expression
meanwhile; in the meantime; meanwhile, elsewhere
Set phrase used to shift the scene or topic to another place or situation, similar to 'meanwhile, in another place...' or 'switching scenes to...'. Often used in storytelling or narration.
See also: 話変わって (はなしかわって)
所変わって、東京のオフィスでは社員たちが会議の準備をしていた。
Meanwhile, at the Tokyo office, the employees were preparing for the meeting.
所変わって、ここは北海道の小さな村。
Switching scenes, here we are in a small village in Hokkaido.
Used to change the topic of conversation, while 所変わって changes the location or scene.
From 所 (place) + 変わる (to change) in the te-form, literally 'the place changing'. The exact origin as a set phrase is uncertain, but it is a natural narrative device.