recently; lately; these days
dark; dull; unsatisfactory; dissatisfying; unattractive; unappealing
person of common sense; common sense man
locking technique in judo
north and south; north to south; South Korea and North Korea
white plaster wall; tofu; bean curd
somehow; for some reason; without knowing why
while looking on in blank amazement; before one's very eyes; before one knew what was happening
"tsuchinoe" day that falls closest to the vernal or autumnal equinox (a day of religious significance for harvests)
hoop (of a barrel, bucket, etc.)
tall building; high-rise building
leadership skill; leadership ability
back; backing; going backwards; background; backdrop; backhand; backer
absolute beginner; complete amateur
to long for; to yearn after; to admire; to be attracted by
reigning; controlling; dictating
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
going along with a joke, etc. at the beginning then pointing out its ridiculousness
nakedness; nudity; bareness; nakedness; being penniless; concealing nothing
manual or physical labor; manual or physical labour
person in the business (entertainment, music, film, etc.)
listed company (on a stock exchange)
jam-packed; packed; packed like sardines
bar; measure; short pause (in writing); petty principles; minor details
decoration; ornament; trimmings
hundredfold; hundred times as much; much more (than previously)
one face; one surface; the whole surface; one aspect; one side; (on) the other hand; one broad, flat object
impassioned speech; fervent speech
open; spacious; extensive