state (of the US, Australia, India, Germany, etc.); province (e.g. of Canada); continent; province (of Japan); province (of ancient China); prefecture
funny story; funny anecdote
different person; another person; someone else; changed man
but; however; although; though
to listen attentively to; to be absorbed in (listening to)
animated cartoon; animated film
background music; (movie or commercial) soundtrack; featured songs
to listen carefully; to strain one's ears
second; number two; runner-up
string instrument; stringed instrument
none other than; ... himself; ... herself
spirit; psyche; god; deity; divinity
drinking bout; merrymaking
without cause; without reason
to work hard; to sweat; to wash off one's sweat
to continue (for a long time); to occur in succession; to come next (e.g. on TV)
to feel like it; to get to think that way; to become so minded
to bite into; to sink one's teeth into
to break into song; to burst into song; to begin singing
just now; a little while back; a short time ago
awkward; uncomfortable; embarrassing
wife; garnish (esp. one served with sashimi); trimmings; accompaniment; side (remark)
close; intimate; on good terms
wife; your wife; his wife; married lady; madam
quarrel; brawl; fight; squabble; scuffle; argument
deadpan face; expressionless white face; po-faced
woven mat (esp. one made of straw); seat
home; household; family; hearth
to live through hell; to go to hell and back; to suffer dire straits
to get stuck with (some job); to end up with (something unpleasant)
cavity; hollow; void; hollow (voice, smile, etc.); blank (eyes, look, etc.); vacant (expression, stare, etc.)
bitter smile; wry smile; forced smile; strained laugh
from the place (where); from the fact that ...; caused by the fact that ...; because
brutal (atmosphere, society, etc.); savage; fierce; violent; bloodthirsty; stark
dark; gloomy; depressed; dispirited; dark (in colour); dull; ill-boding
for a long time; since long ago; always; already; far in advance (e.g. reservation)