deeply impressive; memorable; striking
half; 50%; tie; 5 parts; 5%
kombu (usu. Saccharina japonica); konbu; kelp; any edible species from the family Laminariaceae
January; first month of the lunar calendar
birth; birthplace; born in (country, month, imperial era, zodiac year, etc.)
section (e.g. in a newspaper); column; field (in a form, web page, etc.); blank; handrail; railing
black spot; black dot; mark indicating a defeat; loss; failure
red and white; colours for festive or auspicious occasions (colors); two teams; two groups; Kōhaku Uta Gassen; annual contest between male and female popular singers on New Year's Eve (sponsored and broadcast by NHK)
gender; distinction of sex; sex
Kyūshū (southernmost of the four main islands of Japan)
residing; living; dwelling
to handle; to manage; to deal with; to rear; to look after
free (of restraint, controls, etc.); free (of cost); freelance; one-size