Vocabulary

attraction (e.g. magnetic, gravitation); affinity; gravitational pull

fusuma; Japanese sliding screen

draft; rough copy

seat; bench

self-study; teaching oneself

canteen; flask; water bottle; thermos

express; special delivery

to be transparent; to be see-through; to be clear

to carry on one's back

superstition; superstitious belief

to adopt (a method, proposal, etc.); to take (a measure, course of action, etc.); to decide on

I'm sorry; (it's) inexcusable; I feel regretful; I feel guilty

each

shiokara; paste made from salted fermented seafood (squid, fish entrails, etc.)

loose

to approach; to draw near

comparatively; relatively

to be conspicuous; to stand out

ring finger; third finger; fourth finger (esp. in piano-playing)

to stop (in one's tracks); to come to a stop; to halt; to pause; to stand still

noisy; loud; boisterous; clamorous; raucous

to imitate; to follow; to copy; to emulate

generally; in the main; briefly (look over, explain, etc.); roughly; more or less

introduction; outline; general remarks

cupboard; locker; closet; wardrobe; cabinet

subject

regrettable; disappointing; unfortunate

to shoulder; to carry on one's shoulder

to feel around for; to fumble for; to grope for; to search for; to look for

regular holiday; fixed day off; regular closing day

to run into; to collide with; to crash into; to bump against

to disturb; to prevent; to obstruct; to hinder

niece

arrow (symbol)

failure (in an examination); failing to advance (to the next year)

to jump in; to leap in; to plunge into; to dive

some; any; (a) little; of some kind; of some sort

cancellation (of a lecture, class, etc.)

to harden; to solidify

no problem; it doesn't matter