Ignition method and plasma processing apparatus

An ignition method in a plasma processing apparatus includes: applying a first radio frequency from a radio-frequency power supply to an electrode of a plasma generator, thereby igniting plasma from a gas, the radio-frequency power supply being capable of applying a radio frequency of a variably controlled frequency to the electrode of the plasma generator; and applying a second radio frequency different from the first radio frequency to the electrode of the plasma generator after a predetermined time is elapsed after applying the first radio frequency to the electrode of the plasma generator.