bamboo grass; generally smaller species of running bamboo that do not shed their sheaths (e.g. Sasa spp.)
to disappear; to vanish; to bolt; to go into hiding
jostling; being jostled; being mobbed; crumpling
novice; beginner; starting to run; running off; running away
firmly; solidly; heartily
point worthy of note; highlight; high point; good prospects for the future; promise
black with hints of blue (as in a bruise); bluish black
tie up; bind; sum; total amount; judo choking (strangling) techniques; last meal eaten when going restaurant hopping; completion
to reach an extreme; to reach a limit; extremely; to be stuck; to be in a dilemma; to be decided
to come to an end; to lower the curtain
to be free; to be available
raising the curtain; opening (of an event); start of a season
order; sequence; procedure
to give directions; to issue instructions
therapy; treatment; remedy; cure
genius; prodigy; natural gift
tactician; strategist; master swordsman
gradually; by degrees; little by little; steps; stairs; staircase
very much; exceedingly; extremely
slight bow (as a greeting or sign of gratitude); nod; salutation; consideration; thoughtfulness
dimly; faintly; with a faint light; warmly; friendly; in a heartwarming manner
performing without rehearsal
random; by chance; haphazard; hit-or-miss; unplanned
quick-witted; bright; rapid thinking
to dress up as; to disguise oneself as; to play the role of
scene change; cutaway; cut
omitting (reluctantly); leaving out; dropping; giving up (reluctantly); parting with; sharing
secret; clandestine; covert; spy (for a daimyo, shogun, etc.); secret agent
simultaneously striking one another (in kendo, etc.); draw; tie
unique; rare; exceptional; unparalleled; incomparable
traditional cap worn by Shinto clergy and courtiers; crown; diadem; top kanji radical; first verse of a haikai, etc.; best; peerless
role of the villain; the bad guy
suddenly (hit); with a slap; sharply (glance, glare, etc.); fiercely; suddenly; all of a sudden
voice; speech; sound of a voice; sound (e.g. of a TV)
realistic; practical; feasible
secret ceremony; ritual; sanctum sanctorum
large hole; big deficit; heavy losses; long-shot win (in horse racing, etc.); big winnings (on a long shot)
frontmost; a short time ago; a little while ago; just now
to row (a boat) to (a pier, shore, etc.); to reach (a goal after considerable effort); to arrive at; to (finally) manage to do
to sit in a row; to be present (and lined up)