chanoyu: The tea ceremony; the art of ceremonial tea-making.

inu: Literally dog, a commonly used term for Japanese Americans who were perceived as being informants for the WRA administration and other governmental authorities.

Issei: First generation Japanese immigrants in America.

Kibei: American born person of Japanese ancestry sent to Japan for formal education and socialization when young and later returned to the U.S.

kōden: A monetary offering to a departed spirit, a condolence gift, money given in honor of the memory of one who has died.

Nishi Hongwanji: Name of a temple in Kyoto, Japan, which is the training site for the Jōdo Shinshū sect of Buddhism.

sushi: Vinegared rice with fish, etc.