baishakunin: Go-between for arranged marriages; matchmaker.

Issei: First-generation Japanese immigrant in America.

judo: A form of Jujitsu developed as a sport and a means of self-defense without the use of weapons.

kabuki: A form of Japanese drama dating from the 17th century, it is based on popular themes, with male and female roles performed exclusively by men, chiefly in formalized pantomime, dance, and song.

ken: A prefecture.

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

kenjinkai: Association of people who came from the same prefecture in Japan.

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

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

sashimi: Thin slices of raw fish.

shou ga nai: It can't be helped. There's nothing one can do.

Yonsei: American-born great-grandchildren of Japanese immigrants; fourth-generation Japanese American.