foothills; first range of mountains
key success factor; key to success; KSF
Okinawan-style stewed pork cubes; boned pork rib meat, cut into 5 cm squares, stewed in awamori, soy, dashi broth, and sugar
advertising poster hanging over the centre aisle of a train, bus, etc.
in-house model; company model; model under an exclusive contract; model who works exclusively for a single fashion magazine
awamori; strong Okinawan liquor distilled from rice or millet
improvement in image (of someone or something); improving one's image
to offend someone; to give offence; to hurt someone's feelings
posing; modeling; modelling
criticizing; lambasting; pointing out faults; calling for a retake; ordering (somebody) to redo something
to warm up to; to become enthusiastic about; to be elated
steady advance; carrying all before one
to strain (one's stomach); to bear down (during childbirth); to push down
without holding anything back; mercilessly; relentlessly; energetically; vigorously
to see (a doctor, etc.); to consult (someone)
field in which one acts unchallenged; unrivaled sphere of activity (unrivalled); one's monopoly
to give advice; to counsel; to take part in a consultation
degree of attention; profile
no-holds-barred party; free and easy gathering
vice-minister (Meiji period); undersecretary
popular figure; person in demand; favorite; favourite
your company; your shrine
how; in what way; in what manner
naivete; simplicity; innocence
southern country; southern provinces; southern lands
vibrator; vibe; feeling; vibes; vibraphone; vibration
perfect; perfection; perfect game
after a while; a little while later; shortly afterward
just this side of; one step short of; on the brink
all out; like hell; like crazy; desperately; (lit.) expecting to die
fully prepared; all ready