を～とする・
This construction formally designates or defines one thing as a particular role, status, standard, objective, or reference point. It is especially common in rules, research, plans, definitions, and institutional statements.
What the pattern does
The important idea is active designation: a writer, organization, rule, or plan establishes A as B. Depending on context, natural English may use “define,” “designate,” “set,” “choose,” or “treat,” rather than translating する simply as “do.”
Definitions, locations, and targets
Both A and B are normally clear in formal writing, so the reader can see exactly what is being defined or assigned.
本調査では、週に三回以上運動する人を「運動習慣がある人」とする。
For this study, a person who exercises at least three times a week is defined as a person with regular exercise habits.
AnalyzeThe study establishes a working definition for one category of participant.
新設する研究センターは、京都を本部とする。
The new research center will designate Kyoto as its headquarters.
AnalyzeThe location is formally assigned the status of headquarters.
市は、来年度の観光客数を百万人とする計画を発表した。
The city announced a plan setting next year's tourist target at one million.
AnalyzeHere the construction assigns a planned numerical value.
Using the pattern before a noun
Change the final する to した when the designation describes a following noun. The following noun is often a plan, project, event, study, or policy.
市は、若者の就業支援を目的とした事業を始めた。
The city launched a program whose purpose is to support young people in finding employment.
AnalyzeThe support activity is designated as the program's purpose, and the entire phrase modifies “program.”
Assigned role, existing role, and formal rule
With B + として, someone or something acts or exists in role B. With A + を + B + とする, that role or status is actively assigned or defined. By contrast, ものとする normally follows a clause and formally establishes a rule, rather than directly assigning a noun entity to a noun role.
More examples
本規則では、委員の過半数の出席を会議の成立条件とする。
Under these rules, attendance by a majority of the members is required for the meeting to be valid.
Analyze本計画は、二酸化炭素排出量の半減を最終目標とする。
This plan sets halving carbon dioxide emissions as its final objective.
Analyze当館では、中学生以下を無料入館の対象とする。
At this museum, junior high school students and younger are designated as eligible for free admission.
Analyze研究チームは、全国の公立高校を調査対象とした。
The research team selected public high schools nationwide as the subjects of its study.
Analyze札幌を開催地とした国際会議が来月開かれる。
An international conference with Sapporo as its host city will be held next month.
Analyze編集部は、各地の食文化をテーマとした特集を組んだ。
The editorial team produced a special feature centered on regional food cultures.
Analyze