maneuvering behind the scenes; backroom deals; dodgy dealings
argument; discussion; dispute; controversy
useless; no future in it; doesn't make sense; having no point
we'll cross that bridge when we get there; we'll think about it when the time comes
comfort; consolation; diversion
which; where; all; both; anyway; anyhow
sticking to (an opinion, theory, belief, etc.); clinging to; adherence; persistence; insistence
self-deprecating; self-mocking
suppressed laugh; smile; giggle; chuckle
literal (meaning; of a word, etc.)
interpretation; explanation; reading; construction
together; mutually; reciprocally; adds a nuance of solemnity or formality
holding (a conference, exhibition, etc.); opening; hosting (e.g. the Olympics)
well, ...; right, ...; so; then; that way (would mean ...); if that is the case
a little; a few; small; only; just; merely
various countries; several countries
around the world; throughout the world
country; state; region; national government; central government; home (i.e. hometown, home country); province (of Japan)
to shun; to balk at (doing); to grudge (doing); to take (good) care of (esp. one's health)
actually; really; truly; in practice; practically
countries; (various) nations
majority; more than half; most (of); mostly; largely; mainly
Europe and the United States; Europe and America; the West
special; particular; extraordinary; exceptional; especial
presenter; speaker; performer; actor; participant (in a TV show or TV panel)
mass meeting; convention; tournament; competition; grand event
headquarters; head office; main office
(written) invitation; letter of invitation
to engrave an inscription; to call (designate) itself; to mark; to label
host country (e.g. for a conference)
especially; particularly; above all; most of all; more than anything else
the most; the best; the greatest; supreme; unrivalled; unsurpassed
to bathe; to receive (an honor, etc.)
faculty of medicine; college of medicine; department of medicine; school of medicine; medical school
large river (esp. the Yangtze); Lake Biwa
bargain goods; loss leader; eye-catching goods; featured product
to lead (an advance); to spearhead (a campaign, attack)
unfortunately; sorry, but ...
failure; mistake; blunder
rival; competitor; competition
7th in rank; seventh sign of the Chinese calendar