interviewee; subject of an interview
contract marriage; marriage by contract
local site; location for making or filming a movie
to not be taken seriously
megalopolis; megacity; supercity
competitive entrance examinations for prestigious kindergartens and elementary schools
undesirable state brought about by (my) lack of virtue; feeling morally responsible; mea culpa
worth; merit; value; good point; redeeming feature; saving grace
taking a junior high-school entrance examination
goddamn idiot; moron; nitwit
blocking communications (from a phone number or an e-mail address)
accident resulting in personal injury or death (esp. traffic, rail, etc.)
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; MEXT
to be main; to be principal; to be important; to be conspicuous; to be prominent
becoming stereotyped; getting stuck in a rut; humdrum; mannerism (art, etc.)
great inconvenience; great deal of trouble; big nuisance; royal pain in the behind
abortion; to be interrupted; to be discontinued; to be suspended
live broadcast (radio, TV); live coverage
ratings (e.g. of a television program); audience rating; viewing rate
foundation; base; basis; from the beginning; from the outset; by nature
clearing one's throat; cough
feeling of relief (for the time being); peace of mind (for now)
punctually; on time; as regularly as a clock
slow; clumsy; stupid; irritating
mum; mom; mummy; the missus
court lady; lady-in-waiting (Heian period); separate room in a palace (esp. for a lady) (Heian period); room for a very low class prostitute; very low class prostitute
ugly; unattractive; unsightly; unseemly
hectic; topsy-turvy; chaotic
ascent; uphill; upward slope; (gradual) upturn; increase
one's own handwriting; autograph
(in spite of) being old enough to know better
each time; always; often; thank you for your continued patronage
to repent; to be penitent