mysterious power of words to alter reality
wedge; chock; linchpin; tie; bond
be that as it may; even so; though that be so
to struggle in the water; to sink below the surface and become unable to breathe; to (nearly) drown; to indulge in; to lose one's head over something; to be addicted
to slip out; to steal out; to excel; to stand out
ball; sphere; bead (of sweat, dew, etc.); drop; ball (in sports); pile (of noodles, etc.); bullet
old age; old person; the old; the aged
dressing oneself up to look young; altering one's appearance to look young; dressing younger than one's age
to lift up; to hold up; to give; to offer; to devote; to sacrifice
when it comes to ...; concerning; where ... are concerned
cruise; navigation; sailing
making one's debut; making one's first appearance; (just) showing one's face; showing up; introductory kabuki performance (to introduce the actors); December kabuki performance at Kyoto's Minamiza Theater in which all famous actors perform
ship's captain; skipper; length of a ship; boatman
real condition; actual circumstances; actual state of affairs
without any weak spot; watertight (e.g. reasoning); impeccable
carefully; thoroughly; fully; deliberately
to walk away; to walk off
dark clouds; threatening signs; ominous indications
to have no chance (of succeeding)
end; tip; end (of the year, month, etc.); close; youngest child; descendants; offspring
rustic; rude; vulgar; rough
Musashi (former province located in parts of present-day Tokyo, Kanagawa and Saitama prefectures)
to fall flat; to fall face down
to knock together; to strike against each other; to arrange (e.g. a meeting); to discuss (in advance)
wasteland; wilderness; abandoned land; devastated land
junior (at work, school, etc.); younger people; younger student