Gingko (n.)
A tree, also known as the Maidenhair tree and alternatively spelled as ginkgo. The Japanese people add ginkgo seeds, called ginnan, to various dishes.
hidebound (adj.)
conventional, orthodox, reactionary, conservative
commiseration (n.)
sympathy, solace, consolation
demurely (adv.)
modestly, unassumingly, meekly
contemplate (v)
meditate over something, ponder, dwell on
tatami (n.)
Floor-mat used in a traditional Japanese house.
naïveté (n.)
innocence, simplicity, lack of worldly experiences.
Miai (n.)
traditional Japanese custom in which two young people are introduced as part of an arranged marriage
veranda (n.)
a covered porch or platform attached to the outside of a house
Sake (n.)
a Japanese rice wine
villa (n.)
A large, sprawling house, usually in the countryside
Inflexions (n.)
change in the pitch or tone of voice which reveals certain connotations or feelings on the part of the speaker
treachery (n.)
a betrayal of trust
Geisha (n.)
Japanese woman who hosts and entertains with song, dance, and conversations
tortoise (n.)
a species of reptile which looks similar to a turtle but lives on land rather than in water
Sensei (n.)
a teacher of Japanese martial arts, or, more broadly, a term of address for any teacher or respected person (noun)
complacency (n.)
lack of desire to act or change a situation
extoll (v.)
to praise
integrity (n.)
honesty and moral uprightness
