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.