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～wo Kawakiri ni: Starting With / Kicking Off With

Learn wo kawakiri ni for "starting with X, a series of events unfolds." This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: Learn wo kawakiri ni for "starting with X, a series of events unfolds."
  • Form and connection: [Noun] を皮切かわきりに
  • Nuance in real use: 皮切り literally means "cutting through the skin" — it carries power in "breaking the surface to enter within." In Japanese news and event coverage, this is almost the standard for "a series begins."

Form and connection

[Noun] を皮切かわきりに

Core Explanation

Learn wo kawakiri ni for "starting with X, a series of events unfolds."

Cultural Note

皮切り literally means "cutting through the skin" — it carries power in "breaking the surface to enter within." In Japanese news and event coverage, this is almost the standard for "a series begins."

Practical examples

Starting with Tokyo, the nationwide tour began.
Starting with the new product, a series of new items were announced.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[Noun] を皮切かわきりに
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerStarting with Tokyo, the nationwide tour began.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answer新商品しんしょうひんを皮切かわきりに、次々つぎつぎと新製品しんせいひんが発表はっぴょうされた。 ([Noun] を皮切かわきりに)

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