fast-talking; always having another argument ready; not able to keep one's mouth shut; never at a loss for words
pinky swear; pinky promise; linking little fingers to confirm a promise
Kobayashi Sachiko (1953.12-)
Lythrum anceps (species of loosestrife)
eighty-eighth day from the beginning of spring
old version; previous version
kami celebrated at the beginning of New Year (usu. to pray for a good harvest); goddess of (lucky) directions
mercy; compassion; clemency; Hodgson's hawk-cuckoo (Cuculus fugax); Horsfield's hawk cuckoo
Momotarou (legendary Japanese folk-tale hero)
bai ze (mythical Chinese animal able to understand human speech, having the body of a lion and eight eyes)
to be laughable; to be unrealistic
of good omen; auspicious; lucky; auguring well (for); boding well (for)
thin washer on either side of the guard (tsuba) of a sword; (up to) the hilt; wits' end
Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum)
comparatively; quite; rather
daimyo's alternating Edo residence; official attendance service (by a daimyo in the Edo period)
something going right into or coming right out of a place where it fits snugly
marlin; swordfish; spearfish; sailfish
Japanese syllabary; kana; aiueo
god of fortune; god of wealth
drinker; person who can hold their drink
night of the full moon; the night of the 15th day of the 8th lunar month
carrot and stick; (lit.) candy and whip
pinky swear; pinky promise; making a pledge by hooking each other's little fingers
in various ways; in all sorts of ways; at every opportunity; whenever there is a chance
(Shinto) shrines and (Buddhist) temples
Zen dialogue; Zen questions and answers
porcupinefish (Diodon holacanthus); balloonfish
mountain villa; house in the mountains; mountain retreat
(licensed) red light district
power spot; spiritual hot spot; location said to be flowing with mystical energy
festival (shrine visit) by children aged 7, 5 and 3; lucky numbers 7, 5 and 3
gallant; brave; imposing; awe-inspiring; severe; biting