Vocabulary

instead of; in place of; as a substitute for

alternating; taking turns

to think of; to come up with

function

dry season; dry spell; dry period

interjection

position on the fingerboard (of a shamisen, koto, etc.)

as a god

the Way of the Gods; Shinto; Shintoism

unruly horse; unmanageable horse; unbroken horse

strips of dried gourd

dry distillation

outspoken; frank; candid

legend over a picture; inscription (legend, writing) on a painting

finishing touches; last vital touch

hunger and thirst; starvation

wood chips; wood offcuts; wood shavings; sawdust

apprehension; misgivings; uneasiness; fear; anxiety

mincing steps

your magazine; your journal; your paper; your honored paper; your honoured paper; your columns

rare book

to cause; to induce; to bring about; to produce

next (e.g. "next April"); forthcoming; coming

chance; start; cue; excuse; motive; impetus

point (of a sword, etc.)

ticket window; box office; ticket

possession by a fox spirit; person possessed by a fox spirit

hopefully planning

prayer book

rustling of clothes

not having met or contacted someone for a long time; neglect of friends

diligent; absorbed (in something)

stable; cowshed

old home; former home; old nest

counselling (often of imprisoned criminals by a chaplain, etc.); giving guidance

villain; outlaw; assassin

dangerous weapon

(act of) violence; vicious crime; murder

being proud and self-willed

assassin