Vocabulary

matchlock; arquebus

playing with fire

self-taught method; one's own way; one's own style

stroke count (of a kanji)

(oil painting) canvas

alias; pseudonym; pen name; nom de plume

helper (e.g. for a sick person); assistant

synopsis; review of subject; annotation

tropics (of Cancer and Capricorn)

to suspect

mysterious thief; phantom thief

adaptation (of story)

reforming (oneself); mending one's ways; turning over a new leaf

civilization; civilisation; enlightenment

victory song; victory

outer fence; outer enclosure; outer block

every other day; every second day

optimist; easy-going person

to take (a resource, e.g. time or money)

discount coupon; discount ticket

omitting (reluctantly); leaving out; dropping

arguing (someone) down; loudly scolding; rebuking

rubble; debris; wreckage; tiles and pebbles

cracker; hard biscuit; hardtack

coronary; coronal; coronate

mid-winter; cold season

full payment; liquidation

successful execution; accomplishment; completion; fulfillment; carrying through

responsiveness; responding; sensitivity; sympathy; sympathizing; sympathising

exposure; sensitization; sensitisation

idiom; set phrase; idiomatic phrase

acclamation; jubilation

nectar; sweetness

renting a room

washing (a kimono, futon, etc.) without taking it apart; laundering whole

tender nurture; affectionate rearing; raising with loving care

bad; poor; undesirable

easy delivery; easy childbirth; safe birth

mental arithmetic

exchange bank