Vocabulary

to set up shop; to open a store

first and foremost; most important thing to do first; top priority; plot 1, block 1

I've got to be going; I must go

surname; family name; last name

that said; that being said

(making something a) political issue

(cost of) shipping included

the wrong hands; hands of evil

to (be able to) read between the lines

to (be able to) read between the lines

well done; good job

to take the lead (in doing); to take the initiative; to be the leader

to cause someone trouble; to burden someone

unappealing; uninteresting; lacking charm

people have sympathy for kindred in distress; when the rabbit dies, the fox grieves

people have sympathy for kindred in distress; (when) the fox dies, the rabbit cries

trying to help one's master but instead ending up hurting him

Kuni no Katachi Kenkyūkai (faction of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan); Kan faction; Kan group

sequence of tenses

ding; ping

to deep-fry in oil

seems; I think; I guess

Disaster Response Volunteers Day (January 17)

was; were

to overlook minor differences for the sake of the common good

existential threat; life-or-death crisis

if you clear your mind of all worldly thoughts, even fire will feel cool

to follow someone's last wishes; to fulfil a dying wish

to become improved; to become polished

Battle of Toba-Fushimi (January 27-31, 1868)

going bright red (esp. after drinking)

if you clear your mind of all worldly thoughts, even fire will feel cool

a series of bad events; one bad thing after another; negative chain reaction; domino effect of bad things

wanted person; fugitive; person being chased

to take revenge; to avenge; to settle a score

young person (esp. young woman)

to make (someone's) imagination go wild; to inspire (someone's) imagination

to be on a roll; to be in a good spot; to be on a (winning) streak

(place that is like a) second home; home away from home

only slightly; small amount