axle; pivot; center (of power, activity); central point; the Axis (WWII alliance)
eternity; perpetuity; permanence
one's home country; one's homeland
huff!; yo-heave-ho!; heigh-ho; to butter up; to suck up to
thanks (for coming, helping, etc.); glad you could make it; tiredness; fatigue
double-headed eagle (symbol of heraldry)
national traits or character; nationality
exactly; just; precisely; punctually; exactly on time
guest of honour; guest of honor; privileged guest; visitor
local specialty; special product (of a region)
eel (esp. the Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica)
smoked food; smoking (fish, meat, etc.); smoked
to behave; to conduct oneself; to entertain; to treat someone (to a drink); to make tea for someone (tea ceremony)
dining room; dining hall; cafeteria; restaurant; eatery; snack bar
to take a nap; to catch forty winks; to catch some Z's
truth; reality; seriousness; logical truth; printed style writing; star performer
for better or worse; for good and bad; regardless of merit; both good and bad
I don't know ...; how about ...?; I wonder; what about ..?
no matter what anyone says; regardless of what is said
admiration; wonder; astonishment
to let leak; to let out (e.g. light); to let out (a secret); to leak (information); to give utterance to (e.g. one's dissatisfaction); to vent; to wet one's pants
shivering; feeling chilly; shuddering (with fear); feeling creepy; thrilled; excited
loan; lending; favor; favour; creditor; method of lending
that way; that direction; that (one); that person; there; over there
to choose (a thing) at one's own discretion; to use one's discretion in choosing
dressing (esp. in kimono); fitting; helping someone get dressed; outer garment (in kabuki)
briskly; quickly; promptly
leading actor; star; leading figure; central figure; key figure
recollection; calling to mind