tatami mat (esp. as a measure of room size, either 1.82 sqm or 1.54 sqm)
these days; nowadays; present day; at this time (of the day)
naturally growing tree; tree that does not grow in a tree plantation; natural wood
bed with frame made of pipes
to tie; to restrain; to confine; to bind; to fasten
end; tip; end (of the year, month, etc.); close; youngest child; descendants; offspring
to establish an emotional bond with; to reach out to; to relate to
January; first month of the lunar calendar
nineteenth day of the month; nineteen days; (arch.) fool; (arch.) simpleton
to wipe off; to wipe out; to expunge
moderate; reserved; conservative; humble; mild-mannered; self-effacing
part of the garden close to the house; nearby garden
frost columns; ice needles
middle of a month; second third of a month; 11th to 20th day of a month
bamboo sword (for kendo); bamboo fencing stick
black pine (Pinus thunbergii); Japanese black pine
bending and stretching; flexing and extending
exercise; physical training; appeal; campaign; motion; movement
to unravel; to untie; to break into small pieces (of fish, meat, etc.); to relax; to ease
Achilles tendon; calcaneal tendon; Achilles' heel; vulnerable point
to stoop; to bend (e.g. one's knees)
(cutting) with a single stroke; lopping off (branches, etc.); (cutting hair) short; drastically (slash a budget, etc.); resolutely; ruthlessly (discard, etc.)
to spur on; to urge forward; to impel; to drive at high speed (e.g. a car)
having a crisp appearance; stiffly; tensely; smartly (e.g. dressed); neatly
determined spirit; unyielding spirit; will
boy; son; baby boy; young man
uniform worn in martial arts (judo, kendo, etc.)
hakama; man's formal divided skirt
entrance; front door; entryway; entranceway; entry hall; vestibule
to weigh on one's mind; to trouble one's heart; to be concerned about; to worry about
to squeeze; to wring out; to narrow down; to refine
fervour; fervor; vigour; vigor; ardour; ardor
tree sparrow (Passer montanus); talkative person; knowledgeable person
Saitama prefecture (Kanto area)
southern part; the south (of a region)