(world of) politics; political world; political circles
countryside; country; 50-home township (comprised of 2-3 neighbourhoods)
remote island; distant island; punishment by exile to a remote island
superficial; apparent; seeming; surface; cosmetic
staff officer; military staff; adviser; counselor; counsellor
governor-general; governor; viceroy
handicraft; work; construction; maneuvering; manoeuvering
kiheitai (irregular militia during the Bakumatsu period)
relationship of mutual trust; fiduciary relation
management; (executive) staff; leaders; leadership; top brass; upper echelons
Kido Takayoshi (1833.8.11-1877.5.26)
conversation; conference (usu. between important people); discussion; interview
wicket gate; wooden door; entrance to an entertainment venue (i.e. sumo arena, etc.)
oath; pledge; pact; covenant; alliance
Satchō Alliance; 1866 alliance between the feudal domains of Satsuma and Chōshū
critical (touch and go) situation; explosive situation
when it comes to ...; where ... is concerned; if it's the case that ...; if it turns out that ...; if it's true that ...
in the mountains; within the grounds of a temple
hegemony; leadership; initiative
restoration of imperial rule; (in English history) the Restoration
order (esp. to a number of people); command; ritual of bowing at start and end of school class
establishment; founding; setting (a record)
advance guard; vanguard; athlete who competes in the first match of a team competition (kendo, judo, etc.)
all-out attack; general offensive
chance to win; opportunity to win; chance of victory
peace talks; peace negotiations
appointment (to a position, job, etc.); being used for a role; promotion
to apply for; to make an application; to propose (marriage); to offer (mediation); to make an overture (of peace); to challenge
suspension; stoppage; discontinuance; interruption
policy of conquering Korea by military force
splendid horse; promoted bishop
stipulation; stating clearly; documenting in writing; stating explicitly
sending back; return to sender