Vocabulary

the easy way; attaining rebirth in the Pure Land through the vows of Amitabha (as opposed to one's own efforts)

start with the first step; when embarking on a great project, start with immediate steps

wet T-shirt contest

going on an alms round (for food); going begging (for food); going to ask for alms of food; pindacara

naturally curly hair

mausoleum

epistle; missive; letter

scallion pancake; green onion cake

Okinawan food; Okinawan cuisine

Okinawan pancake (usu. containing garlic chives, canned tuna, etc.)

sea grapes (Caulerpa lentillifera); green caviar

Ryukyuan food; Ryukyuan cuisine

bitter melon stir-fried with pork, tofu and other vegetables

pig's feet

pig's feet

stir-frying then boiling in liquid sauce; food that has been stir-fried and boiled in liquid sauce

stir-frying then boiling in liquid sauce; food that has been stir-fried and boiled in liquid sauce

Okinawan-style tofu

Okinawan-style fermented tofu

young mottled spinefoot pickled in salt (usu. served on tofu)

jasmine tea

scallion oil

failing to recognize someone

what the hell?; what are you going on about?; what the hell are you doing?; you've got to be kidding

dressage

highest honours; highest distinction; summa cum laude

high achiever; student with good academic results

organizing committee; organization committee

uninsured person

Obamacare (US statute, 2010); Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

sincere; faithful; honest

dressage

cheapest; least expensive; lowest-price

schoolboy; male student

schoolgirl; female student

Global Change Observation Mission; GCOM

Global Change Observation Mission; GCOM

Global Earth Observation System of Systems; GEOSS

global warming

southern Japanese hemlock (species of conifer native to Japan, Tsuga sieboldii)