root; source; origin; foundation; basis; essence
mind; spirit; attitude; mentality; spirit (of a matter); essence
when it comes to; concerning (an area of expertise)
to be on the verge; to be on the brink; to get close
surface; face; outside; exterior; appearances; superficiality
fifteenth day of the month; fifteen days
(approximate) time; around; suitable time (or condition); time of year; season
annual New Year's poetry reading (held at the Imperial Court)
poetry party or competition; gathering of tanka poets
poem or song written by the emperor
often; again and again; frequently; repeatedly
retired emperor; ex-emperor; former emperor; emperor emeritus
successive generations; successive emperors
to surpass; to outstrip; to excel
to be; to exist; to be (honorific copula)
to call; to invite; to eat; to drink; to put on; to wear; to ride
military officer; naval officer
children; sons; (lit.) children and younger brothers; young people
to lose (something); to mislay; to get rid of; to eliminate; to remove
fifth court rank; black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax); night heron; five ranks; five stages
lowness (of degree, value, etc.); inferiority; second volume (of two); third volume (of three)
going west; heading westward
obligation; duty; charge; responsibility
dice; die; baton (of command)
(social) position; status
to take in; to bring in; to capture (e.g. image); to import; to win over; to please
grave; solemn; serious; harsh (e.g. truth); hard; strict
aforementioned; above-mentioned
territory (of country, feudal domain, etc.); (arch.) counter for suits of clothing, sets of armor, etc.
secretary (government); director; chief
to settle down; to stay (for good); to stay long; to stay on