Meanings

lower and upper houses being controlled by different parties

ward council

paying upfront

record of Diet proceedings

record of Diet proceedings

learning about the world

service celebrating the birth of the Buddha (held on April 8)

service celebrating the birth of the Buddha (held on April 8)

cleaning company

gathering to remember a deceased person

service celebrating the birth of the Buddha (held on April 8)

bar association (in the USA, etc.)

democratic socialism

vernacularism

financing company

concert version (of an opera or musical)

animation studio

male-dominated society

attempting to change one's image when one starts working

European Commission (executive of the EU)