rise of the curtain; opening of a play
Literal theatrical opening; the moment the curtain rises at the start of a performance.
See also: 幕開き
The opening bell rang and the audience fell silent.
Figurative use for the start of an era, event, tournament, festival, or new phase. Often used in news contexts.
Antonyms: 幕切れ
A ceremony was held to celebrate the start of the new fiscal year.
Fireworks were launched to mark the opening of the tournament.
This match marks the opening of the new season.
We have finally reached the dawn of a new era.
This incident marked the beginning of a long war.