superficial; apparent; seeming; surface; cosmetic
marriage of convenience; marriage for political reasons
approval; adoption (of a motion, bill, etc.); passage
laying the groundwork; behind-the-scenes maneuvering; consensus-building process; digging around the roots of a tree (before transplanting)
pride; dignity; self-respect
competition; rivalry; something worth doing
smooth; undisturbed; uninterrupted; harmonious
spread (e.g. of a disease); rampancy; infestation; proliferation; being widespread
rustic; unsophisticated; provincial; hick; uncool; unstylish
breakup (of a ceremony, wedding, party, meeting, etc.); closure
to pamper; to make a fuss of; to spoil; to fawn over
large country; major nation; great power; province of the highest rank (ritsuryo system)
(in) his way; peculiar to him
to rise (suddenly) in the world (to a higher position)
last drink (of sake); last glass; last cup
pregnancy; conception; gestation
miscarriage; (spontaneous) abortion; abortive birth
infants; babies and very young children
death rate; mortality rate
short-tempered; quick-tempered; hasty
future prospects; promise
good; excellent; sufficient; enough; profitable (deal, business offer, etc.); beneficial
to look down on; to make light of
to take care; to mind; to be attentive
gorgeous; gaudy; dazzling; gay; resplendent
trickery; wiles; finesse; Machiavellism
to hurry (up); to urge on; to press; to rush
blood, sweat and tears; (lit.) sweat of blood
perception; sensing; noticing
to turn; to shift; to alter; to distract
to fire into (e.g. a crowd); to launch (e.g. missiles); to lob (e.g. grenades)
to swing downward; to bring down (one's sword, fist, etc.)
middle finger; long finger; second finger; middle toe; third toe