Issei: First-generation Japanese immigrant in America.

kimono: A robe with wide sleeves and a sash, part of traditional costume of Japanese men and women.

koto: A Japanese harp or zither.

miso: Soybean paste, often used in Japanese cooking.

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

otonashii: obedient; docile.

sake: Japanese liquor; rice wine.

shakuhachi: Five-holed bamboo wind instrument.

shamisen: A Japanese instrument, similar to a banjo.