gobo: Burdock root.

hanbun: Half.

hinamatsuri: Girls' (or Dolls') Festival which is celebrated on March 3.

Issei: First-generation Japanese immigrant in America.

ken: A prefecture.

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

konnyaku: Food made of solidified jelly.

koto: A Japanese harp or zither.

matsutake: A well-known type of mushroom with distinct smell, which are found under pine trees, and are very expensive.

Nihonmachi: Japantown.

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

Obon: The summer Bon festival, a Buddhist festival, which honors ancestors.

samurai: Japanese warrior or military class during feudal times in Japan.

su: Breeding place; den.

tempura: Deep-fried fish and vegetables in a light batter.

umani: Fish, meat, and vegetables stewed in a thick, sweet sauce of soy sauce, sugar and mirin.

yukata: An informal kimono for summer wear.