Kwaidan - Glossary

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This glossary is for the fictional series, Kwaidan, and is not intended for use as a historical reference.

Abumai! ----- Look out! Watch out! Duck!

Aburagi-age ----- Fried slices of tofu eaten as a snack. One of the favorite foods of kitsune

Ah so desu ka? ----- Is that so? A polite expression which does not necessarily indicate a need to hear more or even an interest on the part of the listener; it depends on the context and personality of the speaker

Akikure ----- Autumn chestnut rice. Rice dish with shiitake mushrooms, chestnuts and sweet potato, served in a dish and sprinkled with sesame seeds and radish sprouts

Akuto ----- Lit., evil bands. A group of bandits organized under the leadership of one person

Amatsu Mikaboshi ----- Lit., August Star of Heaven. An evil god who's always up to no good

Amaterasu Omikani or Amaterasu ----- The Shinto Sun goddess. Her son, Jimmu, became the 1st Emperor of Wa and all successive Emperors are descended from this divine connection

Ano! ----- The equivalent of "Er-hem!" - a throat clearing noise used to gain someone's attention

Asoku-ko ----- The absolutely cheapest type of incense with a very harsh, acrid scent

Asobimi ----- The highest rank of courtesan and the most expensive, costing upwards of 200 mon an evening. Asobimi have sex only with those clients they choose; everyone else who pays for their time must be content with singing, dancing, instrument playing, joke-telling, stories and drinking games

Azuma-gata ----- Lit., "east shape." Commonly referred to as a "silent mistress." Used as a sex toy for men, the azuma-gata consists of a head made from a rolled-up picture scroll (leaving a pretty girl's picture visible), a body of bundled clothing, and an artificial vagina created from a leather pouch filled with soft boiled yams

Bakemono ----- An ogre, usually of gigantic stature, who possesses remarkable martial skills. Their favored weapon is the kusari-gama, a small, very sharp sickle blade attached to a long, thin chain. Bakemono are arrogant braggarts and like to boast; they also enjoy challenging samurai into sake drinking contests, which they win more often than not. The ogres take on the appearance of clean-shaven, bald giants with huge mustaches and shaggy eyebrows, and have glowing red-tinged eyes

Bakuto ----- Once, the bakuto were professional gamblers hired by the government to gamble with construction and irrigation workers in order to bilk them of a portion of their generous pay, which made its way back into the Empire's coffers. Now, the bakuto are organized criminal gangs, each headed by an oyabun (or father), who deal in prostitution, gambling dens, smuggling, money lending and exhorting protection money from shopkeepers. If a bakuto fails in a mission, he cuts off the tip of his little finger in a ceremony. Bakuto are known for having colorful tattoos, each of which denotes a successful criminal offense

Batto shita! ----- Swords drawn! A warning that a fight between samurai is about to commence

Bo ----- A weapon consisting of a long wooden pole, wielded like a quarterstaff

Bokken ----- Wooden exercise swords used in sword practice. To avoid injury, the "blades" are usually wrapped in straw which is fastened with cord.

Bunraku ----- A traditional form of storytelling using puppetry. The puppets are crafted by hand (approximately 70 different heads can be used) and are half life-sized. Three operators with varying levels of mastery are required for each puppet - an omozukai (lifetime of study) supports the body and manipulates the head and right arm; a hidanzukai (20 years of study) operates the left arm and props; an ashizukai (10 years of study) operates the legs. There is also a narrator, who does all the voices, and a shamisen player for the music. Bunraku plays are elaborately staged with beautiful scenery. The operators wear black from head to toe, including hoods and veils. Because they are in black, they are not "visible" to the audience. Only the omozukai may have his face uncovered, because these masters have popular reputations and fans of their own

Bushi ----- A member of the warrior class, a common soldier, much lower in rank than a samurai

Chawan-musi ----- An egg custard filled with diced vegetables; commonly eaten by the ill and bedridden or by healthy people as a special treat

Chigau! ----- Don't be ridiculous! Emotional equivalent of rolling eyes and whinnying, "Oh, puh-leeze!"

Chrysanthemum Road ----- The most traveled route in Wa. Running 400 ri from the capital of Heian-kyo through to the city of Edo, there are 53 waystations. Used by merchants, pilgrims, common travelers, daimyo, the nobility and their retainers. Three main Imperial forts are used as checkpoints along the route to ensure that no illegal troop movements go unreported or unresisted. Contains some of the most beautiful scenery in the Floating World

Daimyo ----- A feudal lord and a member of the class of military nobles. Typically, a daimyo headed a domain of over 100,000 koku. A koku is a unit of rice measurement, equal to 5 bushels, and indicated a daimyo's revenue and relative power

Daisho ----- The twin swords of a samurai's office, although many bushi and daimyo carry daisho as well. The set consists of a long sword with a slightly curving blade (katana) and a short sword (wakizashi). The katana is considered the seat of a samurai's soul; many have names and have been passed down through generations of family members. The long sword is never drawn fully unless the owner intends to shed blood; to sheathe the blade bloodless is considered an insult to the sword's soul. The only exception to this rule is when the sword is being cleaned. The short sword is used exclusively to commit seppuku and is never drawn unless it is for that purpose. Daisho are worn only by martial warriors, male and female

Damare! ----- Shut up! Very vulgar expression, used only in cases of extremity by persons of refinement or by peasants/lower class folk

Domo arigato gozaimasu! ----- Thank you! This is the full "thank you" with all the bells on, conveying both gratitude and an acknowledgement of one's obligation to the thankee. It is mandatory for women to use the full term; men may dispense with the majority of the sentence and say merely "domo" or perhaps "domo arigato" when speaking to one of superior rank. There are exceptions, of course. Ayumi, as a high ranking samurai with a formidable reputation and as a retainer to a powerful daimyo, may (despite her female sex) use the masculine expression without fear of giving offense. Everyone, regardless of rank or position, uses the full expression when within the Imperial presence and to those within the direct line of succession to the throne (Kozuko). Knowing when and to whom one should use the various protocols is an art form of itself

Dozo ----- Please. However, this word can also be used to add emphasis to a sentence

Dozo omeshi agari kudasai ----- Enjoy your meal. More an automatic pleasantry for politeness' sake than a genuine wish on the part of the speaker

Eta ----- The untouchable caste. Not allowed contact with anyone except their own kind, Eta act as butchers, leather workers and cremators of the dead. They are considered ritually unclean and all citizens of Wa have an instinctive loathing and terror of these wretched souls. Even a woman of the lowest rank would rather die than have congress with an Eta. They have no rights, no privileges, and can be executed for merely attempting conversation with someone outside their caste

Face ----- Very difficult to explain. Face is personal honor; sense of one's self, one's importance and one's place in society; family and personal pride, awareness of shame and the avoidance thereof, all rolled into one. A person of Wa would rather die than lose face. Some of the ways to lose face are to show excessive emotion, disobey one's superior, fail in an endeavor, or lose one's self control. While no one will have the temerity to point out your loss publicly or mock you for it, the silent acknowledgement is still there, never talked about but always present. One of the few ways to wipe out this shame is by committing seppuku.
On the other hand, to gain face is a matter of enormous personal pride and satisfaction. Again, nothing is said aloud and there isn't any open celebrating but the acknowledgement is there, if silent. You can gain face by triumphing over an enemy, doing something wise/clever, saving your overlord's life, etc.

Fukiya-gahama ----- Blowdart Beach. An infamous section of the pleasure quarter containing male brothels and catering to a homosexual clientele

Furofuki daikon ----- "Hot tub vegetables." Steamed radish chunks in miso soup

Furoshiki ----- A big square of cloth used to carry things. Is sometimes fastened atop a bamboo frame strapped to the back

Fusui ----- A type of geomancy adapted from mainland Kara. A complicated system of divination to determine auspicious sites for houses or graves in order to harness the proper ki and promote harmony in one's surroundings. The analysis of dragon paths (ley lines) is the most important aspect of fusui

Futo maki ----- Fat roll of rice stuffed with sweetened cooked egg, pickled gourd and bits of vegetables

Ga-Domen ----- Palace guards under the direct supervision of the Emperor or his representative (such as the Regent). The ga-domen are of the samurai class, although they are considered slightly higher in rank than a common samurai, due to the important nature of their duties. The ga-domen also have a special rank within their class known as Thunder Guards; these warriors stand at the various entrances and halls of the palace during a thunderstorm, plucking their bowstrings and singing special chants in order to ward off storm demons that might enter the Emperor's home and cause harm

Gaki ----- The souls of those who were greedy in life, and who are punished by being condemned to wander the earth, filled with an insatiable hunger that can never be satisfied. There are many types of gaki, each having a specialized diet. Blood, flesh and soul gaki devour their victims, and are very dangerous. More harmless kinds include tattoo, tea, incense, paper, sweat and knot gaki

Geta ----- Wooden sandals. Some have two high central platforms (blocks of wood) on the bottom of the sole. Geta have a wooden knob on the top that is gripped between the first two toes in order to keep them on and they are generally worn with tabi (split toed socks). The high-platformed geta are commonly worn by upper class women when they venture outside; although keeping one's balance is difficult, the tall sandals keep the hems of their robes from trailing on the ground. Sometimes the height of one's geta gets so ridiculously tall that one cannot walk without assistance; this is particularly true among the nobility

Giri ----- Duty and responsibility. The concept of duty is very important to the Floating World and is uppermost in everyone's minds. One has one's duty towards one's parents, spouse, children, overlord, those of superior rank and the Emperor. Giri is so important that to be accused of failing one's duty is the worst insult imaginable. To actually fail, either deliberately or accidentally, is cause to commit seppuku (ritual suicide) in the hopes that one's death will wipe out the stain of dishonor

Gochisoma ----- Great dinner. A polite expression used after eating and required by protocol, whether you really enjoyed the meal or not

Gomen kudasai? ----- Excuse me, may I come in? Called from the genkan, or entrance hall, before walking into someone else's house/room/suite. Also used by maids or servants before entering the chambers occupied by a higher ranking member of the household. A means of politely announcing one's presence and apologizing for the interruption, all at the same time

Gomen nasai ----- I'm sorry or forgive me. Very important phrase in the Floating World. The island of Wa is small and heavily populated; politeness (often to an extreme) is an important facet in their culture. It is very impolite to baldly say "No" to a request or command and in this world, being rude may cost you your head as there is no punishment for a samurai who kills someone of inferior rank in order to address a (real or imagined) slight to his honor. Therefore, for refusals or bad news or just for general principals, gomen nasai is an oft-used phrase, especially from subordinate to superior

Gonin ningyo ----- Lit., "finger puppetry." A term for female masturbation. See also senzuri

Gunsen ----- A special iron-ribbed fan used by a war commander or general to signal formations and instructions on the field of battle

Hajimemashite! ----- Nice to see you! Either a very casual or very formal expression, depending on the situation

Hakama - Trousers. Hakama are worn by both peasants and nobility, men and women. They are typically made of cotton and have a drawstring waist. People of high rank/wealth wear hakama made of 1st grade cotton; the legs are very wide and stiffly starched, sometimes pleated and coming just below the ankle (if the legs are held together, the silhouette resembles a bell), and they are worn beneath multiple layers of kimono. For peasants/lower ranking folk, hakama are made of 2nd or 3rd grade cotton, usually unstarched, and end above the ankle. Noblemen of the court wear hakama made of stiff brocade; the Emperor's hakama are made of deep purple (almost black) brocade and he is the only one permitted to wear this color

Hanafuda ----- (Lit., "flower cards) Hanafuda is a card game similiar to blackjack. Each player is dealt three cards and counts up the total of the three cards; the last digit of the total indicates the score of the hand. For example, a total of 20 is the worst hand, as the score would be zero. One losing combination of 8-9-3 is called ya-ku-sa

Hanamachi ----- The Flower District. A separate, walled enclosure outside Heian-kyo which contains brothels, teahouses and restaurants. Open to the public only from sunset to sunrise, when the Great Gate is closed and locked. Primarily visited by nobles, daimyo, affluent merchants and the occasional very lucky peasant. Weapons must be checked at the gate as no blades of any kind are allowed within. The inhabitants consist of courtesans, prostitutes of many ranks (of both sexes), entertainers, brothel owners, guides, etc. Only foot traffic is allowed; no vehicles - including carriages and kago - may enter (with the exception of doctor's palanquins). While the sexual workers are legally considered indentured servants, they have few rights and mainly survive in a condition hardly distinguishable from slavery

Hanetsuki ----- A Japanese form of badminton played between 2 players with no net. A paper ball is batted back and forth with fans until one player misses and the other scores

Hannya ----- Ghost of a woman who was consumed by jealousy in life. They have a grotesque appearance with knobby chins, fangs, horns, green scales, snaky tongues and their eyes burn with a cold blue light

Hannya-Shin-Kyo ----- "Emptiness of Forms." A Buddhist sutra which renders humans invisible to spirits and demons

Haramaki ----- A long strip of cloth worn wound tightly around the abdomen and lower torso. Worn by peasants, it is considered useful for avoiding catching colds

Harigeta ----- A dildo. Usually made from ebony, ivory or smoothly polished wood, harigeta come in a variety of sizes and shapes

Hayaku! ----- Hurry up! Get a move on! Shake a leg! Or in an extreme situation, "Haul ass!"

Heian-kyo ----- The capital of Wa, site of the Imperial palace/compound (Katsura-no-miyo), and the biggest city on the island

Hidarugami ----- An evil spirit of hunger which can possess anyone traveling in the mountains, forcing them to consume all their supplies in a ravenous trance, then turn to grass, rocks and anything else in an attempt to quell this fatal appetite. Can be defeated by writing the character for rice - "kome" - on the palm of one's hand and then licking it to banish the hidarugami

Hitaikakushi ----- Literally, forehead cover. A piece of cloth or paper tied around the forehead of a corpse and tied with string

Iaido ----- The art of drawing and cutting with the sword while in a kneeling position. Very difficult to master

Ikki! Ikki! ----- Drink up! Good humored command used when one is drinking sake with companions/friends

Ikiryo ----- A living ghost. The evil spirit of a living person which leaves the body and haunts others without the owner being aware

Imperial Regalia ----- Three sacred relics given to the 1st Emperor Jimmu by his mother, the Shinto sun goddess Amaterasu. They are the sword (named Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, lit; "grass parting two-edged blade"), the mirror and the jewel and symbolically represent the Emperor's heavenly authority over his subjects. The sword and mirror are kept at two shrines in the Imperial palace; the jewel is displayed in the throne room. The three relics together are called Shinki

Inari-zushi ----- Slightly sweet, soy simmered, fried bean curd pockets stuffed with vinegared rice. They are usually shaped into triangles, mimicking a fox's ear

Irasshaimase! ----- Welcome! Traditional greeting to guests of inns, restaurants and taverns. Waitresses affect a high-pitched tone and a chirping voice as this is considered quite charming

Itadakimasu ----- I receive this humbly. Used before beginning a meal and required by protocol

Itako ----- Blind, shamanistic female mediums who perform kuchiyose (speaking to the dead) on behalf of the living. Forbidden by the Regent, but many quietly remain in defiance of law. Are usually found in mountain villages, although some practice their art at the western gates of cities or towns

Jade (Pestle, Gate, etc) ----- Jade is a very hard agate-type stone that comes in a variety of colors from green to red to cream. It is not native to Wa and must be imported from the mainland empire of Kara. Because of its scarcity, jade is greatly prized. Jade pestle is a euphemism for male genitalia, while jade gate is a euphemism for female genitalia. The connotation here is that jade itself, and the various organs described as jade, are rare, precious and infinitly valuable things

Jijucho ----- Title of the Grand Chamberlain of the Imperial Household. He schedules the monarch's appointments, supervises the imperial staff and has administrative control over the households of the Dowager Empress and the Crown Prince. The person who holds this office is generally referred to by the Title rather than by his name

Jitte ----- Branched iron bar used as either a mace or a swordbreaker. Weapon despised by samurai

Jikikoki ----- Incense eating goblins. The souls of those who sold bad incense during their lives and are condemned to seek sustenance solely in incense smoke

Jikininki ----- The spirits of dead men and women who were so greedy in life that is has prevented their rebirth into a more peaceful existance. They become a form of demon which sustains a nightmarish half-life by eating the corpses of the dead. Jikininki despise what they have become and long for release; they have been known to bribe samurai with presents of gold and silver, stolen from tombs, so that they can be killed

Jorokumo ----- Courtesan spider. A monster who appears as a beautiful woman and usually takes on the position of a high ranking courtesan to lure her victims to their death. In its true form, the jorokumo has the torso and head of a three-eyed woman, while below the torso it is a giant black eight-legged spider. It can spit venom which causes blindness, and the silk thrown from its abdomen acts as a sticky snare. Like a real spider, the jorokumo injects its prey with digestive fluids and sucks up the resultant mess, disgarding the dry husk remaining. Once every century, it lays an egg via a stinger into a living victim's belly; when the egg hatches, the larva consumes the host from the inside out. Its sole vulnerable spot is the third eye

Junihitoe ----- Ceremonial court dress consisting of thirty or more layers of kimono, depending upon one's rank

Kabayaki ----- Grilled eel basted with sweet soy sauce, served on skewers. Not accompanied by rice

Kabuki ----- An theatrical tradition that grew out of the popularity of bunraku. Instead of puppets, live actors wear elaborate costumes, masks and make-up. Some of the costumes are so heavy, they require black-clad helpers called kurogo on stage to manipulate the costume while the actor does his stuff (someone on-stage wearing black, hooded and veiled, is not "visible" to the audience). Men play women's roles (called onnagata) because women are banned from the stage. The style is very formal, with great emphasis placed on beauty, gracefulness, lavish costumes/props, and the actors' techniques. Sometimes, to emphasize a dramatic point, a popular actor will stop on stage, strike a pose, and cross his eyes. This is called a mie. The ability to cross just one eye is greatly admired

Kage-zen ----- Lit., shadow tray. A mini-meal served on a special footed tray to gods and ancestors

Kago ----- A form of public transportation. A palanquin made of bamboo and rushes, it is carried by twin poles on the shoulders of the human bearers. Kago carriers are traditionally very rude and enjoy making crude jokes about their passengers

Kamawan ----- I don't care. Indicates a defiance of unmei, an attitude of uncaring what fate has in store

Kanashibari ----- Sleep paralysis caused by a vengeful child ghost. Often fatal

Kanpuko ----- Title of the Senior Regent. Since the Emperor has not reached his full majority, the Floating World is ruled by a council of nobility, the Kanpuko and the Dowager Empress, but most of the power resides in the hands of the Regent and the Dowager

Kappa ----- A water monster. Kappa look like humans, except their skin has a green tinge and they are covered with tiny, almost unnoticable scales. They are hairless; there is a small, bowl-shaped depression in the top of their skulls that holds an amount of water. If a kappa spills his water, he is weakened and will die if it is not replaced. These supernatural creatures crave human blood; if they catch an unwary person wading through their stream or across their river, the kappa will kill the human by sucking out all their blood and intestines through their anus. However, kappa love cucumbers and can be appeased with an offering of this vegetable. These monsters are also very fond of sumo wrestling and will occasionally challenge travelers to a bout

Katana ----- Longsword. Part of the samurai's daisho. Exclusively used in combat situations and considered the protector of the warrior's soul. Many katana are believed to have souls of their own, particularly those that have a long and honorable history. To lose one's sword is an enormous dishonor; it means you have been careless with your soul and therefore, cannot be trusted with any significant responsibility

Katsura-no-Miyo ----- (Imperial Palace of the Fragrant Trees). Name of the emperor's residence in Heian-kyo and seat of the Wa government. A vast and labyrinthine compound containing many palaces, shrines, audience halls, government chambers and living quarters for members of the court, imperial household and nobility, as well as thousands of servants and their families. Included Kyuden (Outer Palace) where all public/private audiences take place; Kashikodokoro (holiest of the three imperial shrines and containing the sacred mirror); Koreiden (another shrine, containing the sacred sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi); the Hall of Red Lanterns (living quarters for the Emperor's consorts) and many other wings, courts and halls. Ordered to be built by the First Emperor Jimmu, it has been added to by each successive Emperor until the palace is nearly a city in and of itself. Some places have been abandoned and are said to be haunted

Kemari ----- A game played by gentlemen of the court that resembles soccer. Players arrange themselves in a circle and a leather ball is kicked around, passed from player to player; the object is that the ball does not touch the ground

Ki ----- The spiritual essence, soul or life energy of a person. It's dwelling place is behind the navel

Kicho ----- Thin curtains of opaque silk used on misu. The color and ornamentation of the curtains varies with the seasons and the material used is the best the household can afford

Kimono ----- Long sleeved, open fronted robe worn over hakama. Peasants and people of little wealth or poor rank wear kimono made of cotton. The wealthy wear robes of silk, usually patterned with a family crest or other decoration, and typically wear several of contrasting or complimenting colors/patterns. Members of the imperial court wear ceremonial kimono called junihitoe (lit;, 12-layer robe) consisting of up to thirty or forty different layers of robes, with sleeves so long they nearly touch the floor, and held together with a long, tassled silk cord wrapped six or seven times around the waist and knotted with a bow in the front (called nagoya obi). Noblemen wear an overmantle over these layers; the sleeveless mantle has bamboo-stiffened wings on the shoulder that stand out and give a wider, more masculine appearance. The Emperor and the immediate members of his family wear padded brocade coats over their kimono in the imperial purple. The colors of one's outermost kimono depend on the season, one's rank and one's standing in imperial favor. Regardless of the weather, unlined kimono can only be worn from June 1-September 30; lined kimono October 1-May 31

Kirin ----- A monster with the head of a dragon, body of a deer, serpent's scales instead of hair, tail of an ox, hooves of a goat and a small, fleshy horn protruding from its forehead. It is a gentle, shy creature that will not harm anything unless it feels threatened

Kisama! ----- Either "you bitch!" or "you bastard!" depending upon whom one is addressing

Kitsune ----- A fox. In the Floating World, foxes aren't merely animals. They are supernatural creatures who can assume human form at will (human bodies with fox faces). They have their own Emperor, Imperial Court, rituals, social events, festivals, etc., all mirroring mortal activities. When it rains but the sun is still shining, kitsune will hold wedding processions. They do not like mortals spying on their rituals; if this happens and the foxes catch the person, they will demand his death or bring extreme misfortune to their entire family

Kitsune udon ----- Thick, chewy wheat noodles topped with fried tofu and spring onions. Loved by all kitsune

Koban ----- A lozenge-shaped gold coin equal to 1,000 copper mon or 100 silver mon

Kokkebon ----- Farcial books which describe the lives of commoners or peasants in a humorous fashion. Very popular among the nobility

Koku ----- A unit of measurement for rice equalling 5 bushels. The amount of koku produced by a daimyo or nobleman's land indicated his revenue, power and relative rank within the political system

Koryo ----- The kingdom of Korea, also known as the Land of the Garlic Eaters

Koto ----- A 13-string musical instrument somewhat like a zither. It is about six feet long and made of paulownia wood. The koto is played with three ivory plectrums which are placed on the right hand's index finger, middle finger and thumb; the player kneels on the floor to one side of the instrument in order to play. Plucking, strumming and hitting the strings produces various musical effects.

Kozuko ----- Members of the Imperial household within the line of succession (ie; Crown Prince or Princess)

Kurogo ----- "Man in black." The prop and costume handlers in kabuki and bunraku theaters. Dressed in black clothes from head to toe, with hoods and veils, they are "invisible" to the audience, who disregards their presence on stage

Kuso ----- Literally, excrement. To call someone's achievement kuso is a strong insult

Kuso shite shinezo! ----- Literally, die shitting! Not only a vulgar expression but quite an insult as well

Kyuketsuki ----- A Japanese vampire. Typically, a person who has died without releasing their final breath, or someone who has been buried in a piece of cursed ground, may become a vampire. While they prefer to prey on members of their own family or clan, the kyuketsuki won't refuse a free meal. Also called "walking dead." They may be destroyed by direct contact with sunlight, fire, or Buddhist rituals

Ma! ----- You don't say! An expression of astonishment and surprise or used to indicate overwhelming awe

Makeru mon ka! ----- I'll never give up! Usually used in battle to indicate that no quarter is asked or given

Manrikigusari ----- A ninja weapon. About two feet of metal chain with weights at each end, usually used to entangle an opponent's blade. May sometimes have sharpened blades set within the links

Masaka! ----- It can't be! Impossible! An expression of complete surprise and astonishment

Mikoto ----- Title for legitimate and acknowledge sons by the Emperor's consorts

Mizuage ----- A term used in the pleasure quarters for a girl's first sexual experience. A courtesan's virginity was usually auctioned off by the owner of the brothel and connoisseurs bid heavily for the experience, particularly if the girl was attractive

Misu ----- A finely woven bamboo screen covered by kicho (thin, opaque curtains). It is considered extremely impolite (and a breach of protocol) for an upper class lady to receive a gentleman in her private chambers unless she remains hidden behind a misu, unless this person is a family member or blood relative. For a lady to allow a strange man to see her without a screen is a very provocative act, the emotional equivalent of doing a strip-tease and dropping all seven veils

Mochi ----- A rice ball stuffed with sweet red bean paste; a favorite snack of children

Momiji oroshi ----- Red maple sauce. A condiment of grated daikon and hot chili peppers eaten in the fall

Mon ----- A coin of the realm. Mon come in copper and silver. Silver mon are usually referred to as "silver drops" because of their teardrop shape. Gold coins are called koban

Monzeki ----- The chief resident priest or priestess of an imperial residence who is under the patronage of the imperial household

Moxa ----- 1) A deadly plague illness whose symptoms include high fever and scar-producing pustules (like smallpox) or 2) An incense cone used in the treatment of many ills. It is placed on the skin at the appropriate ki point (in order to balance yin and yang) and allowed to burn all the way down, leaving a round burn scar on the patient's skin

Nagoya obi ----- A long, tasseled silk cord worn wrapped around the waist six or seven times and knotted with a bow in front, used for securing one's kimono closed. Only courtesans knot their obi in the back

Naishi ----- The Imperial secret police. Supposedly under the direct command of the Emperor, it is not uncommon for an appointed Regent to use the naishi as his own private enforcers

Nobeyaki udon ----- Hot udon noodles with spinach, fish cakes, shrimp tempura, mushrooms and sliced boiled egg. Very filling; considered a peasant dish

Nopperato ----- An apparition which takes the form of a woman or man with a smooth, featureless face. Considered very horrible and incredibly dangerous once they have fixed upon an intended victim, nopperato will continue to haunt that victim until they have gone mad, died of fear or committed suicide

Nue ----- A monster-like bird with the head of a monkey, paws of a tiger and a live snake for a tail

Nyogo ----- An imperial consort or concubine. The Emperor usually has one chief wife (the crowned Empress) and four consorts (called koaisai - "beloved small wife"). Consorts dwell in the Hall of Red Lanterns in the imperial palace. A consort who bears a son will be elevated in rank above her sisters. Consorts who bear only daughters after a period of time will be sent back in disgrace to their families. If the Empress is childless or cannot bear an heir, the Crown Prince may be chosen from among any of the Emperor's legitimate children. Needless to say, this type of situation can create an air of almost Byzantine intrigue within the court as the only rank second to the Emperor is that of the Emperor's mother

Obake ----- Literally, transforming thing. A ghost which manifests itself physically by possessing a common object, such as a lantern or umbrella, and using that object as a body. Sometimes obake are pitiful but most often they are quite dangerous. The benign spirits like the smell of incense or tea; the malignant spirits prefer feasting on human blood and organs

O-cha o kudasai ----- Please give me tea. O-cha is the bitter green tea preferred by the denizens of Wa and an entire cult has developed around the ceremonial preparation and drinking of this beverage, especially enjoyed by the members of the Imperial Court in Heian-kyo

Ochazuki ----- Rice soaked in green tea, served sprinkled with nori and sea urchin roe

Odaiji ni ----- Take care of yourself. A phrase customarily used to a person who is ill rather than someone who has been wounded

Okaerinasai! ----- Welcome home! Traditional cry of greeting made by servants when their master returns home

Okame ----- Hot soba or udon noodles with fish cakes, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, wheat cakes and spinach. Usually eaten only in autumn or winter

Omaesan ----- My dear, my darling. An endearment commonly used by women to their husbands/lovers

Omanku ----- Sipping dew from jade petals; drinking at the gate of jade; playing hummingbird in the spring garden; catching the coral pearl; tickling the clam; in other words, cunnilingus or oral sex performed on a female

Onaka ga suita ----- I'm hungry. Besides the usual usage, this is also a phrase used by yureii

Oni ----- Devils with shaggy hair, horns and fangs who wield huge gnarled clubs. They usually guard the gates of the various Buddhist hells and perform tortures on condemned souls. When they have an earthly manifestation, oni are malevolent towards humankind although upon occasion they can be turned temporarily towards good by the intervention of a priest; however, this rarely lasts very long and soon the oni is back to his usual vile self

Oni-bi ----- Demon fires. Floating balls of fire of supernatural origin that herald demonic or ghostly activity

Onome wa nan desu da? ----- What is your name? Can either be a polite inquiry or a command, depending on the emphasis

Oshinko no -----An assortment of pickles, including daikon, cabbage, cucumber, aubergine and turnip. Usually served as a side accompaniment to various dishes

Otokodate ----- Street knights. Outlaws. Originally, a group of peasant-class young men who banded together to fight evil and help the common people. Rather than swords, they used clubs, jitte, spears and staffs. Now, otokodate are despised gangsters who provide protection and enforcement for smugglers, bandit lords, wealthy merchants, money lenders, gaming hall owners and the like

Oyama ----- A female impersonator. By law, they are required to shave their heads from forehead to crown in a male tonsure, although they typically cover up this area with a purple dyed handkerchief. Most are in the acting trade. A few oyama take the role further and live their lives entirely as women

Peach boy or Peach-bottom boy ----- The people of Wa are quite open when it comes to sexuality and the great variety of connotations thereof. While certain acts are looked upon with a degree of distaste - such as bestiality - the people tend to mind their own business and turn a blind eye when it comes to sexual eccentricities and fetishes that would not be tolerated in the West. In other words, everybody's doing it, everybody knows everybody's doing it, and nobody will admit publicly that they're doing it. Peach boys are young (early teens) male prostitutes who dress as women and usually service a male clientele

Rango ----- A game played by gentlewomen of the court. Players compete to see how many go stones one can balance on the end of one's finger

Ri ----- The Floating World's equivalent to the mile. One ri is traditionally measured as 1,000 paces walked by a monk, although it has become more standardized by Emperor Kaika's time

Rokurokubi ----- This monster is female. By day, they have the appearance of a normal human woman, but after nightfall rokurokubi begin stretching out their incredibly long, flexible necks in search of a victim, whom they drain of blood after inducing a trance state by crooning soothing lullabies. Their favorite victims are samurai and young male children. Rokurokubi do not like strong scents such as garlic

Ronin ----- A masterless samurai. A ronin is usually a samurai who has either lost his lord as a result of death or accident, or who has been dismissed from his overlord's service. This is a very disgraceful condition and rarely does a ronin find another lord who is willing to accept his fealty. Most ronin become bandits or other law breakers and thus, are greatly feared and assumed to be without honor

Saa! ----- So! Well, well, well! The emotional equivalent of "Is that so?!" and used to indicate an unspoken but implied disbelief at the speaker's pronouncements

Sake ----- Rice wine. There are different grades of sake and it can be served either hot or cold, depending on the type. It is typically drunk from a flat, shallow bowl. Drunkenness is acceptable in men but absolutely forbidden to women; if a wife drinks too much, it can be grounds for immediate divorce and disgrace.
Some of the grades of sake are: amazake (sweet and cloudy, served hot); hiya (served cold); karakuchi (very dry, served hot). A measure of sake, equivalent to the amount one can swallow in a single gulp (at least theoretically) is called a gou. It is very bad manners to leave any sake in your dish or to take your lips away from the rim of the dish until all the sake is gone

Sakura-mochi ----- A delicacy made from pounded sweet rice paste and cherry tree leaves

San/Sama ----- Honorifics added to a person's name. San would be the equivalent of "Mister" and Sama is the equivalent of Master. Between equals, one would address the other as (for example) Ichiro-san. If addressing a superior, one would address the other as Ichiro-sama. In the Floating World, one's family name always supercedes one's personal name (ie; Genji (family) Ichiro (personal) = Genji Ichiro). San or sama is always added to one's personal name rather than one's family name. To neglect an honorific (either accidentally or deliberately) is considered a grave insult. In the case where one does not know the person's name, one addresses the person as either Your Honor (in the case of a person of lower or equal status) or Sire (for noblemen and daimyo) or Honorable (for elders or priests)

Samurai ----- A highly skilled warrior who is entitled to wear daisho. Also, any son or daughter of a hereditary samurai family will automatically have this rank, although the women usually receive weapons training only in the naginata (long shafted spear). Male and female samurai are sworn to serve a particular lord as a retainer and receive a salary of koku or the cash equivalent, based upon their experience, training and talent. They take an oath to absolutely obey their master, even unto death. Samurai are often arrogant and touchy, valuing their honor above all else and willing to duel or even commit murder over a real or perceived slight. During battles, they wear armor of lacquered iron, cloth and bamboo. Many samurai are skilled not only with the katana but also the bow, javelin and lance; if they can afford it, owning a horse is a matter of extreme pride

Sansai ----- Hot soba or udon noodles with mountain vegetables (bracken, bamboo shoots, spinach)

Sashimi ----- Raw fish, sliced paper thin, and served in a beautiful arrangement accompanied by wasabi, soy and oshinko no. The most common sashimi is tuna; the most deadly is fugu (blowfish), because of the danger of poisoning. Fugu chefs must be specially trained and certified; if a customer dies as a result of their faulty preparation, the chef can confidently expect to lose his head

Saya-ate! ----- Scabbard strike! When one samurai allows the sheathe of his katana to strike another samurai's, it is considered an act of rudeness. A fight usually ensues. Young samurai out to prove themselves will contrive such a situation to challenge an older, more experienced warrior in the hopes of defeating him in battle and gaining face

Senzuri ----- Lit., "thousand rubs." A term for female masturbation. See also gonin ningyo

Seppuku ----- Ritual suicide practiced by bushi, samurai, daimyo and members of the nobility, both male and female. A male commits seppuku by disembowling himself with a short sword (wakizashi), part of the daisho he carries (symbolic of rank; consists of two swords - long (katana) and short (wakizashi). The person kneels, arranging his robes elegantly; the short sword is thrust into the abdomen and pulled upward, then down, then from side to side. An incredibly painful way to die and to cry out is to be disgraced further. Therefore, most who commit seppuku are assisted by a second samurai, who stands just behind with drawn sword and decapitates them as soon as they make the first cut. Thus, their honor is spared.
Women commit seppuku by cutting their throat with a dagger from left to right; this is done after they tie their legs together with a cord (so they will not thrash about and spoil the set of their robes). Women are not assisted although they may have attendents as witnesses.
Seppuku is both tragic and beautiful to the people of Wa; it is an expression of the person's committment to giri and acceptance of unmei. All samurai (which includes members of the noble houses and the daimyo class) are prepared to die at all times and to say that someone has died well is the ultimate accolade.
Voluntary seppuku is considered much more honorable than to be ordered to commit this act. Someone of higher rank may order a subordinate to commit seppuku, usually in expiation for some lapse in duty or to set an example for others. A subordinate may also choose to commit suicide voluntarily as a protest for an objectionable order or act of dishonor on the part of his overlord.
The Emperor may also order someone to die; this is usually done by sending the victim a box containing a dagger with a yellow silk cord wrapped around the hilt. If that person fails to kill themselves, they will be arrested and publically executed - the very worst fate and total dishonor for that person's entire family and clan

Shichimi ----- A mixture of seven spices which are sprinkled over udon noodles

Shigata ga nai ----- There's no help for it. This is another important phrase used often by citizens of Wa. Emotionally, this phrase is significant and carries the implication that there is no escaping one's fate and no use complaining about it, so it's best just to accept the way things are and carry on. See also unmei and kamawan

Shigi nasu ----- Long, slender eggplants that have been slit lengthwise, brushed with sweet soy and grilled until tender, then slathered in miso sauce

Shigure ni ----- "Autumn rains." A stewed dish of soy and ginger flavored vegetables

Shi'ne! ----- Die! Very emphatic; more the emotional equivalent of "Die, you mother f*cker!!"

Shinki ----- The three holy and sacred objects (sword, mirror and jewel) that form the Imperial Regalia and represent the Emperor's heavenly authority over his subjects

Shinoda maki ----- Shredded cabbage, radish and mountain ferns wrapped in sheets of tofu and tied with gourd ribbons, then simmered in a sweetened soy broth before sliced into individual rounds for serving

Shochu ----- A strong liquor made from fermented sweet potatoes. Considered an uncultured drink, fit only for peasants

Shogun ----- "Supreme General." The generalissimo, head honcho, the #1 warlord commander in chief whose rank puts him above even the most powerful daimyo. Something like a military dictator. Only the Emperor himself has more status than the Shogun. In the history of Wa, there have been only four Shoguns - three of them during a period in which the Floating World was under attack by Kara. The last was more than four centuries ago. Shoguns attain their rank by the common consensus of the daimyos, and are considered something along the lines of a divine hero - someone blessed with extraordinary luck (the favor of the gods), a more-than-ordinary person who stands above the rest

Son of Heaven ----- One of the many titles of the Emperor of Wa. Other titles include Mikado (lit.; Exalted Gate), Tenno (Heavenly Sovereign), Dai Wa Koku Ten (Emperor of the Great Empire of Wa), Hidenka (Your Imperial Highness), Heika, and Tenno Heika. Only the Emperor's mother (the Dowager Empress), his grandmother (the Grand Dowager Empress), his Empress (chief wife) and favored consorts may call him by his personal name. All others must use one of the above honorifics, at least in public

Sukebe ----- Oversexed. Not necessarily an insult, it depends on the context. To call a virile man sukebe would be considered a compliment. To say this to an unmarried maiden would be very insulting

Tabi ----- Socks worn by all citizens of Wa except the wretched poor. A very necessary part of the day-to-day wardrobe. The front is split between the big toe and the second toe, giving an almost mitten-like appearance. Tabi are worn with both zori and geta

Tanuki ----- Badger. In the Floating World, some tanuki are supernatural creatures. These badgers are human sized and usually act as warrior-priests or diviners. They are very wise and very fierce; although slow to act at first, when roused they are fearsome and unstoppable. Tanuki are also very greedy and will pledge anything in exchange for food, particularly when they are hungry

Tanuki soba ----- Soba noodles topped with spinach and deep fried crusts of tempura. Loved by tanuki

Tasukete kure! ----- Save me! Help me! Get me outta here and be quick about it!

Tatami ----- Mats used as floor covers. Consists of two layers - a straw core and a woven reed cover edged with cloth. Tatami are standardized in size (3'x6') and approximately 1/4 inch thick. The cloth edging is usually black and white

Tengu ----- A type of goblin found in forests or mountains. Has a very long nose and feathered wings. Tengu have fickle personalities; sometimes they help or protect humans, other times they play cruel tricks. It is difficult to know whether or not to trust a tengu's advice. If offended, this goblin will follow his insulter, taunting and teasing and playing nasty practical jokes, until it is satisfied

Toate-no-jutsu ----- A martial arts skill. Using the voice, augmented by one's ki energy, to kill or maim at a distance. Very difficult to master. With toate-no-jutsu, one can crush bones, shred flesh and puncture organs with the voice as one's only weapon. The price is high - each time the art is used, it subtracts a year or more from the user's life, thus aging the person more rapidly than normal and reducing their normal lifespan

"Three Visits" ----- In accordance with ancient tradition, the bridegroom "secretly" visits his intended bride and pillows with her for three nights running, leaving each dawn. After the cock's crow announced the rising sun, he would retire to his quarters and, if pleased with the experience, write his betrothed a morning-after letter. If no letter came, then it was understood that he no longer wished to join with the young lady. The bridegroom's visits were an open secret, actually scheduled with a responsible family member (who would make sure doors were left unlocked, the bride was well prepared, refreshments were at hand, etc.), but never publicly acknowledged. It was a way of allowing a potential husband the opportunity to reject an arranged union with neither himself, his family, or the bride's family losing face. And because the visits were clandestine - in a manner of speaking - the bride retained her theoretical virginity

Tsukimi wan ----- Moon viewing broth. Miso soup topped with a perfectly round fried egg or circle of tofu

Ubume ----- The ghost of a mother, one who was buried while pregnant and has given birth to a live child while entombed within the coffin. Ubume will attempt to call attention to the situation by buying candy from nearby shops and leaving leaves as payment before disappearing, or by standing on streetcorners during the night offering the apparition of a child to passers-by. Considered harmless and pitiable

Unagi no nojo wa doko desu ka? ----- Where's the eel farm? A joke phrase in Heian-kyo considered quite funny, it refers to an infamous house of male prostitution. If asked by a woman to a man, it implies the man isn't virile enough to satisfy her, thus insulting his manhood, sexual technique, experience and length/size/skill of his privy member, and also implying he is an unsophisticated oaf. Quite insulting, really

Unmei ----- Fate. Very important concept in Wa. The inhabitants of the Floating World believe that fate rules all lives and cannot be controlled or changed; once the gods have determined your path, you have no choice but to follow it. Tampering with someone's unmei can have serious consequences

Urasai! ----- Shut your face! Extremely vulgar and insulting. Used more for deliberate provacation than a genuine request for silence.

Wakizashi ----- Shortsword. Part of the samurai's daisho. Used exclusively for committing seppuku and is never used for any another purpose

Yada! ----- Yuck! Ick! How gross! What one might say after stepping on a dog turd

Yahari! ----- I knew it! An expression of triumph and vindication. Emotional equivalent of suspecting your husband is cheating you and catching the bastard in the act. Ah-hah!

Yamabushi ----- Member of a sect of martial priests of the Shinto religion who live in shrines in the mountain districts. Yamabushi are formidable warriors who have taken vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Before taking final vows, an apprentice yamabushi must kill a supernatural creature such as an oni or bakemono. They are both universally respected and feared; when roused to a state of battle fury, a yamabushi can use various occult powers to defeat his opponent; it is rumored that a trained warrior-monk can kill with the power of his voice alone. The victims of their formidable skills are usually ghosts and other supernatural beings, however periodically, these sects swarm down from their temples on Mount Heiei and attack the Imperial capital as a method of blackmailing the Emperor into paying them tribute.

Yojimbo ----- A paid bodyguard who is not the sworn retainer of the one hiring him

Yotaka ----- Literally, night hawk. The lowest rank of prostitute, usually older or unattractive women who specialize in "flute playing" - fellatio. They generally solicit customers near bridges

Yowa-yowa ----- A derogatory term which means roughly "ponce" - an effeminate man

Yukata ----- An unlined, simple cotton kimono typically worn after bathing or as a very informal housedress when in one's own private quarters

Yureii ----- A spirit of the dead who returns to earth seeking revenge. They usually appear at the Hour of the Ox (between 2-4 a.m.) and take on the form they had when alive. Yureii are most often female ghosts, as it is believed that women are more likely to harbor strong emotions and thus, come back from death as a specter. When they assume a human-like form, they have no legs and the hems of their robes trail empty along the ground. However, yureii can possess any object, like an obake, and use that as a physical conduit for their actions. They are unable to find rest until their vengeance is complete and this may take centuries; they do not roam arbitrarily but are bound to a specific place. Yureii typically kill their victims by attacking them violently and draining their life energy (ki) and blood and they are commonly known as hungry ghosts. They are limited to attempted murder on only those whom they wish to visit personal revenge upon

Zori ----- Sandals made of braided straw. Upper class people wear zori that are lined with silk