makings (of); aptitude (for); groundwork; foundation
ridge (in field); row of raised earth when planting crops; rib (cloth, mountains, sea); cord (e.g. corduroy)
still having slim chances of victory
way; course; the only way
to death (bored, scared, etc.); to distraction; like crazy; like mad; so much; dying (e.g. for a drink)
to be slippery; to be slimy; to behave charmingly; to walk merrily
prediction; prophecy; prognostication
to make; to produce; to prepare (food); to brew (alcohol); to raise; to grow; to till
fight; battle; combat; struggle (for rights, higher wages, etc.); strife; (labor) dispute
not necessarily so; is not always true
respect; esteem; reverence; honour; honor
Hokkaido (island, prefectural-level administrative unit)
author; writer; novelist; artist
notebook computer; laptop
easily; readily; with ease; without trouble
impossible to do (although wants to)
three kinds; three varieties
sacred treasure; the three sacred treasures (sword, jewel, mirror); implement used in religious ceremonies
eccentricity; eccentric behaviour
limited express (train for which a limited-express ticket is required); limited express (train making a limited no. of stops); great hurry
Cassiopeia (constellation)
jealousy; roasted rice cake
(in) the shape of the character hachi (eight)
two characters; two letters; (arch.) garlic chives (Allium tuberosum); (arch.) Chinese chives
binding; regulation; limit; binding period (e.g. phone or broadband contract); minimum contract term
downfall; ruin; collapse; destruction
underground organization; underground organisation
secret manoeuvres (maneuvers); operating behind the scenes
symbol; code; sign; notation
ultimate; final; last; eventual