(o)kayu: Gruel.

ironna mono tabeta: Ate various things.

Issei: First-generation Japanese immigrant in America.

kendo: Japanese traditional fencing, in which a bamboo sword is used.

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

mochi gome: Rice used for making mochi.

mochi: Japanese rice cake.

Nihongo: Japanese language.

Nisei: American-born children of Japanese immigrants; second-generation Japanese Americans.

oyakoko: Filial piety; respect and tender care of parents.

sake: Japanese liquor; rice wine.

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

shoyu: Soy sauce.

shuushin: Ethics, moral training.

tsukudani: Preserved food boiled in soy.