Honarifics- used at the end of a name. In Japanese, the last name goes first.
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-san -"Mr.", "Miss" or "Misses" common respectfull, used most often when not knowing someone.
-sama -"Lord" or "Lady" used for a highly respected person of a high status.
-chan -"little" is closest translation, used for a child or girlfriends talking casually.
-kun -usually towards a young man or young men talking casually.
-ue -old archeic, used for someone very close such as a parent, family member or lover.
-dono -"Miss", "Mrs.", "Lady", "Mr.", "Sir" ect...very formal used for someone held dear or importance: a master.
-sensei -"teacher" or "master" very commonly used towards a teacher or master.
-senpai -used for senior colleagues or mentor figures.
-hime -lit."Princess". Adding the name+ -hime-sama is very formal respect.
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People- different positions, jobs & ranks.
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Shichimeitozoku -lit. "Seven Famed Sword Group". In the manga, it is based on the seven qualities of Bushido.
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.
Daimyo -lit."Feudal Lord" also called "Barons". Similar to todays term "Local Government". Samurai swore loyalty to Daimyo.
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!
Shogun -rich & powerful lord. Below him was the Daimyos, above him was the Emperor (which isn't a military rank).
Miko -lit."Priestess", usually of Shintoist.
Hoshi -lit."Monk", usually of Buddhism.
Ninja -Low ranking warriors. Usually served various lords as assains or spies. They originated as farmers.
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.
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.
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Terms- common words or phrases.
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Otaku -a fan of something or some one. In some cases, it can lead to an obession of worship.
Bushido -lit."The Way" refering 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 (honar).
-gami/Kami -lit."God" or "Gods" (1st type is used for combining kanji). Asian belief in many Gods/Goddesses- Polytheism.
kakkai -lit."Spirit Barrier" or spirit sheild. An invisible wall used to protect something from an outside force. Like a force field.
Ayakashi -magical spirit, something supernatural or paranormal: can refer to a ghost, demon or mythical creature.
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Weapons & Items
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katana -custom made sword, size ranges according to the height of the person.
wakizashi -a 2ft. sword usually accompanied with the katana. Primarily used for defence or close range combat.
katana-uke -arm band made of steel or iron plates sewn into the fabric or hidden. It's used to repell a swords blow.
naginata -large sickle blade at the end of a pole. Size aprox. 5-6 ft.
Kuroryuga -lit."Black Dragon Fang" name of the old sword Yoshino once wielded. It's said to have mysterious powers.
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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. A paranormal Cherry Tree is held sacred there, it conects the
physical relm to Koukai. Yoshino now lives there.
Hitokai -The Pysical Relm, the world of physical matter & science/ living world/ human world aka. our world.
Sakuyajin no Sakura -"Goddess Sakuya of the Cherry Blossom Tree". The cherry tree at Sakura Shrine. It's sacred
because it's belived to be the goddess wood sprite Sakuya. All of the shrine-keepers are now gone.
The tree acts as a vortex (passageway between dimensions) for Akatsuki to travel freely between relms.
Takamagahara -"the higher heavenly plain" the sky and the abode of the sky gods. It is connected to the earth through the
bridge Ama-no-uki-hashi. This is were the gods hold council, sitting on large rocks in a dried out river.
Ten -"heaven" another heavenly relm where the formless Gods reside. In Buddhism it refers to the 3 relms of exsistance. In
this relm, the soul has reached Nivana- enlightenment by not having desires & broke free from the circle of suffering.
Yomi -lit."Darkness" The land of Darkness, The Underworld or Hell. The world where demons dwell in dark caverns.
Nakachuu -lit."Middle Space" The world between this world & the next. The astral plane. Where many spiritual creatures
reside. It's said that the Oni comes from this world.
Kurushiimaru -lit."suffering circle" the circle of life.
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