五位鷺: black-crowned night heron

(Japanese mythology) the first of the sons of 天照 (Amaterasu) (along with 天穂日 (Ama no Hohi), 天津彦根 (Amatsuhikone), 活津彦根 (Ikutsuhikone) and 熊野櫲樟日 (Kumanokusuhi)) who were given birth by 素戔嗚 (Susa no O) by chewing her jewels during the 誓約 (ukei, “oath”) to test his intent seeking refuge in her heavenly domain (the five sons were hers; the three daughters she gave birth to were his); he was sent by his mother to rule the land of 葦原の中つ国 (Ashihara no Nakatsukuni), but ultimately he recommended his son 瓊瓊杵 (Ninigi) instead

(idiomatic) out of the blue, bolt from the blue, great surprise

帝国主義: imperialism

先駆者: trailblazer, pioneer

the ears of someone sleeping / something heard while sleeping

whispering into someone's ear

to whisper into someone's ear

(idiomatic) to listen closely

ear