to gain in skill; to improve; to get better
to get a haircut; to give a haircut; to cut hair
really; truly; indeed; good grief
to defend oneself; to protect oneself
one lump; one body; one group
to carry out to completion; to carry through; to see (something) through; to complete; to accomplish
moving about; stirring about
to have (e.g. lunch); to take (e.g. vitamins)
laying the groundwork; behind-the-scenes maneuvering; consensus-building process; digging around the roots of a tree (before transplanting)
that's the way it is; such is life
Japan; the (Japanese) empire
empty lot; vacant plot of land
from the beginning; from scratch
explosion; detonation; eruption; eruption (of discontent, etc.); outburst; outpouring
just before; on the verge of; on the brink of; just in front of; just ahead of
to strike against; to collide with; to encounter; to meet; to clash
talk (of the town); rumour; rumor; gossip
all; whole; entire; complete (set); in total
political affairs; all phases of government
entrusting; charge; delegation; authorization
one's principal residence; main home
coming and going; keeping in touch; visiting each other; street traffic; highway
to require much effort; to be hard to do; to be bone-breakingly hard
recreation; diversion; relaxation
noisy; loud; much talked of; much-discussed; strict; severe
because of; on account of; regarding; per; apiece
official letter (from the Emperor, Prime Minister, etc.); personal message; handwritten letter; autograph letter
extravagant; lavish; opulent; luxurious; magnificent; splendid
to start; to begin; to challenge; to pick (a fight); to set (traps); to plant (explosives)
helplessly; easily; without resistance; without regret
to become dull; to become lifeless; to get bored; to lose interest; to lose value after a peak (e.g. stock); to weaken (of the market)
immediately; as soon as possible; as quickly as possible
sound argument; fair argument; just reasoning
sesame seeds; sesame (Sesamum indicum)
address; lodgings; accommodation
dwelling; house; residence; living; life
to imitate; to copy; to enter someone as a candidate; to press (e.g. a weapon against someone's back); to compare; to liken
dangerous; critical; grave; uncertain; unreliable; dodgy
counter for suits of clothing; arriving at ...
living by oneself; living alone
miserable; wretched; lonely; dreary; shabby; comfortless
consideration (for); thoughtfulness; solicitude; care; watchfulness; concern
to be worried; to be grieved; to pine for
to live; to reside; to inhabit
sometimes; at intervals; occasionally; on occasion; from time to time