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T he following terms are used throughout this series.

Aijin (愛人): Geisha Mistress, leader

Anata (あなた): Literally translated “you” in English; an intimate term of endearment

Azukaridokoro (預所): Deputy to Daimyo

Bāchan (祖母): Affectionate term; loosely translated as “Grandma”

Bokken (木剣): Wooden practice sword

Cho-han (丁半): Gambling game played with dice, literally “Even-odd”

Chonmage (丁髷): Traditional topknot haircut

Chuui (中尉): Ship’s lieutenant

Dai Shogun (大将軍): Great General; commander of Emperor’s armies

Daijo-daijin (太政官): Grand Minister of State; similar to a Prime Minister; leader of Grand Council of State

Daijokan (太政官): Grand Council of State; the Emperor’s Privy Council

Daimyo (大名): Clan leader, often a military leader who ruled a large territory in the Emperor’s name. Ruled an area known as a Han

Do (度): A Samurai’s chest covering; a breastplate

Eboshi (烏帽子): Formal headwear, normally reserved for court officials

Fudai (譜代): Leader of town, village or key trade route. Most often relative of Daimyo

Fusoku Fi: A Wind Walker, one who wields kokyu over the winds

Fusoku ki (風速器): Pirate Wind Walker

Geisha (芸者): One whose profession is offering non-sexual pleasure to others

Gūji (宮司): Abbot or leader of Shinto Shrine

Haha (母): Affectionate term loosely translated “Mama” or “Mom”

Han (漢): A region governed by a clan/Daimyo

Hatamoto (畑本): Chief Samurai; leader of Samurai within a Han

Honjin (本陣): An inn; generally catered to government officials, the upper classes, and Samurai

Itadakimasu (いただきます): Traditional phrase used before eating; literally translated, “We humbly receive”

Jisha-bugyo (寺社奉行): Minister of Rites

Jodai (城代): Head of a household; a castellan

Jōnin (上忍): High Ninja; leader of Ninjas

Jūji (住持): Abbot or leader of a Buddhist temple

Junkenshi (巡見使): Spymaster

Kabuto (兜): An armored helmet

Kaizoku ou (海賊王): Pirate Leader

Kanjo bugyo (勘定奉行): Minister of Finance

Kanmuri (冠): Headwear usually donned for formal occasions by nobles or high ranking officials

Kannushi (神主): Shinto monk

Kanpai! (乾杯): A toast, “Cheers!”

Kansatsushi (観察使): Inspector; ensures Han are ruled well by Daimyo

Kashin Koji (果心居士): Magician

Kobun (子分): Pirate strong man, enforcer

Konoe no Daisho (近衛大将): Head of Royal Guard

Kotako (皇太子): Crown Prince

Mahou (魔法): Magic

Naginata (薙刀): Pole-weapon favored by Sōhei (warrior monks); a long curved blade mounted on a two or three foot pole

Niwashi (庭師): A gardener

Nyogo (女御): Concubine

Ochoko (猪口): Sake cup

ōhiroma (大広間): Audience chamber where guests are received in a formal setting

Onna-musha (女武者): Band of female Samurai living in mountains near Bara

Ouji (王子): Prince

Ri (里): Unit of measure; 1 ri = 2.44 miles

Ryu no kokyu (竜 息): Magic; literally “Dragon’s Breath”

Sabani (サバニ): Wooden fishing boat

Sadaijin (左大臣): Minister of the Left; has oversight of Arts, Sciences literally “teacher”

Sensei (先生): Literally translated “one who comes before,” a teacher or leader in an Academy

Seppuku (切腹): Ritual Samurai suicide involving disembowelment

Shinshoku (神職): Shinto priest

Shoji (庄司): Sliding door made of paper

Sobo (祖母): Grandmother

Sōhei (僧兵): Buddhist warrior monk

Sokutai (束帯): Formal robe of a Shinto priest

Sosai (総裁): Leader of Shinto religion, only the Emperor is superior. Historically, the Sosai was the head priestess of the Ise Shrine.

Tachi (薙刀): Sword favored by Sōhei (warrior monks); curved, single-edged sword

Taichou: Captain of a pirate ship

Taikotaigo (太鼓台): Emperor’s grandmother

Tantō (短刀): A short sword designed for piercing or stabbing

Tennō (天皇): Emperor

Tera (寺): Buddhist Temple

Udaijin (右大臣): Minister of the Right; has oversight of Military subordinate to Minister of the Left

Uneme (羽州探題): Personal servant to Emperor and Empress; most often served their meals, etc.

Wakō (倭寇): Pirate

Yumi (弓): A traditional, asymmetric bow, may be long (daikyū) or short (hankyū)