to ascertain; to check; to make sure
understood; I see; OK; present; here
seeing one off; farewell; escort
to blow through; to blow across
to rain incessantly; to downpour
warm; mild; warm (of a colour); mellow; having enough money
average (normal, ordinary) year; every year; annually
dramatic (improvement); remarkable (difference); marked; (far) better; exceptional
daylight hours; hours of sunshine
to feel that something is true or actually happening; to hit one (realization, thought); to sink in
in the morning; during the morning
college of the arts; university of the arts; art university
person's origin (e.g. city, country, parentage, school)
every region of the country; all corners of the country; nationwide
activity (of a person, organization, animal, volcano, etc.); action; movie (esp. during the silent movie period)
cold; frigid; bracing; dignified
Kutani ware; style of Japanese porcelain
abundant; plentiful; rich; wealthy; open (mind); relaxed
assortment; product lineup
appearance; shape; form; atmosphere; look; feel
traditional craft; traditional handicrafts
present age; present day; today; modern era; modern times
editor (in publishing, etc.)
news coverage; collecting data (e.g. for an article); covering (something for media); interview
article; news story; report; account
lunch; (Western-style) single-plate lunch set; plate lunch; launch (boat); motorboat; ranch
to be treated to a meal; to be given a meal
to contact; to get in touch with; to check in (with)
receiving (a message, letter, email, etc.); reception (radio, TV, etc.)