procedure; process; proceedings; formalities
in range; within the limits (of ...); within (a) range
restoration; return to health
to recommend (someone to do); to advise; to recommend (a book, someone for a position, etc.); to suggest; to offer (a drink, cigarette, seat, etc.)
sudden and unexpected; coming out of nowhere; out of the blue
dying; death; dead; useless; damned
(one) matter; (one) item; (one) case
to take an attitude; to take a stance; to commit oneself; to assume a position
consequently; as a result
relationship; connection; involvement; entanglement; implication (e.g. in a crime)
to be seething (with anger); to be frenzied; to be menacing; to be murderous
to refuse; to reject; to decline; to prevent (from doing); to deny (e.g. access); to block
awkward (difficult) question
on bad terms; at loggerheads
reconciliation; making up (with); making peace (with); being friends again; patching up a quarrel
manzai; comic dialogue; two-person comedy act, usu. presented as a fast-paced dialogue, occ. presented as a skit
New Year's Day; first day of the year; New Year's morning; morning of New Year's Day
first shrine visit of the New Year
winter; wintertime; winter term
to apply for; to make an application; to propose (marriage); to offer (mediation); to make an overture (of peace); to challenge
preparatory school (for entrance examinations); cram school; cramming school
mismatched; odd; irregular; inconsistent; incoherent; confused
coat; jacket; outerwear; top; upper-body garment
night air; stillness of night; cool evening
temple bell rung 108 times on New Year's Eve
to love; to cherish; to admire; to appreciate
(one's) Sunday best; (one's) best clothes; glad rags
year-end and New Year holidays (e.g. from December 29 to January 3)
moral support; emotional support; spiritual support
visitor (to a shrine or temple)
cup sake; sake sold in a single-serve glass cup or can
amazake; sweet drink made from fermented rice or sake lees
wistful; desirous of; hungry-looking; greedy-looking
going and worshipping (at a shrine or temple); visit (to a shrine or temple to worship)
two by two; by twos; as a couple; in pairs
some; several; many; how many; how much; very
boorish; unsophisticated; unrefined; uncouth; tasteless; insensitive