noun:

• cloudy catshark (Scyliorhinus torazame, species found from Japan and Korea to Taiwan)

noun:

• perentie (Varanus giganteus, largest species of carnivorous monitor lizard native to Australia)

noun:

• mother (fungal colony used to start fermentation); starter culture; seed fungus

noun:

• cabinet with double doors (used by the nobility to store books, etc.) ➜ 厨子

noun:

• fourth of nine traditional astrological signs (corresponding to Jupiter and south-east) ➜ 九星

noun:

• sixth of nine traditional astrological signs (corresponding to Venus and north-west) ➜ 九星

noun:

• eighth of nine traditional astrological signs (corresponding to Saturn and north-east) ➜ 九星

noun:

• agnosia (loss of ability to recognize objects, persons, sounds, shapes, or smells)

expression / noun:

• withered trees and frozen rocks; "a person that is hard to approach" [figurative]

noun:

• period of Japanese economic expansion from February 2002 to October 2007

noun:

• period of Japanese economic expansion from February 2002 to October 2007 ➜ だらだらかげろう景気

noun:

• stick used to drive off birds (during the New Year's procession) - archaism ➜ 鳥追

noun:

• vase used to hold flower offerings (often made of gilded copper) - Buddhism term

noun:

• literary fragment
• interpreting (and using) a passage without regard to its context ➜ 断章取義

noun:

• location thought to be flowing with mystical energy - From English "power spot" ➜ エネルギースポット

noun:

• location thought to be flowing with mystical energy - From English "energy spot" ➜ パワースポット

expression:

• the importance of creating an environment conducive to a child's learning

expression:

• the importance of creating an environment conducive to a child's learning ➜ 孟母三遷の教え

noun:

• first Japanese bush warbler to chirp this year (i.e. spring)

noun:

• fishermen's banner hoisted to indicate a rich haul; big-catch flag

noun:

• Bodhi Day; Buddhist holiday on December 8 to celebrate Shakyamuni's enlightenment

noun:

• upstage left pillar (on a noh stage), next to the flute player

noun:

• place on bridge passageway next to the rear of a noh stage - where the interlude kyogen actors wait ➜ 間狂言

noun:

• legal competency; criminal responsibility; ability to fulfil one's responsibilities; full accountability

noun:

• action taken to soften the impact of something - From English "one cushion"