essentially nonexistent; virtually nil
rope used to cordon off consecrated areas or as a talisman against evil
to tie up in a bundle (e.g. straw, hair, bills, letters); to bundle; to sheathe; to govern; to manage; to control
inquiry; enquiry; hearing
fern (esp. species Gleichenia japonica); fernery
two-top (soccer formation); formation with two forwards at the front line
New Year's pine decoration
to be negligent in doing something; to shirk; to be off one's guard
to purify; to cleanse; to exorcise; to purge; to ward off
osechi; food eaten during the New Year's Holidays
former (e.g. name); previous; changed; examination; inspection; investigation
New Year's Day; New Year's morning; morning of New Year's Day
to tear off; to rip off; to peel off
to operate (e.g. a machine); to handle; to have a good command of (a language); to play proficiently (of a musical instrument); to work (a puppet); to pull the strings of a puppet
New Year's Eve; December 31
rock; boulder; crag; cliff; anchor
nonsense; irresponsible remark; codswallop; random; haphazard; unsystematic
to have (something) innate; to be born with
technical prowess; technical ability; technical finesse; technological prowess; technological capabilities
extinction; annihilation; destruction
magic; sorcery; wizardry; magic (illusion); conjuring
hanky-panky; juggling; cheating; deception; smoke and mirrors
hard-to-do; difficult; tough; awkward; tricky
memorial service for the dead; holding a service
at first; at the outset; to begin with; as a first step
to wait for a favorable chance; to wait for a favourable chance
to put in; to place inside; to be enthusiastic; to be engrossed; to be in high spirits; to be excited
surging waves; raging billows; turbulent; tempestuous; tumultuous
to bedaub (with paint); to besmear; to paint heavily; to spread thickly
foundation stone; cornerstone
breath; sign (of something new and fresh); breath (of spring, fresh air, etc.); vitality
not understanding; not knowing
how dare ...; how could ...