fugu
a variety of pufferfish with lethally poisonous glands that can contaminate the flesh if prepared improperly
samurai
historical term for a member of the military caste in feudal Japan
kimono
a loose robe originating in Japan
furtive
avoiding attention because of secretiveness or guilt
stark
severely simple in appearance
inhibited
restrained due to self-consciousness
venture
an undertaking with an uncertain outcome
retrospect
contemplation of past events
contemplate
think intently and for a long time
mesmerized
having one's attention fixated as though by a spell
perplexed
confused
veranda
sheltered platform outside a house at level with the ground floor
Kamakura
seaside Japanese city south of Tokyo in the Kantō region
Chou En-lai (Zhou Enlai)
first Premier of the People's Republic of China who served in the 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s under Mao Zedong helping the Chinese Communist Party consolidate power
tatami
traditional Japanese floor-covering mat made of woven straw
