even at the best of times; already; (even) under normal circumstances; in addition to; as it is
rural area; countryside; the sticks; hometown
easy; likely to ...; have a tendency to ...; easy to ...
home area; home town; local
celebrity; famous person; public figure; big name
always; constantly; frequently; often; nonstop
to mix; to combine; to exchange (words, fire, etc.); to cross (e.g. swords); to join together
to play (games, sports); to enjoy oneself; to mess about (with alcohol, gambling, philandery, etc.); to be idle; to do nothing; to meet up (with friends); to hang out
near; close; beside; vicinity; proximity; besides
yearning; longing; aspiration; adoration; admiration
older brother; elder brother; young man; buddy; fella
position (where one is standing); place where one stands; position; stance; standpoint
O-Bon; Obon; Bon Festival; tray
to pour (into); to sprinkle on (from above); to water (e.g. plants); to shed (tears); to concentrate one's energy (strength, attention, etc.) on; to devote to; to flow into (e.g. of a river)
incidentally; taking the opportunity; while (you) are at it; on the occasion
potato chips; potato crisps
to garnish; to accompany (as a card does a gift); to add to as support; to prop up; to accompany (as an aid, guide, translator, etc.); (arch.) to mimic
why?; what for?; how?; by what means?
particularly; especially; in particular; expressly
a long time (since the last time); first in a long time
to be delighted; to be glad; to congratulate; to gratefully accept
to touch; to come in contact with; to receive (e.g. visitor); to attend to; to receive (news); to get; to encounter
listen!; you see; mind you; remember
or rather (say); or better (say); or perhaps I should say; or, how should I put it; I mean
upward glance; upturned eyes
apt to (do); liable to; predominantly; mostly; ... reaps the rewards; ... takes the prize
to hit (e.g. one's head); to strike; to throw (e.g. a ball, a question, a demand); to express; to vent (e.g. one's anger)
to turn up; to roll up (e.g. sleeves); to do over and over again; to do relentlessly; to stage a comeback (against) (in mahjong, horse racing, etc.); to come from behind
older brother; elder brother
to be decided; to be settled; to be unchanging; to be the same (as always); to be a fixed rule; to be destined; to be well executed (of a manoeuvre in a sport, game, etc.)
with a feeling of relief; with a sigh of relief; deeply (sigh)
special; particular; extraordinary; exceptional; especial
to turn away (one's eyes, face, etc.); to avert; to displease; to annoy; to miss (the target, ball, etc.)
to scratch; to perspire; to shovel; to paddle
single word; a few words; brief comment
hair elastic; hair tie; hair band; rubber band
to remove; to take off; to drop (e.g. from a team); to remove (from a position); to leave (e.g. one's seat); to go away from
using one's fingers as a comb; combing one's hand through one's hair
that; that thing; that person; then; that time; that place (over there); down there (i.e. one's genitals)