Usage patterns 〈 事こと 〉 の 火ひ 付つ け 役やく となる to become the instigator/spark behind a trend or event
His tweet became the spark that started this trend.
〈 事こと 〉 の 火ひ 付つ け 役やく を 務つと める to serve as the one who sets off a trend, controversy, or movement
The article served as the spark for the debate.
Kanji 付 adhere, attach, refer to Related words 扇動者 is a formal, often legal/political term for an agitator, while 火付け役 is a more vivid, metaphorical way to describe someone who sparks a trend or conflict.
首謀者 specifically denotes the ringleader or mastermind behind a plot, whereas 火付け役 can describe anyone who triggers an event without necessarily planning it.
黒幕 implies a hidden mastermind pulling strings from behind the scenes, while 火付け役 is usually visible and simply the one who sets things in motion.
Don't confuse with 放火犯 refers to a literal arsonist who sets physical fires, whereas 火付け役 uses 'fire-setting' figuratively for someone who starts a trend, conflict, or movement.
Written forms 火ひ 付つ け 役やく
Standard kanji spelling; high-frequency news term.
火ひ つけ 役やく
Alternate spelling with つけ in kana; less common but still used.
Etymology Compound of 火付け (arson, setting a fire) and 役 (role, duty). Literally 'fire-setting role', it metaphorically refers to a person who ignites a situation.
Report an issue with this page
Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
