thinnish; somewhat narrow
(tree) trunk; (arrow) shaft; (tool) handle; backbone; base
to smash; to break into pieces
to stuff into; to jam; to shorten; to move closer together; to reduce (spending); to conserve; to focus intently on
electricity; (electric) light
gas (state of matter, e.g. poison gas, natural gas); gasoline; gas; dense fog; thick fog; gas stove
lifeline; matter of life or death; indispensable thing; life line (in palm reading)
kapow; bang; bulging; filled to bursting; prostitute (catering to Occupation soldiers in Japan after WWII)
to cram; to stuff; to jam; to squeeze; to compress; to pack
incidentally; taking the opportunity; while (you) are at it; on the occasion
to head home; to leave for home
to sweep; to brush; to clean; to gather silkworms
indicates concession or compromise; indicates permission
floor; stage (for the narrator and the shamisen player); dining platform built across a river
preparation; arrangements
it is assuredly that ...; can say with confidence that ...
and; and then; thus; and now; and finally
cooked rice with added ingredients (meat, vegetables, etc.)
the way back; the way home; return trip
after all; in the end; conclusion; end; end of a game of go, shogi, etc.
to taste; to try (food or drink)
happiness; good fortune; luck; blessing
abdomen; belly; womb; one's mind; one's real intentions; courage; nerve
to decrease (in size or number); to diminish; to abate
poison; toxicant; harm; evil influence; ill will; spite
to gnaw; to nibble; to bite; to dabble in; to have a smattering of
fearfully; timidly; nervously; cautiously; gingerly
to be found; to be discovered
matsutake mushroom (Tricholoma matsutake)
charging (electrically); electrification
alright to do; can do; do not mind doing; gladly do; might as well do
smirkingly; broadly (grinning)
no good; not serving its purpose; hopeless; wasted; cannot; must not