practical; matter-of-fact; realistic; utilitarian; pragmatic
direct connection; direct link
nation-wide hookup; nationwide broadcast
abasement; fall; forfeiture; sinking (in people's estimation)
event; festivities; function; social gathering; auspices; opening
skill; proficiency; experience; dexterity
(your) judgment; discernment
to come true (of a wish, prayer, etc.); to be realized; to suit (e.g. a purpose); to meet (wishes, ideals, etc.); to match (implies competition); to rival
notable; important; chief; valuable; conspicuous; outstanding
capable person; talented person; human resources; personnel
to prowl after; to keep watch on
unspecified large number (of people)
calling by name; designation; nomination
decline; fall; decay; withering
to fit; to get into; to be fit for (a job, etc.); to be suited for; to fall into; to plunge into
to win through (e.g. to finals); to advance
worry; fear; anxiety; concern
self-proclaimed; self-professed; professing oneself to be; calling oneself; first person
suggestion; proposition; proposal; submission (of a bill); motion; proposal
fight; battle; combat; struggle (for rights, higher wages, etc.); strife; (labor) dispute
process; procedure; sequence; protocol; instruction
in accordance with; according to
to compete; to contend; to vie; to contest
judgement; judgment; decision; adjudication; award; verdict
eboshi; black-lacquered headgear (made of silk, cloth or paper) originally worn by court nobles in ancient Japan
zigzag-shaped paper streamer often used to adorn Shinto-related objects; hornbeam (deciduous tree in the birch family)
gourd-shaped war fan; referee's fan; umpire's fan; fan-shaped emblem
to wipe; to mop up; to get rid of (an impression, feeling, blemish, etc.); to dispel (e.g. shame); to erase
to frolic about; to mess around
to watch over; to watch attentively
apathy; indifference; listlessness; athymia
top-heavy; big-headed; overly-theoretical