monopoly; monopolization; exclusivity; hogging; keeping to oneself
origin of an affair; spark that lit the fuse; beginning
no matter (what, who, etc.); whether ... or ...; be
feeling of alienation; sense of being excluded; feeling of estrangement
to look through; to hold up to the light; to make an opening; to leave space; to fart without making a sound
to resonate emotionally (with one); to strike a chord in one's heart
TA-Q-BIN (express home delivery service provided by Yamato Transport)
first place (in a race); first to arrive; one suit (of clothes); one item (of clothing); putting on (formal clothes); wearing
to insure (something); to come up with a back-up plan; to hedge one's bets; to play it safe
what little ... one has; tiny amount of; paltry
somehow; somewhat; seemingly
point (of a story, argument, etc.); key point; point; site; point (in scoring); point (in a loyalty program); points
insurance; guarantee; warranty
cheers; bottoms-up; toast; drink (in honor or celebration of someone or something); drinking one's glass dry
first thing in the morning
surrender; submission; capitulation; being defeated (e.g. by a problem); giving up; giving in
feelings; thoughts; meaning
anniversary of the end of a war (esp. the end of WWII, August 15)
to say nasty things (about); to use abusive language
separate; special; another; separately
field (for growing wheat, fruit, vegetables, etc.); cultivated land; field (of specialization); sphere; womb; birth
canary (esp. the island canary, Serinus canaria)
unit; (small) group (esp. in music or entertainment); band
sales promotion; hard selling
newsworthiness; news hook; topicality; popularity (of a topic, issue, etc.)
gifted education; special education for gifted children
inheritance from a parent (property, trait, physique, etc.)
singing voice; (sound of) singing
suddenly (rising to fame, etc.); instantly; immediately; one bound; one leap
popular person; favorite; favourite
front stage; center stage (of politics, etc.)
sole; single; solo; independence; singleness; singularity
waiting room; anteroom; antechamber; green room
conference room; council room