"rice gruel"
Rice porridge made by soaking rice in water and cooking it over heat (also known as "congee").
kimonos
The long, loose-sleeved, traditional robe of Japan worn by both men and women, usually tied with a thick sash and worn for special occasions.
steerage
Historically, it is the part of a ship that holds the passengers with the cheapest tickets. Literally, it is the action of steering a ship.
berth
Bunks and beds on different forms of transportation; in the case, a ship.
porthole
A small window on a ship or plane.
"indigo silk"
Indio, a bluish color, was a very rare pigment of the time. Only the extremely rich could wear such lavish fabrics as "indigo silk".
"geisha house"
A house in Japanese culture where women would entertain men, sometimes with dancing, food, music, and conversation. Other times it held a sexual implication.
"lay in our berths in a dull stupor"
Extremely sleepy, dosing off, and in a state of unconsciousness.
"prayed out loud to Kannon"
Kannon is the Japanese version (in the religion of Buddism) of the Chinese goddess, a "bodhisattva of mercy and compassion".
melancholy
A feeling of deep sadness, usually without an obvious reason
gangplank
The wooden board used as a ramp from the ship for disembarkment.
"in America you got nothing for free"
The Japanese ladies labored in the fields, having to deal with the greedy, cruel owners. They learned they had to work extremely hard to survive.
