progress; improvements in social welfare. / Personal progress, usually in the development of a skill.

To improve (in reference to a society's technological capability or general quality of life). / To advance in proficiency; to make progress in the development of a skill.

to be astonished, surprised, amazed, startled

to get a big surprise; to be astonished

lo and behold

technology; technique; technical

the past and present / Short for 古今雛 (kokin-bina):

Short for 古今和歌集 (Kokin Wakashū): a waka anthology compiled in 905 / a surname

the past and present / old and new / the interval between the past and present; also, such a history

a surname