main performer; star performer; headliner; rakugo storyteller of the highest rank
mental preparedness; being braced for; being steeled for
make; workmanship; preparation
only because ...; definitely not; certainly not; if actually
marriage ceremony; wedding
celebration; celebratory event; congratulatory gift; tip; gratuity
article; item; quality; flirtatiousness; coquetry
a little bit; a little while
fly in the ointment; small flaw in otherwise perfect object; only trouble; only fault
always conducting oneself as though one were on a battlefield; being combat ready at all times (of a person)
tanuki (Nyctereutes procyonoides); raccoon dog; sly dog; sly old fox; sly fox
story; tale; talk; discussion
reddish tinge; tinge of red; slight redness; reddishness; blush
fine wrinkles; crow's feet
to put back in a good mood; to cheer up
leaf; blade (of grass); (pine) needle; frond; foliage
cherry tree; cherry blossom; light pink; fake buyer; paid audience; hired applauder
to be asked to give someone (a message, parcel, etc.); to be asked to tell someone (that); to be entrusted with
setting off (on a long journey); setting out; departure (e.g. for the front); starting a new life; starting life anew
happy tears; tears of joy
resentful; bitter; reproachful; regrettable; disappointing; frustrating
to be at a complete loss; to be without recourse; to be completely stymied; to have absolutely no idea what to do
you (when referring to one's equals or inferiors)
person of paramount authority; supreme wielder of power
to fall in love at first sight; (arch.) to see for the first time; (arch.) to meet for the first time; (arch.) to have sexual relations for the first time
mistress; kept woman; concubine; (arch.) close female servant
naturally; not surprisingly; it should be appreciated that; understandably; as a matter of course; as is obvious
class society; class-based society; hierarchical society
custom; habit; customary practice
how; in what way; how about; questionable
to present; to dedicate; to obey; to follow; to proudly bear
biological parent; real parent
to pledge; to vow; to promise; to have sexual intercourse (esp. between husband and wife); to share a bed
becoming a lordless samurai
affair; state; verdict; sentence; directions; orders
closing of a gate; (Edo-period) house confinement
fame; distinction; rise; advancement
to be branded a ...; to be labelled a ...
life circumstances; lifestyle; (family) finances
circular; circulating letter
to live under another's roof; to become a dependent on; to flatten oneself (against); to lean in close to