御

poem written by the Emperor or a member of the imperial family

year-end office closing (usu. Dec. 28)

Calopteryx atrata (species of damselfly)

Oie school of calligraphy (based on the gyōsho style; popular in the Edo period); Sonen school; Shorenin school

very common way of tying a woman's kimono sash

annual New Year's poetry reading (held at the Imperial Court)

blood of Christ (Eucharist)

diaper rash; nappy rash

door separating the inner castle from the outer castle (Edo period)

shogun-authorized trading vessel (authorised)

Prefix

honorific or polite prefix

to withdraw from the presence (of the Emperor)

Canadian dwarf cornel (Cornus canadensis); bunchberry dogwood; crackerberry

river in which worshippers wash their hands (and rinse their mouth) prior to entering a shrine

northern groundcone (Boschniakia rossica)

fish

After addressee in letters, etc.

... and Company; Messrs; for the attention of ...

(high-quality) silk crepe (fabric)

Food, cooking

daikon, etc. trimmings, usu. added to rice

sitting between the host and guest of honour at a drinking party (honor); companion

Product name

Oyudono no ue no nikki (Collection of diaries on the daily life in the imperial court)

ridged cracks that form in the ice on Lake Suwa

(Japanese) imperial succession

re-opening of offices in New Year (usu. January 4)