に際してOn the occasion of
に際して formally presents an important or consequential occasion as the setting for a relevant action, preparation, precaution, or response.
Meaning and use
The occasion is normally defined and noteworthy: entering an institution, signing a contract, beginning an assignment, responding to an emergency, or marking an anniversary. The action that follows should be meaningfully connected to that occasion, rather than merely happening at the same time.
Core formations
The following examples show attachment to a noun, a verb, and a phrase placed before another noun.
新制度の導入に際して、全職員を対象とした研修を実施します。
On the introduction of the new system, training will be provided for all staff.
AnalyzeThe introduction of the system is a significant institutional occasion, and the training is a direct preparation for it.
海外へ赴任するに際して、必要な予防接種を受けました。
Before taking up my overseas post, I received the required vaccinations.
Analyze契約締結に際しての注意事項を以下にまとめます。
The precautions associated with concluding the contract are summarized below.
AnalyzeChoosing among close expressions
際に is a more flexible formal expression meaning “when” and may simply locate an event in time. に際して more strongly presents the occasion as relevant to the action that follows. にあたって often highlights the beginning of a significant undertaking and the preparation or resolve it requires. By contrast, に際して can also frame an unfavorable event when the following action is an appropriate response.
大規模な停電に際して、市は臨時の避難所を開設した。
In response to the large-scale power outage, the city opened temporary shelters.
AnalyzeThe power outage is an adverse occasion, and opening shelters is an institutional response to it.
More examples
入学に際して、学生証の受け取り方法をご確認ください。
When enrolling, please check how to collect your student ID card.
Analyze創立五十周年を迎えるに際して、社長が全社員に謝意を述べた。
As the company marked its fiftieth anniversary, the president expressed gratitude to all employees.
Analyze災害発生に際し、対策本部を直ちに設置した。
When the disaster occurred, an emergency response headquarters was established immediately.
Analyze本社移転に際してのご案内をウェブサイトに掲載しました。
We posted information concerning the relocation of our head office on the website.
Analyze研究を開始するに際して、参加者全員から同意を得た。
Before beginning the study, consent was obtained from all participants.
Analyze退任に際して、長年のご支援に心より感謝申し上げます。
As I step down from my position, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your many years of support.
Analyze