Vocabulary

the last days; the final years; the last generation

sect; underling

underling; rank and file

latter days of the law (one of the three ages of Buddhism); age of the degeneration of the law

pessimism due to decadent-age theory

low-ranking official

price of a cocoon

New Year's decoration with cocoon-shaped cakes

pongee (unbleached silk)

general store; general dealer

many changes

many articles

many scrolls; many books

all places; all circumstances

immense sum (of money); ten thousand yen

April Fools' Day

many armies; many troops; vast army

versatility

many words

perpetuity; eternity

all houses; many houses

(mouths of) many people

world history

universal time

the people of all nations

thousands of lives

vast expanse

door-to-door manzai; form of comedy originally performed at people's homes by entertainers during the New Year festivities; precursor to modern day manzai

Japanese witch-hazel (Hamamelis japonica)

certain death

many thanks; sincere apologies

longevity

all creation; all nature; all the universe

all hindrances; all obstacles

hurrah!; long life; congratulations; full vent

sovereignty

all (present)

diversification; multifariousness

all-purpose; suiting everybody

unbroken imperial line