program competing with another in the same timeslot (programme); counterprogram (television)
sommelier; wine steward; wine expert at a restaurant who advises guests on a choice of wines
detective; investigator; sleuth; detective work; secret investigation
to outwit; to outmanoeuvre; to steal a march on; to get the jump on; to anticipate; to forestall
right (to do something); authority; power
fierce (fight, competition, etc.); severe; hot; hard; bitter; keen
contest; competition; struggle; scramble
farewell; goodbye; adieu; if so; in that case; then
lively; active; vigorous; animated; brisk
permeation (of thought, ideology, culture, etc.); infiltration (e.g. of ideas); permeation (of a liquid, etc.); soaking; osmosis
reform; reformation; reorganization
next; next person; (arch.) room adjoining a noble's parlor
faultless; flawless; perfect; impeccable; unimpeachable; beyond reproach
rave reviews; extremely high praise
considerably (beyond one's expectations); unexpectedly; surprisingly; contrary to one's expectations
latecomer; person who arrives late
person; -er; (arch.) expert; (arch.) geisha; (arch.) prostitute
area; region; district; locality
favorable reception; good reputation; popularity
evening; night; dinner; evening meal; counter for nights
to move around; to move about; to get around
Wednesday; shaved ice (served with flavored syrup); water (fifth of the five elements)
Kojiki (earliest historical record of Japan, compiled in 712 CE); Records of Ancient Matters
Man'yōshū (8th century anthology of Japanese poetry)
to compose (a Japanese poem); to write; to use as the theme of a poem; to recite (e.g. a poem); to chant; to intone
to add (to); to add on; to append
to be worm-eaten; to be eaten by worms; to affect adversely; to spoil; to ruin
breath; sign (of something new and fresh); breath (of spring, fresh air, etc.); vitality
to grow thickly; to be in full leaf; to be rampant; to luxuriate; to be luxurious
to clap one's hands in prayer
with a complacent smile; with a smile of satisfaction
Saint; St.; S.; sacred; holy; pure
it hasn't been long since
familiarity; intimacy; acquaintance
men and women of all ages
to be affected; to be theatrical; to be pompous