expansion. It frames the sequence as a dynamic unfolding. While you could technically construct a sentence about a series of negative events (e.g., "Starting with the first factory closure, one after another was shut down"), it often feels stylistically awkward.
The pattern's inherent energy clashes with the theme of decline. In such cases, a more neutral expression like 〜のを始めに or 〜から始まって would be more natural.

Common Mistakes

Learners at an advanced level often misuse 〜を皮切りに by grasping its meaning of "starting with" but missing its crucial nuances of momentum and similarity. Here are the most common errors.
1. Confusing a Series Starter with a Catalyst:
The most frequent mistake is using 〜を皮切りに for a simple trigger or reason, where 〜をきっかけに ({o kikkake ni}) would be correct. A きっかけ is a catalyst that causes a different kind of event to happen.
  • ✗ Incorrect: 大学時代の日本旅行を皮切りに、日本語の通訳者になった。 ({daigaku jidai no Nihon ryokō o kawakiri ni, Nihongo no tsūyakusha ni natta.})
  • Why it's wrong: The trip to Japan was the impetus for becoming an interpreter. Becoming an interpreter is not another trip; it's a different type of outcome. The sentence does not describe a series of similar travels.
  • ✓ Correct: 大学時代の日本旅行をきっかけに、日本語の通訳者になった。 ({daigaku jidai no Nihon ryokō o kikkake ni, Nihongo no tsūyakusha ni natta.}) - Triggered by my trip to Japan during college, I became a Japanese interpreter.
2. Using it for a Representative Example from a Group:
Another common error is to substitute it for 〜をはじめ ({o hajime}), which is used to give a primary example from a larger, static group. 〜を皮切りに implies a chronological, dynamic series, not a list.
  • ✗ Incorrect: 今日の会議には、山田部長を皮切りに、営業部の全員が参加した。 ({kyō no kaigi ni wa, Yamada-buchō o kawakiri ni, eigyō-bu no zen'in ga sanka shita.})
  • Why it's wrong: This sounds like Manager Yamada's arrival triggered a parade of sales department employees to start arriving one by one. The intention is just to list who was there, with Yamada as the main example.
  • ✓ Correct: 今日の会議には、山田部長をはじめ、営業部の全員が参加した。 ({kyō no kaigi ni wa, Yamada-buchō o hajime, eigyō-bu no zen'in ga sanka shita.}) - At today's meeting, all members of the sales department, starting with Manager Yamada, participated.
3. Applying it to Small, Personal, or Mundane Sequences:
This pattern has a sense of scale and public significance. Using it for minor, everyday events sounds unnatural and overly dramatic.
  • ✗ Incorrect: 朝のコーヒーを皮切りに、今日は水分をたくさん摂った。 ({asa no kōhī o kawakiri ni, kyō wa suibun o takusan totta.})
  • Why it's wrong: Drinking coffee is a trivial daily action, not a significant event that kicks off a noteworthy trend. The sequence lacks scale and momentum.
  • ✓ Correct: 朝のコーヒーから始まって、今日は水分をたくさん摂った。 ({asa no kōhī kara hajimatte, kyō wa suibun o takusan totta.}) - Starting with my morning coffee, I drank a lot of fluids today. (Uses a neutral expression).

Contrast With Similar Patterns

Understanding 〜を皮切りに requires distinguishing it from other "starting" patterns. Each carries a distinct nuance.
| Grammar Pattern | Core Meaning | Type of Sequence | Implied Nuance | When to Use |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 〜を皮切りに | Dynamic Start | A series of similar, developing events. | Momentum, expansion, proliferation. Often positive. | A breakout hit leads to a series of successful products. |
| 〜をはじめ(として) | Representative Example | A static group or list of items. | Listing members of a category, with the most prominent one first. | Many people attended, including famous figures like Mr. X. |
| 〜をきっかけに | Catalyst / Trigger | A cause-and-effect chain. The resulting event is different. | A single event sparks a new, unrelated action or change. | An injury led me to change my career path. |
| 〜から始まって | Neutral Starting Point | A simple chronological sequence or a range. | Purely factual, no added flair or sense of momentum. | The test covers chapters 3 through 5. |
Example-in-Contrast:
Imagine a new restaurant opens in Tokyo and becomes a huge success.
  1. 1〜を皮切りに: そのレストランは東京店を皮切りに、次々と海外に進出した。
  • Starting with its Tokyo store, the restaurant advanced into overseas markets one after another. (Focus on the momentum of expansion with more stores).
  1. 1〜をはじめ: 東京店には、有名な俳優をはじめ、多くの著名人が訪れた。
  • Many celebrities, starting with famous actors, visited the Tokyo store. (Focus on providing a key example from the group of visitors).
  1. 1〜をきっかけに: 東京店の成功をきっかけに、彼は料理人から経営者に転身した。
  • Triggered by the Tokyo store's success, he transitioned from a chef to a business manager. (Focus on the change in career, a different outcome).
  1. 1〜から始まって: メニューは前菜から始まって、デザートで終わる全8品のコースです。
  • The menu is an 8-course meal that starts with appetizers and ends with dessert. (Focus on the neutral, factual sequence of the meal).

Real Conversations

S

Scenario 1

Two friends discussing a manga series that got an anime adaptation.
A

Aki

「無限の剣」のアニメ、見た？ 作画が神(かみ)がかってる！

({mugen no ken no anime, mita? sakuga ga kami-gakatteru!})

(Did you see the 'Infinite Blade' anime? The animation is god-tier!)

S

Sana

もちろん！先月(せんげつ)のPV公開(こうかい)を皮切りに(かわきりに)、ファンの期待値(きたいち)が爆上がり(ばくあがり)だったもんね。関連(かんれん)グッズもどんどん発表(はっぴょう)されてるし、すごい勢(いきお)い。

({mochiron! sengetsu no pī-bui kōkai o kawakiri ni, fan no kitaichi ga baku-agari dattan mon ne. kanren guzzu mo dondon happyō sareteru shi, sugoi ikioi.})

(Of course! Starting with the release of the promotional video last month, the fans' expectations just skyrocketed. They keep announcing related merchandise, too. The momentum is insane.)

A

Analysis

Sana uses PV公開を皮切りに because the video release was the first major promotional event that kicked off a series of similar, exciting developments: rising hype, merchandise announcements, and overall buzz. It perfectly captures the start of a successful marketing blitz.
S

Scenario 2

Colleagues in a marketing meeting discussing a competitor's strategy.
M

Manager

競合(きょうごう)のX社(しゃ)、この半年(はんとし)で市場(しじょう)シェアを急激(きゅうげき)に伸(の)ばしています。何(なに)が要因(よういん)だと分析(ぶんせき)していますか？

({kyōgō no Ekkusu-sha, kono hantoshi de shijō shea o kyūgeki ni nobashiteimasu. nani ga yōin da to bunseki shiteimasu ka?})

(Our competitor, Company X, has rapidly expanded their market share in the last six months. What have you analyzed as the cause?)

A

Analyst

はい。3月(がつ)に投入(とうにゅう)したスマートフォン「Z-1」の成功(せいこう)を皮切りにして(かわきりにして)、タブレット、スマートウォッチと矢継(やつ)ぎ早(ばや)に製品(せいひん)ラインを拡充(かくじゅう)したことが直接(ちょくせつ)の理由(りゆう)です。

({hai. san-gatsu ni tōnyū shita sumātofon 'Zetto-wan' no seikō o kawakiri ni shite, taburetto, sumāto-wotchi to yatsugibaya ni seihin rain o kakujū shita koto ga chokusetsu no riyū desu.})

(Yes. Starting with the success of the 'Z-1' smartphone they launched in March, they subsequently expanded their product line at a rapid pace with tablets and smartwatches; this is the direct reason.)

A

Analysis

The analyst uses 〜を皮切りにして to mark the successful phone launch as the inaugural event. The events that followed—launching a tablet and a smartwatch—are part of the same category (product line expansion), showing a clear, aggressive, and successful strategy that started with one key product.

Quick FAQ

Q: Is 〜を皮切りに suitable for casual, spoken Japanese?

It leans formal and is most at home in writing or presentations. However, in conversation among educated speakers discussing topics like business, arts, or social trends, it is perfectly natural, as seen in the examples. It conveys intelligence and a strong grasp of the situation's dynamics. You would not use it for trivial matters with close friends.

Q: Does the して in 〜を皮切りにして really make no difference?

In terms of core meaning, no. The difference is one of style and subtle emphasis. 〜を皮切りに is more common and concise. 〜を皮切りにして makes the action of "making X the start" slightly more explicit and can feel a tiny bit more formal or deliberate. Think of it as the difference between "With X as the start..." and "Making X the start...".

Q: Can I use this for a series of negative events, like failures?

While grammatically possible if the failures are of a similar type (e.g., a series of business bankruptcies), it is stylistically uncommon. The pattern carries a nuance of energetic momentum and expansion, which feels dissonant when applied to a downward spiral. For negative chains, it's often more natural to use simpler, more neutral phrasing.

Formation Table

Element Form Example
Noun
Event Noun
会議
Particle
を
を
Grammar
皮切りに
皮切りに
Result
Subsequent Action
議論が始まる

Meanings

This structure indicates that a specific event is the first in a series of similar, usually expanding, events.

1

Sequential Initiation

Marking the first step of a series.

“{彼|かれ}の{発言|はつげん}を皮切りに、{議論|ぎろん}が{白熱|はくねつ}した。”

“{新店舗|しんてんぽ}の{開店|かいてん}を皮切りに、{全国|ぜんこく}に{展開|てんかい}する。”

Reference Table

Reference table for Starting With... and Continuing (〜を皮切りに)
Form Structure Example
Standard
Noun + を皮切りに
会議を皮切りに
Variation
Noun + を皮切りにして
会議を皮切りにして
Variation
Noun + を皮切りとして
会議を皮切りとして

Formality Spectrum

Formal
東京での公演を皮切りに、全国ツアーが開催されます。

東京での公演を皮切りに、全国ツアーが開催されます。 (Tour announcement)

Neutral
東京を皮切りに、全国ツアーが始まります。

東京を皮切りに、全国ツアーが始まります。 (Tour announcement)

Informal
東京から全国ツアーが始まるよ。

東京から全国ツアーが始まるよ。 (Tour announcement)

Slang
東京がスタートで、全国回るよ。

東京がスタートで、全国回るよ。 (Tour announcement)

The Chain Reaction Concept

皮切り (Start)

Sequence

  • Event 1 The Trigger
  • Event 2 Follow-up
  • Event 3 Expansion
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Examples by Level

1

{会議|かいぎ}を皮切りに、{話|はなし}が{始|はじ}まった。

Starting with the meeting, the talk began.

2

{東京|とうきょう}を皮切りに、{旅行|りょこう}する。

Starting with Tokyo, I will travel.

3

{今日|きょう}を皮切りに、{頑張|がんば}る。

Starting today, I will do my best.

4

{本|ほん}を皮切りに、{勉強|べんきょう}する。

Starting with the book, I will study.

1

{新商品|しんしょうひん}を皮切りに、{売|う}れ{行|ゆ}きが{良|よ}くなった。

Starting with the new product, sales improved.

2

{一曲目|いっきょくめ}を皮切りに、{歌|うた}い{続|つづ}けた。

Starting with the first song, I kept singing.

3

{彼|かれ}の{意見|いけん}を皮切りに、{議論|ぎろん}が{広|ひろ}がった。

Starting with his opinion, the discussion spread.

4

{大阪|おおさか}を皮切りに、{全国|ぜんこく}ツアーが{始|はじ}まる。

Starting with Osaka, the national tour begins.

1

{新店舗|しんてんぽ}の{開店|かいてん}を皮切りに、{会社|かいしゃ}は{急速|きゅうそく}に{成長|せいちょう}した。

Starting with the opening of the new store, the company grew rapidly.

2

{一連|いちれん}の{抗議|こうぎ}を皮切りに、{社会|しゃかい}が{動|うご}き{出|だ}した。

Starting with a series of protests, society began to move.

3

{最初|さいしょ}の{実験|じっけん}を皮切りに、{多|おお}くの{発見|はっけん}があった。

Starting with the first experiment, there were many discoveries.

4

{朝|あさ}の{会議|かいぎ}を皮切りに、{一日|いちにち}が{忙|いそが}しくなった。

Starting with the morning meeting, the day became busy.

1

{東京|とうきょう}での{公演|こうえん}を皮切りに、{世界|せかい}ツアーが{計画|けいかく}されている。

Starting with the performance in Tokyo, a world tour is planned.

2

{この|この}プロジェクトを皮切りに、{新|あたら}しい{技術|ぎじゅつ}が{導入|どうにゅう}される。

Starting with this project, new technology will be introduced.

3

{彼|かれ}の{発言|はつげん}を皮切りに、{会場|かいじょう}は{騒|さわ}がしくなった。

Starting with his statement, the venue became noisy.

4

{春|はる}の{展示会|てんじかい}を皮切りに、{年間|ねんかん}イベントが{始|はじ}まる。

Starting with the spring exhibition, annual events begin.

1

{一|いち}つの{不祥事|ふしょうじ}を皮切りに、{組織|そしき}の{腐敗|ふはい}が{明|あか}るみに{出|で}た。

Starting with one scandal, the organization's corruption came to light.

2

{この|この}{法案|ほうあん}を皮切りに、{社会|しゃかい}の{制度|せいど}が{大|おお}きく{変|か}わるだろう。

Starting with this bill, social systems will likely change significantly.

3

{彼|かれ}の{デビュー|デビュー}を皮切りに、{新|あたら}しい{時代|じだい}が{幕|まく}を{開|あ}けた。

Starting with his debut, a new era began.

4

{一|いち}つの{成功|せいこう}を皮切りに、{彼|かれ}の{キャリア|キャリア}は{飛躍|ひやく}した。

Starting with one success, his career leaped forward.

1

{先月|せんげつ}の{首脳会談|しゅのうかいだん}を皮切りに、{両国|りょうこく}の{関係|かんけい}は{改善|かいぜん}に{向|む}かっている。

Starting with last month's summit, relations between the two countries are heading toward improvement.

2

{この|この}{論文|ろんぶん}を皮切りに、{学界|がっかい}で{激|はげ}しい{論争|ろんそう}が{巻|ま}き{起|お}こった。

Starting with this paper, a fierce debate erupted in the academic world.

3

{一|いち}つの{事件|じけん}を皮切りに、{連鎖的|れんさてき}な{混乱|こんらん}が{続|つづ}いた。

Starting with one incident, chain-reaction chaos continued.

4

{彼|かれ}の{引退|いんたい}を皮切りに、{黄金時代|おうごんじだい}は{終|お}わりを{告|つ}げた。

Starting with his retirement, the golden age came to an end.

Easily Confused

Starting With... and Continuing (〜を皮切りに) vs 〜をきっかけに

Both indicate a starting point.

Starting With... and Continuing (〜を皮切りに) vs 〜から

Both mean 'from'.

Starting With... and Continuing (〜を皮切りに) vs 〜を皮切りとして

Very similar to 皮切りに.

Common Mistakes

✗

ご飯を皮切りに食べる

✓

昼食会を皮切りにイベントが始まった

Must be an event, not a daily action.
✗

本を皮切りに読む

✓

本の出版を皮切りに活動を広げた

Needs to be an event noun.
✗

明日を皮切りに

✓

明日を皮切りとして

Time nouns are tricky; use event nouns.
✗

歩くことを皮切りに

✓

散歩を皮切りに

Use nouns, not verbs.
✗

雨を皮切りに風が吹いた

✓

突風を皮切りに嵐が始まった

Must be a logical sequence.
✗

彼を皮切りに

✓

彼の挨拶を皮切りに

Must be an event.
✗

楽しいことを皮切りに

✓

楽しいイベントを皮切りに

Adjectives don't work.
✗

会議を皮切りに終わった

✓

会議を皮切りに議論が始まった

Must imply continuation.
✗

旅行を皮切りに帰った

✓

旅行を皮切りに各地を回った

Must be a series.
✗

勉強を皮切りに寝た

✓

勉強を皮切りに一日が始まった

Logic error.
✗

事件を皮切りに解決した

✓

事件を皮切りに捜査が始まった

Must be the start of a process.
✗

成功を皮切りに失敗した

✓

成功を皮切りに連勝した

Must be similar events.
✗

発表を皮切りに黙った

✓

発表を皮切りに議論が沸騰した

Must imply expansion.

Sentence Patterns

___を皮切りに、___が始まった。

___を皮切りに、全国で___。

___を皮切りに、___が広がった。

___を皮切りに、___が幕を開けた。

Real World Usage

Business Press Release very common

新製品を皮切りに、海外展開を強化します。

News Report common

デモを皮切りに、各地で抗議が起きた。

Concert Tour Announcement common

東京を皮切りに、全国5都市を回ります。

Academic Debate occasional

この論文を皮切りに、議論が深まった。

Political Speech occasional

この法案を皮切りに、改革を進める。

Historical Narrative common

その事件を皮切りに、時代は激動した。

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💡

Check the Noun

Always ensure the noun is an event. If it's a static object, it's wrong.
⚠️

Don't use in casual talk

It sounds like you are reading a newspaper. Avoid in casual chats.
🎯

Focus on the sequence

Use it only when there is a clear 'next' event.
💬

Professionalism

Using this correctly shows high-level business Japanese proficiency.

Smart Tips

Use '〜を皮切りに' to sound professional.

東京で店を開いて、全国に広げた。 → 東京での開店を皮切りに、全国展開した。

Use it to link the first event to the rest.

デモが起きて、各地に広がった。 → デモを皮切りに、各地で抗議が起きた。

Use it to show the tour's path.

東京でライブをして、全国を回る。 → 東京を皮切りに、全国ツアーを行う。

Use it to start a narrative of change.

この事件から時代が変わった。 → この事件を皮切りに、時代は大きく変わった。

Pronunciation

ka-wa-ki-ri

Kawakiri

Pronounced ka-wa-ki-ri. Ensure the 'ri' is crisp.

Flat

Noun-o-kawakiri-ni

Standard formal delivery.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'skin-cutter' (kawakiri) making the first cut to open a package, and then everything inside spills out in a row.

Visual Association

Imagine a domino standing upright. The first domino is the 'Noun'. When it falls, it hits the next one, and the next, in a long, formal line.

Rhyme

Kawakiri, the first cut, starts the chain, no ifs or buts.

Story

The CEO made a speech. That speech was the 'kawakiri'. After the speech, the staff cheered, then the investors clapped, and finally, the stock price soared. One event, many results.

Word Web

開始連鎖発展順次第一歩きっかけ

Challenge

Write three sentences about a project you started, using '〜を皮切りに' to describe what happened next.

Cultural Notes

Used in press releases to show growth.

Used to report on social movements.

Used to set the stage for a narrative.

Derived from the first cut (kawakiri) made when skinning an animal.

Conversation Starters

“

最近、何か新しいことを始めましたか？

“

会社のプロジェクトで成功したことはありますか？

“

日本のツアーでどこに行きたいですか？

“

歴史的な出来事で何が一番印象的ですか？

Journal Prompts

Describe a project you started recently.
Write a news report about a fictional event.
Explain how your language learning journey started.
Describe a major change in your life.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

会議___皮切りに、議論が始まった。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: を
The particle を is required.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 会議を皮切りに議論が始まった
Must imply a sequence.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

雨を皮切りに傘をさした。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 雨をきっかけに傘をさした
Rain is not a sequence initiation.
Reorder the words. Sentence Building

全国ツアー / を皮切りに / 東京 / 始まる

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 東京を皮切りに全国ツアーが始まる
Correct word order.
Match the noun to the action. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 全て
All are valid event-action pairs.
Choose the best fit. Multiple Choice

Which noun fits best?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 新プロジェクト
Must be an event.
Fill in the blank.

彼はデビュー___皮切りに、スターになった。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: を
The particle を is required.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

昨日を皮切りに仕事をした。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 昨日の会議を皮切りに仕事をした
Needs an event noun.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

会議___皮切りに、議論が始まった。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: を
The particle を is required.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 会議を皮切りに議論が始まった
Must imply a sequence.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

雨を皮切りに傘をさした。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 雨をきっかけに傘をさした
Rain is not a sequence initiation.
Reorder the words. Sentence Building

全国ツアー / を皮切りに / 東京 / 始まる

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 東京を皮切りに全国ツアーが始まる
Correct word order.
Match the noun to the action. Match Pairs

Match:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 全て
All are valid event-action pairs.
Choose the best fit. Multiple Choice

Which noun fits best?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 新プロジェクト
Must be an event.
Fill in the blank.

彼はデビュー___皮切りに、スターになった。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: を
The particle を is required.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

昨日を皮切りに仕事をした。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 昨日の会議を皮切りに仕事をした
Needs an event noun.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

{彼|かれ}の{会社|かいしゃ}はスマホケースの{販売|はんばい}を＿＿＿、{様々|さまざま}なスマホアクセサリーを{開発|かいはつ}している。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 皮切りとして
Translate the following sentence into Japanese. Translation

Starting with the Kyoto store, that ramen chain rapidly expanded throughout Japan.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: そのラーメン屋は京都店を皮切りに、日本中に広がった。
Choose the most natural option. Multiple Choice

この{曲|きょく}のヒットを＿＿＿、そのグループは{世界|せかい}に{羽ばたいた|はばたいた}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 皮切りに
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: その会社は新製品の発売を皮切りに次々と発表した
Find and fix the mistake. Error Correction

{福岡|ふくおか}でのライブを{初め|はじめ}、{彼ら|かれら}は{全国|ぜんこく}8{都市|とし}を{回った|まわった}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 福岡でのライブを皮切りに、彼らは全国8都市を回った。
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

{私|わたし}の{町|まち}では、{夏|なつ}のジャズフェスティバルを＿＿＿、{秋|あき}にはフードフェス、{冬|ふゆ}にはイルミネーションと、イベントが{盛|さか}んです。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 皮切りに
Match the starting event with the logical outcome. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["1-C","2-A","3-B"]
How do you say this in Japanese? Translation

Starting with that scandal, the politician's approval ratings dropped one after another.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: そのスキャンダルを皮切りに、政治家の支持率は次々と下がった。
Which sentence is more natural? Multiple Choice

Choose the best sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: B) 彼のスピーチを皮切りに、参加者から次々と質問が出た。
Find and fix the mistake. Error Correction

彼の{店|みせ}は{大阪|おおさか}を{皮切り|かわきり}、{東京|とうきょう}や{福岡|ふくおか}にもある。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 彼の店は大阪をはじめ、東京や福岡にもある。

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

No, it must be an event noun like 'meeting', 'performance', or 'launch'.

Yes, very formal. Avoid in casual conversation.

皮切りに implies a sequence; きっかけに implies a trigger.

Yes, like 'scandals' or 'protests'.

Rarely. Only in professional or news contexts.

Yes, it implies subsequent similar events.

Yes, it's a valid variation.

The nuance of 'sequential expansion' is subtle.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

English high

Starting with...

Register is the main difference.

Chinese high

以...为开端

Chinese is slightly more flexible in register.

Spanish moderate

Empezando por...

Lacks the formal 'first cut' metaphor.

French moderate

En commençant par...

Not inherently formal.

German moderate

Angefangen mit...

Lacks the 'catalyst' nuance.

Arabic moderate

بدءاً بـ...

More common in general formal writing.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Like / As If: Formal Comparisons (〜ごとき／〜ごとく)
Next
The "One Step Forward, Two Steps Back" Pattern (〜soba kara)

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