baishakunin: A matchmaker; a go-between for arranged marriages.

hakujin: Caucasian(s), white(s).

ikebana: Flower arrangement; the art of floral arrangement.

Issei(s): First generation Japanese immigrant(s) in America.

miso: Soybean paste, often used in Japanese cooking.

Nisei(s): American born children of Japanese immigrants; second generation Japanese Americans.

Sansei: American born grandchildren of Japanese immigrants; third generation Japanese Americans.