を中心に
Focused on, Centered on or around, Mainly, Most notably
Structure
Noun + を中心 + にした(2) + Noun
(1) にして、として
(2) とした
Explanation
When appended to a noun, the phrase を中心に is used to express that an action or situation 'revolves around' or is 'centered on' that noun. It can often be translated as 'mainly (A)' or 'with a focus on (A)'. The word 中心 is a noun meaning 'center' or 'core'. The case marking particle に simply designates '(A) を中心に' as the focal point of the sentence.
- このカフェは学生を中心に大変な人気です。This cafe is extremely popular, especially among students.
- 彼は大学で日本の歴史を中心に研究しています。He is conducting research at his university, focusing on Japanese history.
Because 中心 literally means 'center', it can also refer to a geographical location as the physical middle point of something, rather than just a conceptual focus.
- 台風は東京を中心に東日本に近づいています。The typhoon is approaching eastern Japan, centered on the Tokyo area.
By adding the verb する in its dictionary form (を中心にする) or past-tense form (を中心にした), this structure can modify a noun that follows it. This emphasizes that the following noun is defined by its focus on (A).
- 私の父はいつも家族を中心にする生活を送っています。My father always lives a life that revolves around his family.
- 来週の会議では、新しいプロジェクトを中心にした話し合いをしましょう。In next week's meeting, let's have a discussion focused on the new project.
- この映画は、友情を中心にした感動的なストーリーです。This movie is a touching story centered on friendship.
The particle と can also be used in place of に. This substitution often gives the nuance that the central point is a fixed, defining characteristic of what is being described.
- このチームは若手のメンバーを中心とする組織で、とても活気がある。This team is an organization comprised mainly of younger members, and it's very energetic.
Examples
このチームは新しいキャプテンを中心によくまとまっている。
This team is well-organized, revolving around the new captain.
兄はテレビゲームを中心として生活している。
My older brother's life is centered around video games.
平日は仕事、週末は趣味を中心に時間を使っています。
I work on weekdays, and on weekends I mainly focus on spending my time on my hobbies.
噴水を中心にきれいな公園が作られた。
A beautiful park was built with the fountain at its center.
この物語は主人公の気持ちを中心に展開していく。
This story develops with a focus on the main character's feelings.
会話を中心にしたカリキュラムが人気です。
A curriculum that is centered around conversation is popular.
この都市は城を中心にして栄えてきた。
This city has prospered with the castle as its center.
売り上げを中心にした企業文化はよくない。
A corporate culture focused only on sales is not good.
午後を中心に雨が強くなるでしょう。
The rain will probably get stronger, especially around the afternoon.
絵が上手になるには、デッサンを中心に練習することが大切です。
To get good at drawing, it is important that your practice is focused on sketching.
お客さまの要望を中心に、次のプロジェクトについて話し合いましょう。
Let's discuss the next project, focusing on the client's requests.
ニュース：「今回の地震は、関東地方を中心に被害が出ました。」
News: 'The recent earthquake caused damage primarily in the Kanto region.'