Vocabulary

minor surgery; minor operation

arsonist

everything one does; whatever one does

rather; sooner; preferably

natural; reasonable; obvious

increase in the level of academic achievement; popularisation of higher education

real; actual; true

continental plate

inn used for clandestine encounters between lovers

teahouse that introduces clients to prostitutes

inn where one rests on the way

serviceman on patrol

official residence (for public servants)

shampoo

rising up (of smoke, clouds, etc.); towering; billowing

words of parting; farewells; goodbyes

breaking off a relationship

awakening; waking up; opening one's eyes

reply

to sniffle; to snivel

mashed sweet potatoes (incl. sweetened chestnuts or beans)

handbra (pinup pose)

appearance and personality; manner; mien; air

unsolicited promotion

branch family

to entertain one's guests; to keep a group entertained

buckwheat dumpling; buckwheat mash; buckwheat dough ball

clear answer; definite answer

to oppose someone's opinion; to refute; to contradict

poetry meeting

good debater

skilful debate; well-constructed debate

dialectic demonstration; display of skill in explanation

contracted regular payment, e.g. monthly, weekly, etc.; by the (month, week, etc.)

plum blossom festival (held at Kitano Shrine on February 25)

inner lid

emergence (in evolutionary theory, systems theory, etc.)

systems theory

place by the sea

place near the beach; place near the shore