Butsudan Buddhist altar to honor ancestors and the recently dead.
-chan Diminutive suffix added to names, especially of children.
Giants A Tokyo baseball team.
Gyoza Meat filled pastry squares.
Hajimemashite I am happy to make your acquaintance.
Heart Sutra A popular Buddhist writing, whose central doctrine is “Form is a void, the void is form.”
Hikikomori This is the word used to describe Japanese youths who refuse to leave their parents’ house, shut themselves in their rooms and reduce their contact with the family to the minimum. The period of time varies. Some spend up to 15 years or even longer shut in. How many hikikomoris there are remains uncertain, as many are concealed for fear of the stigma involved. According to estimates, between 100,000 and 320,000 young people fall victim to it. The main cause is believed to be the huge demands to conform and achieve in school and society.
Itadakimasu Said before a meal: I accept it with humility.
Kampai A toast: Cheers!
Kanjou Feeling.
Karaage Fried chicken.
Miyajima An area of beautiful countryside in Nihon.
Otousan Father, often used to address the husband.
Period of mourning In Japan this traditionally lasts for 7 weeks, after which the urn containing the remains of the deceased is placed in the grave. Cremation takes place at the funeral soon after death.
-san Suffix attached to a family name to indicate respect.
Senbei Rice cakes.
Sensei Teacher.
Yokan Sweet dish of azuki beans.