1

Boiled rice pressed into balls sometimes taken for a simple lunch.

2

Lines by Hakkyoi, a great poet of ancient China.

3

On the occasion of Buddhist funeral ceremonies, and at religious ceremonies held on the anniversary of a death, it is a common custom to set at freedom caged birds for the peace of the spirit of the deceased.

4

A koku is about four bushels; in feudal days it was customary to pay the samurai in rice.

5

A samurai who had renounced his clan and become a wanderer.

6

A samurai of lower rank whose business it was to serve his lord with tea, and who was often master of the tea ceremonies. He had his head shaven like a priest—hence the name “tea-priest.”