thirteenth day of the month; thirteen days
chief; main; principal; important
decrease; reduction; decline
continent; continental Asia (esp. mainland China); continental Europe
north-east; Tōhoku (northernmost six prefectures of Honshu); Tohoku
wildly enthusiastic; crazy (about something)
size; large and small (sizes); various sizes; daishō (matched pair of long and short swords); large and small drums; long months and short months; sic bo (Macao dice game)
to grapple with; to wrestle with; to engage in a bout; to tackle (e.g. a problem); to come to grips with; to work hard on
greening (i.e. planting to increase greenery); tree planting; afforestation
department; bureau; section; part
for a short while; for a while; for some time; for the time being
probe; inquiry; enquiry; investigation
afterwards; at a later time; later on; after some time
discouragement; despondency; dejection; disappointment
expert; learned person; doctor; PhD; instructor at the imperial court (ritsuryo period); pitch and length marks (to accompany a Buddhist liturgical chant, etc.)
faster-than-light speed; super luminal speed
making practical; making useful; implementing
to row (a boat) to (a pier, shore, etc.); to reach (a goal after considerable effort); to arrive at; to (finally) manage to do
Canopus (star in the constellation Carina); Alpha Carinae
residence; abode; dwelling
to put heads together; to gather (for discussion); to go into a huddle
settlement (of people on land)
forever; endlessly; on and on; meandering; wandering; winding
scene; sight; scenario; setting
starting; inauguration; launch; founding; establishment; start-up
peace preservation; security; safety
vice-minister; undersecretary
sky; air; ether; firmament; the heavens