self-examination; reflection
to show signs of ...; to have the appearance of ...
look; appearance; spectacle; sight; observation meditation; outlook on ...
dimension; perspective; point of reference; level (of something)
to make a distinction; to differ; to be different
to continue to hold; to hold on to (for a long period); to maintain; to keep
setting the table; laying the table; setting up; getting one's ducks in a row; running interference
environment; circumstance
tatami chair; legless chair; small, legless chair used while sitting on tatami
to rest; to suspend; to give relief
to take up one's chopsticks (to begin a meal); to start to eat; to eat
cooking; cookery; cuisine; dealing with something; handling; administration
mouthful; morsel; gulp; sip; one word; in short
research society; study class (e.g. religious); seminar (e.g. presentation of research)
starting; inauguration; launch; founding; establishment; start-up
knowing; (an) acquaintance
here and there; in twos and threes; sporadically; now and then; from time to time; occasionally
not long has passed since ...
admission; joining; enrollment; enrolment
guidance; leading (the way); information; notice; announcement (of one's arrival); invitation
Osaka-Kobe; Hanshin (company name: railway, dept. store, baseball team, etc.)
host (of a party, summit, etc.); host (of male host club)
our country; our land; one's own country
curtain; bunting; act (in play)
to quieten down; to fall silent; to cease activities; to become inactive; to lie low
underwater; behind closed doors; behind the scenes; below the surface
steady; sound; solid; reliable; trustworthy
to suit; to match; to become; to be like
information; experience; observation; seeing and hearing
establishment; settlement
people (of a country); nation; citizen; national
the past; bygone days; one's past (that one would prefer remained secret); past (tense); preterit; previous life
to get; to secure; to learn; to master; to complete
this country; our country
event; affair; incident; case; plot; trouble
dark; gloomy; depressed; dispirited; dark (in colour); dull; ill-boding
purification ceremony (performed with water); ritual purification; ablutions
private; informal; among one's people (group, friends)
public opinion; popular voice; public sentiment; consensus
to mind (negative nuance); to care about; to worry; to pay undue (amount of) attention to (something)