to run past from behind; to run through (e.g. gate, one's mind)
line of defence (defense); lines (as in enemy lines, etc.)
to be scorched into; to be seared into; to make a strong impression; to be etched in (one's memory)
to ask; to enquire; to query
while being out of the office or away from home
to stroll about; to saunter; to wander; to dangle; to swing
reception hall (esp. for visiting state dignitaries); guest house; State Guest House (esp. Akasaka palace, also guest house in Kyoto)
secretary (government); director; chief
to offer; to present; to serve (food and drink); to offer (to the gods); to set up (before an altar)
gourmet food; delicious food; dining on gourmet food; following a lavish diet; living as an epicure
to be particular about one's food; to have a discriminating palate
as soon as; no sooner than; one way or another; objection
to exchange glances; to look at each other; to postpone; to put off; to contrast; to compare
to dislocate one's back; to be unable to stand up due to fear or surprise
pole; rod; line; dash; spoken monotonously
to weave within (hair, fabric, etc.); to braid
prank; practical joke; horseplay; mischievous trick
level; standard; water level
in the end; on top of that
what's what; heads or tails
to drop like a rock (e.g. of reputation, power, influence); to go down the toilet
the instability of a political situation; political instability
certain; definite; clear; credible
specialist; expert; professional; authority; pundit
vitality; (one's) life force
grave; sad; mournful; sorrowful; pensive
to complete decisively; to do to completion
censure; denunciation; (verbal) attack; blaming
to a greater or lesser extent (degree); more or less
lending (money); finance; loan; adaptability; versatility; flexibility
external pressure; outside pressure; foreign pressure
duration; continuance; survival; persistence; retention
balloon (esp. small, toy variety); airship; blimp
each (person); individually; one by one; one at a time; in turn
severe; harsh; stringent; rigorous; strict; unfair
habit of putting things off; truancy habit
skipping out; cutting class; truancy; procrastination