Japanese Crochet

This is what I am currently befudded by ... some of it makes a little sense. I am actually almost understanding this pattern. There's another pattern for a super duper cute tissue holder I would love to make, but that pattern is even more confusing for me right now. It's actually crocheted flat, but the diagrams have big blank spots in them for which I really need text. This is the tissue holder, I can't really get help on the pattern w/o a copyright violation. :(
I really want to understand this ... I love Japanese design, it is so innovative.