choosing; selecting; deciding (on)
right in the middle (of); midst; height
sweetheart; person in one's thoughts (heart)
just as; in the act of; as soon as; at the moment that
order (for an item); request; demand; condition
invisibly; secretly; privately
devotion; dedication; self-sacrifice
to bloom; to blossom; to become lively (esp. of conversation); to become animated; to experience a golden age
entering a faith; joining a religion
impure; adulterated; foul; mixed; dishonest
top brass; upper echelon; higher-ups; top management; upper reaches; top of the pile
three-legged race; cooperation with singleness of purpose (e.g. between companies); operating in tandem
long ago; a long time ago; already
to master (a skill); proprietor; manager; leader; chief; master (of arts, science, etc.); master (recording)
plan; device; idea; design; contrivance; conception
watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)
to sprinkle salt on; to salt
to cheer up; to liven up; to become active; to look better; to improve (in appearance); to stand out
leader; authority; mainstay
quiet (place); still; silent; inconspicuously; modestly; quietly
frame; framework; border; box; limit; restriction; category
to open (e.g. doors); to open (e.g. business, etc.); to be empty; to be vacant; to be available; to be open (e.g. neckline, etc.); to have been opened (of one's eyes, mouth, etc.)
or something; or something like that; or words to that effect; something or other
ability; capability; skill
adviser; advisor; consultant
before oneself; in front of one; a bit before reaching (a location); this side (of a location); one's standpoint; one's appearance; skill
to wear a mask; to hide one's true intentions
ordinary person; average person; man in the street; everyman; (a) nobody
consideration; examination; investigation; study; scrutiny; discussion
indefinite; unlimited; life imprisonment
jail sentence; imprisonment
certain; one; (arch.) I; (arch.) me
narrow-minded; obstinate; stubborn; perverse; unreasonable; warped
expert; learned person; doctor; PhD; instructor at the imperial court (ritsuryo period); pitch and length marks (to accompany a Buddhist liturgical chant, etc.)
to win the favour of (favor); to be acknowledged (e.g. by a superior); to measure up to
government official; clerk
severe punishment; rigorous measures