sake (sah' kee) Japanese rice wine.
succulents fleshy, juice-filled plants, sometimes called "living stones."
Fujiyama a snow-capped mountain in Japan that resembles Mount Whitney, a large mountain overlooking Owens Valley, California.
obsidian volcanic glass which holds a lethal edge and was prized by prehistoric weapon makers for arrowheads.
Jive Bombers a swing dance band named with a pun on dive bombers, reminiscent of the notorious kamikaze, or suicide bombers, who deliberately crashed planes onto the decks of American ships.
judo a technique of self-defense, using no weapons.
kendo dueling with bamboo swords.
geisha a Japanese woman trained to entertain men by engaging in pleasant conversation, singing, dancing, and playing stringed instruments. Geishas should not be confused with either waitresses or prostitutes. Their profession was highly respected and required punctilious training in grace, charm, and deportment.
firebreak an artificial barrier or plowed strip that halts the spread of fire. Firebreaks were essential to wooden camps where barracks were built so close together that desert winds could easily spread fire.
tatami mats traditional woven straw mats used as area rugs.
chignon a French twist, an arrangement that pulls hair sleekly to the side of the head and into a tight knot at the back.
Wakatsuki-san the combination of a name and a respectful title—for example, Mr. Wakatsuki, sir.
