Lady Samurai

Glossary

All foreign phrases are typed in cursive when appearing in text for the first time, indicating that they have their explanation in the Glossary.

Affinity - relationship by ties other than those of blood.

Arigatō - Japanese for 'thank you'. The Japanese have many ways of saying 'thank you'. In general, the longer the phrase the more gratitude is expressed ('Dōmo Arigatōgozaimashita').

Bakufu - The Tokugawa Shōgunate government.

Black Ships - The name given to Western vessels arriving in Japan. Here referred to as the fleet of ships brought by Commodore Perry.

Bō - A long staff used in Japanese martial arts.

Bokken - Japanese wooden sword used for training. Usually the size and shape of katana.

Bushido - ('the way of the warrior') Japanese term for the samurai way of life, praising the honour, courage and loyalty.

-Chan - a suffix used with a person's name as an endearment, used for children and loved ones.

Cheongsam - a classic dress for Chinese women which features a straight collar, a fitted waist and slits on both sides of the dress.

Compulsory Residence (Sankin-kōtai) - (literally 'alternate attendance') a policy of the Tokugawa Shōgunate during most of the Edo period in Japan (time of the Shōgun's supremacy). It was the requirement that every Daimyō move periodically between Edo and his domain, typically spending alternate years in each place. His family was required to remain in Edo as hostages while he was away. There were some exceptions from the rule.

Daimyō - Powerful Japanese feudal lords, who ruled most of Japan from their vast, hereditary held domains.

Dōjō - (literally 'place of the Way') A hall or space for immersive learning or meditation. Often used for martial arts practice.

Gai-Jin - (literally 'outside person') Japanese phrase for westerners and any other non-Japanese. For a time had pejorative connotations.

Geisha - Traditional Japanese female entertainers who act as hostesses. Their skills include performing various arts such as classical music, dance, games and conversation. Traditionally entertaining male customers.

Geta - A form of traditional Japanese footwear that resemble wooden clogs and flip-flops.

Haha - Japanese for 'mother'.

Hai - Japanese for 'yes'.

Haiku - A traditional form of Japanese poetry. They consist of 3 lines; first and third lines should have 5 syllables and the middle has 7 syllables.

Hakama - Type of traditional Japanese clothing. Trousers worn over a kimono, allowing horse riding and fighting.

Hashi - Chopsticks.

Īe - Japanese for 'no'.

Jinbaori - A type of Japanese short coat without sleeves, which a high-ranking samurai wore over his armour or clothing for protection against the elements and as a display of his status and his Mon, family crest.