being the sole master of the situation; reigning supreme; standing unchallenged
rebel; insurrectionist; traitor
public opinion; public debate; just view; fair argument; (arch.) conference at the imperial or shogunal court
imperial order; imperial will
throughout; over a period of ...; over a span of ...
presentiment; premonition; hunch; to have a premonition; to have a hunch
to relate; to narrate; to describe; to confer (a rank)
taking the lead; leadership; leader; chorus leader
day-by-day renewal; rapid progress
to weigh on a scale; to weigh up options; to compare pros and cons
to feel anxious; to feel uneasy; to worry
secret order of the Emperor; confidential imperial command
Iwakura Tomomi (1825-1883)
to be boiled; to be cooked
win or lose; sink or swim; make or break; all or nothing
Boshin War (Japanese civil war between Imperial and shogunate forces; 1868-1869)
wife (esp. of a prominent, recently married man)
proposition; motion; proposal; suggestion
sovereign power; the reins of government
pennant; gold-brocade flag
suspension bridge; viaduct; temporary bridge; mediation; go-between
often; again and again; frequently; repeatedly
crane and tortoise (symbol of longevity, artistic motif)
in and about a kitchen; family circumstances
secret (method, trick, etc.); key (e.g. to success); mysteries (of an art, trade, etc.); recipe; trick
to come to power; to assume the reins of government
beard (esp. on the chin); goatee
pine, bamboo and plum (an auspicious grouping); high, middle and low (ranking); top, middle and bottom; upper, medium, lower
life circumstances; lifestyle; (family) finances
making a prayer (to a god or Buddha)
Emperor Jinmu; legendary founding Emperor of Japan
courtesy call; courtesy visit
Imperial standard; (fig.) worthy cause
silk damask; satin damask