International Phonetic Alphabet; IPA
demotion; relegation; reduction in rank; degradation; downward move
maternity blues; post-natal depression; post-partum blues
takoyaki pan (cast iron with semi-spherical molds)
certification of official registration of a seal
multi-level marketing; MLM; network marketing; pyramid selling
release (e.g. information); disclosure (legal); show; indication; display
contrived; false-sounding
solution (esp. to a problem)
kombu (usu. Saccharina japonica); konbu; kelp; any edible species from the family Laminariaceae
to charge to the company; to put on an expense account; to write off as an expense
written request; written demand
written estimate; quotation; quote
mixture of ingredients (originally five); mixture of minced vegetables, fish, and meat, mixed in a starch (rice, noodles); gomoku (game); five in a row
half-holiday; taking half of the day off
take the world by storm; to hold sway over the minds of the people
to ride past; to miss one's stop (train, bus, etc.)
pre-nuptial doubts; wedding blues
train that stops at every station; local train
otaku; geek; nerd; enthusiast
officially registered seal
curious onlookers; rubbernecks
sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)
capital (esp. Kyoto, Japan's former capital); seat of government; capital (of music, fashion, etc.); city (e.g. of light); location of the Imperial Palace
to rank next to; to come after