The Nutcracker (ballet by Tchaikovsky)
first calligraphy of the year
ordinary; nothing special; nothing to exclaim over
old maid; frump; hag; old woman
urethane foam; polyurethane
to escape death; to be saved from death
reportage writer; documentary writer
aluminium sash (aluminum) (i.e. window frame)
hands-free (e.g. telephone)
like an old man; doddering; wizened; frowzy; seedy
nostalgia for the good old days; taste for the past; retro tastes
joint work; collaboration
to become hollow (with age, illness, etc.); to be scrawny; to be thin
kurin; nine vertically stacked rings on a pagoda finial
winter landscape; winter scenery; wintry landscape; wintry scene
basic rate (i.e. excluding optional service fees, usage charges, etc.); basic charge; base cost; base price
(table) napkin; serviette; sanitary napkin; sanitary pad
pleased; obliged; appreciative
pressure of business; busy
110 (police emergency telephone number in Japan)
apartment with one bedroom and a combined dining room and kitchen
tartan (i.e. plaid pattern or fabric)
to chase after two hares; to try and do two things at the same time
free alcohol; free liquor; free drinks
icy road; frozen snow surface (e.g. on a ski slope); skating rink
formal; official; ceremonious
instant yakisoba in a cup
turmeric (Curcuma domestica)