〜このかた
Formation
Meaning
Indicates that a situation has continued uninterrupted from a certain point in the past until the present.
Note
A formal and literary expression that emphasizes a continuous state from a specific point in the past (like birth, graduation, or a long time ago) up to the speaker's current moment. It is much stiffer than '〜て以来' and is rarely used in casual conversation, except in fixed phrases like '生まれてこのかた' (ever since I was born). It cannot be used for events in the near past or future.
Examples
生まれてこのかた、一度も病気をしたことがない。
Ever since I was born, I have never been sick once.
この地に家を建ててこのかた、穏やかな日々を過ごしている。
Ever since I built a house in this place, I have been spending peaceful days.
卒業してこのかた、彼女には一度も会っていない。
Since I graduated, I haven't seen her even once.
30年このかた、この店は地元の人に愛され続けている。
For 30 years, this shop has continued to be loved by the locals.
この会社に入ってこのかた、毎日が充実している。
Ever since I joined this company, every day has been fulfilling.
独身を通じてこのかた、趣味に没頭する生活を送ってきた。
Living as a single person all this time, I've spent my life immersed in my hobbies.