baishakunin: Go-between for arranged marriages; matchmaker.
gaman: Patience, perseverance.
hakujin: Caucasian(s); white(s).
Issei: First-generation Japanese immigrant in America.
karuta: Card game played at New Year's.
Kibei: American-born person of Japanese ancestry sent to Japan for formal education and socialization when young and later returned to the U.S.
miso: Soybean paste, often used in Japanese cooking.
Nihonjin: Japanese person(s).
Nihonjinkai: An association of Japanese people.
obasan: Aunt; middle-aged lady.
Obon: The summer Bon festival, a Buddhist festival, which honors ancestors.
onkyuu: Pension.
sake: Japanese liquor; rice wine.
samurai: Japanese warrior or military class during feudal times in Japan.
sensei: A teacher.
shikata ga nai: It can't be helped. There's nothing one can do.
shoyu: Soy sauce.
yama: Mountain.
yamato damashi: The Japanese spirit; faithfulness to one's homeland, usually in reference to Japan.
yen: The basic monetary unit of Japan.