Honorifics- used at the end of a name. In Japanese, the last name goes first.
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-chan -"little" is closest translation, used for a child or girlfriends talking casually.
-dono -"Miss", "Mrs.", "Lady", "Mr.", "Sir" ect...very formal used for someone held dear or importance: a master.
-hime -lit."Princess"
-kun -usually towards a young man or young men talking casually.
-sama -"Lord" or "Lady" used for a highly respected person of a high status.
-san -"Mr.", "Miss" or "Misses" common respectful, used most often when not knowing someone.
-senpai -used for senior colleagues or mentor figures.
-sensei -"teacher" or "master" very commonly used towards a teacher or master.
-ue -old archaic, used for someone very close such as a parent, family member or lover
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People- different positions, jobs & ranks.
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Bushi -lit."Warrior" born into a clan of honarable military tradtion.
Bushi-onna -lit."Warrior Women". Women who were left without their husbands decided to defend themselves. They usually used a kaiken
(dagger) or naginata while some used a sword to deliver a lethal blow. If loosing a battle they prefer fighting untill death or perform Jigai- ritual
suicide by slicing their throat to perserve their honar. Some women fighters would lead a group of warriors or fight alone, managing to defeat the
enemy!
Daimyo -lit."Feudal Lord" also called "Barons". Similar to todays term "Local Government". Samurai swore loyalty to Daimyo.
Geisha -Women who live together in a district who are taught traditional arts by their superier lady. They are trained in the arts of flower
aranging, music, dance, haiku & serving men. It's a very strict tradition with barely any time off.
Hoshi -lit."Monk", usually of Buddhism.
Miko -lit."Priestess", usually of Shintoist.
Ninja -Low ranking warriors. Usually served various lords as assains or spies. They originated as farmers.
Shichimeitozoku -lit. "Seven Famed Sword Group". In the manga, it is based on the seven qualities of Bushido.
Ranks -Daimyo have different ranks: Minor Lord, Major Lord, Warlord, Conqueror & Unifier. Officers also have different ranks: Cheif, Captain, Lt.
General & General. Please read Five Scrolls for more information regarding military ranks, government & politics of Koukai.
Ronin -lit. "Hired Sword". Yoshino is a ronin, a samurai without a master to serve. A Ronin's existance went to a certain extent against the
principles of the Samurai. The title Ronin took place after Nobushi- hired services without a lord.
Samurai -Particular class of warrior which defended the Daimyos that are highly trained in military arts. They have a strong sence of morals,
common sence & a rightous presence. They prefer dying in battle than on a bed. If loosing a battle, some may perform seppaku (aka: hatakiri)-
ritual suicide by cutting their abdomen & then being decapitated by a fellow samurai to preserve their honar.
Shogun -rich & powerful lord. Below him was the Daimyos, above him was the Emperor (which isn't a military rank).
Vassel -a retainer, one who serves loyally to their master. They carry out their orders, perform certain tasks & never leave their masters side,
even for an instant.
Yamabushi -lit. "Mountain Warriors", they're Buddhist Monks that live in the mountains & were keen warriors. They often used their Shakujo or
Naginata in combat. When an enemy was in sight, they blow on a huge conch shell that they carry on their waist.The legend of the Tengu may
have originated from stories of Yamabushi. Kagekiri was a Yamabushi that transformed into a Tengu because he fell from grace.
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Terms- common words or phrases.
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Ayakashi -magical spirit, something supernatural or paranormal: can refer to a ghost, demon or mythical creature.
Bakemono -also similar to Obake & Yokai. Usually means "monster" & can be almost anything, like a Nekomata (two-tailed cat). Bakemono are
the "main class" of mythological creatures.
Bushido -lit."The Way" referring to The Way of the Samurai. In tradition there are seven aspects of the Samurai: Yuuki
(courage), Jin (benevolence), Gi (justice), Rei (courtesy), Makoto (sincerity), Chugi (loyalty) & Meiyo (Honor).
Fief -medieval term which describes a land with peasants & officers living within it. It is controlled by a single ruler. The more powerful that ruler
is, the larger the fief. Size can increase based on how many battles were won (by stealing the losers land & people) & aliances...however, alliances
were often easily broken.
-Gami/Kami -lit."God" or "Gods" (1st type is used for combining kanji). Can also translate to divine beings or celestrals.
Kakkai -lit."Spirit Barrier" or spirit shield. An invisible wall used to protect something from an outside force. Like a force field.
Obake -a magical spirit, supernatural creature or monster.
Otaku -a fan of something or some one. In some cases, it can lead to an obsession or worship.
Yokai -often translated as "demon" but that is incorrect. Yokai are related to Obake, but more interactive with humans. They are curious,
mischiveous & sometimes malevolent.
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Weapons & Items
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katana -custom made sword, size ranges according to the height of the person.
katana-uke -arm band made of steel or iron plates sewn into the fabric or hidden. It's used to repell a swords blow.
Kuroryuga -lit."Black Dragon Fang" name of the old sword Yoshino once wielded. It's said to have mysterious powers.
naginata -large sickle blade at the end of a pole. Size aprox. 5-6 ft.
shakujo -staff carried by Buddhist monks & preists. They often have brass rings on top in a circular decoraction.
wakizashi -a 2ft. sword usually accompanied with the katana. Primarily used for defence or close range combat.
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Places
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Koukai -lit."Ancient World" or "Old World". The relm where Yoshino lives & where the manga story takes place.
Sakura Shrine -Old, haunted shrine once used by Shintoist. It's said a Kodama inhabits the Cherry Blossom Tree. The
shrine is guarded by a malicious Hoko, only Yoshino has been able to safty pass the monsters gaze.
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