It might be difficult to understand the books in the Library (from the Nexus), but other than that, it's pretty easy to play. Most of the game doesn't have text anyway; when it does, understanding it will not hinder gameplay. As for the Effects, I would recommend remembering one character of the word to help you remember the Effect (for 舞妓, which is the name for the Maiko effect, the last character looks like two people dancing, which reminds me of the fact that a Maiko dances).