pillow; bolster; introduction (e.g. to a rakugo story); lead-in
nocturnality; nocturnal habits
remains; traces; (the sorrow of) parting; end
middle of the night; dead of night
till; to; concerning (an area of expertise); swearing by (one's sword, God, etc.)
after all; in the end; when all's said and done; for the time being; at present
door (esp. Japanese-style); shutter; window shutter; (arch.) entrance (to a home); (arch.) narrows
futon; Japanese bedding consisting of a mattress and a duvet; round cushion used for Zen meditation (traditionally made of woven bulrush leaves)
easily; effortlessly; changing completely; plink (sound of something light falling or rolling)
to tumble down; to roll down
waking up; awakening; arousal; disillusion; disillusionment; awakening
absentmindedness; peace of mind
to raise; to raise up; to wake; to wake up; to cause; to bring about; to start
true character; true form; true colors (colours); consciousness; one's senses
to put on (coat, gown, etc.)
stairs; stairway; staircase
passing through (a tunnel, station, town, etc.); passing by (e.g. of a typhoon); passage (of a bill, e.g. through parliament); carriage; passing (an examination, inspection, etc.); clearing
apartment with one bedroom and a combined living room, dining room and kitchen
first floor; ground floor; one floor; one storey; one rank
surgical sterilization; contraceptive operation
useless; vain; aimless; idle
to speak distinctly; to speak clearly; to put it bluntly; to get to the point; to be frank
clearly; plainly; distinctly; to be clear; to be definite; to be certain
to jump out; to rush out; to appear (suddenly); to protrude; to project; to butt in
even though; despite; when
cold (to the touch); chilly; icy; (emotionally) cold; coldhearted; unfeeling
-ish; -like; resembling; appearing to be; seeming to be
wobbling; tottering; wavering (e.g. over a decision); dithering; boiling up; dizzily
to throw open; to leave open
notice; attention; observation
pair; couple; antithesis; counter for items that come in pairs; counter for sets (of clothes, small furniture, utensils, etc.)
certain; sure; doubtless; I have no doubt; You can depend on it; It's a safe bet
Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinerea)
popularity; public favor; condition (e.g. market); tone; character
to rise; to swell; to be promoted