(in Chinese mythology) beast which descends from the sky with a thunderbolt
worry; care; consideration
returning to the origin; going back to the beginning; retracing
one's mind; one's heart; one's intention
to be reflected (in); to be mirrored (in); to impress (a person)
geisha; (arch.) kabuki actor (esp. a young actor); (arch.) someone accomplished in the arts
kiheitai (irregular militia during the Bakumatsu period)
knowledge applied to evil purposes
growth; development; one's early life; upbringing; personal history
exemplar; model; example; pattern
to be shrewd; to be sharp; to keep your wits about you; (lit.) to pluck out the eye of a live horse
high-ranking retainer of a daimyo (Edo Period)
restoration of imperial rule
teacher (to whom one owes a debt of gratitude); mentor; one's former teacher
elegant; graceful; refined; leisurely; comfortable; easy
maliciousness; ill will; noxious gas; (arch.) (vengeful) ghost; (arch.) specter
purpose; utility; objective; way to use something
tender; warm; meticulous; detailed; deep (of a colour); thick (e.g. fog)
Satsuma and Chōshū (clan alliance)
consolation money; compensation for breaking off relations (e.g. with a mistress); settlement
armor and helmet (armour)
Keiō era (1865.4.7-1868.9.8)
to need; to demand; to take; to require
important point; strategic position; key point
current master; father of one's current master; minister (of government); noble; (arch.) nobleman's residence
overreliance on others; excessive babyishness; spoiled person (esp. child)
splendid horse; promoted bishop
not writing or contacting for a while; neglecting (failing) to write (call, visit, etc.); long silence
unrefined (character, manners); mean; vulgar; bad taste; lacking style
heigh-ho; heave-ho; hold on!; just a minute; la-la
greatest mistake of one's life
to burn; to scorch; to char; to singe
trend of the times; way things are going
bowstring; string (of shamisen, guitar, violin, etc.); bail (arched pot handle); diagonal levelling wire across the top of a masu
speaker; narrator; speaker (of a language)
to contemplate; to ponder; to think over; to turn over in one's mind; to reflect; to muse