Banzai

The term “banzai” (meaning “ten thousand years”) refers to a Japanese cheer, which involves shouting “Banzai!” and raising both arms with clenched fists towards the sky. This salute can express joy and celebration, but it is also famously known as a battle cry used by Japanese soldiers, particularly in World War II, to signal hope for the emperor’s long reign, although the wartime usage is now viewed with controversy.

Modern use

• Joy and celebration: It is still used as a cheer for happiness and triumph, such as at a wedding or a sporting victory.
• Formal acclamation: A three-time “banzai” chant is performed at events like the enthronement of the Japanese Emperor.

Wartime use

• Emperor worship: Japanese soldiers often shouted “Tennouheika Banzai” (“Long live the Emperor”) to show respect and loyalty to the Emperor.
• Last resort: The term is associated with a “banzai charge,” where soldiers would make a final, often suicidal, attack in a losing battle.
• Symbol of hope: The act was a way to express the wish for the Emperor’s long and prosperous reign, even in the face of death.

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] wikipedia/en/Ten_thousand_years

[2] https://www.thoughtco.com/important-japanese-gestures-2028031

[3] https://www.quora.com/What-does-tenno-heika-banzai-mean

[4] https://www.facebook.com/THexplore/posts/why-did-the-japanese-use-banzai-chargesthe-noun-banzai-pronounced-bonzeye-means-/4793745614051782/

[5] https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/banzai

[6] https://www.quora.com/Japanese-have-tennoheika-banzai-as-their-last-words-before-a-suicide-charge-if-soldiers-from-other-countries-in-WW2-were-to-do-a-suicide-charge-too-what-would-their-line-be-like

[7] wikipedia/en/Banzai_charge