Vocabulary

structure; construction; makeup; framework; organization; pattern

union; combination; alliance; confederation; coalition

oneself

one's home; one's house

posture; pose; position; stance; carriage (of the body)

revision; amendment; alteration

adjustment; regulation; coordination; reconciliation; tuning; fixing

circumference; outskirts; environs; around; in the area of; in the vicinity of

exchange (e.g. cultural); interchange; interaction; mingling; mixing; coming together

standard; criterion; norm; benchmark; measure; gauge

eldest son (may be the only son); first-born son

stage; step; phase

private; non-governmental; non-official; civilian; civil

headquarters; head office; main office

policy; course; plan (of action); principle

strengthening; intensifying; reinforcement; enhancement; solidification

political party

order; system; structure; set-up; organization; organisation

measure; step; countermeasure; counterplan; countermove; strategy

inquiry; query; enquiry

assumption (of office); taking up (a post); inauguration; installation

middle; midway; halfway; centre; center

material; materials; data; information; documents

transport; transportation; transit; conveyance

self-government; autonomy

schedule; program; programme; agenda

north and south; north to south

achievements; actual results; accomplishments; past results; track record

extension; elongation; prolongation; lengthening

Kansai (region comprising Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and surrounding prefectures)

taking an examination (esp. for entrance to a school or university)

observation; survey; measurement

focus; focal point

maintenance; servicing

formation; establishment; materialization; coming into existence

prevention; check

development; evolution; progression; unfolding; (plot) twist

stoppage; coming to a stop; halt; standstill

faculty (of a university); school; college; department

base (military, expedition, etc.)