What does Banzai mean? How did this expression come about?

Do you know the meaning of the word Banzai? Why do the Japanese shout this expression? When do they shout Banzai? What is the origin of this expression? What is Banzai Charge? We will answer everything in this article.

Is Banzai just a simple interjection in the Japanese language used to greet someone and wish them long life and prosperity? Before we start, let’s leave a summary below:

The meaning of the word Banzai

The word Banzai [万歳] that the Japanese usually shout literally means 10 thousand (万) years of life (歳 – age). A word with an equivalent meaning to “Long live the King” and things like that!

Nowadays it is still confused as a war cry, mainly because the kamikaze shouted Banzai before blowing themselves up in World War II. For this reason, the shout is often associated with the practice of desperate actions.

But nowadays the Japanese shout Banzai with the meaning of “Hooray”, “Long Life”, “Hurrah!” and things like that. Today its meaning has nothing to do with wars or greeting the emperor. Banzai has always meant long life or 10 thousand years of life.

Origin of the word banzai

The word originated in the Meiji period, when the Japanese attacked in war, they shouted banzai in greeting to their emperor. Initially, the word was part of the expression “Tennoheikabanzai” (天皇陛下万岁) which means “Long live the Emperor“.

All countries tend to have their version of Banzai, or a war cry! Going into details about the origin of the word (万歳), it has roots in classical Chinese, from which the same expression derived for Mandarin ‘wànsuì” or Cantonese “maan6 seoi3” (萬歳), Korean ‘mansé (만세 / 萬歲) and even Vietnamese (vạn tuế).

Therefore, the expression, although popularized by its Japanese use, did not initially arise in Japan; it is a common expression that can be used and created in any language.

Banzai Charge – Japanese Infantry Frontal Attack

Banzai Charge or gyokusai [玉砕] or banzai totsugeki [バンザイ突撃] is the term used by the Allies to refer to a mass frontal attack by the Japanese infantry military forces.

Its origin also comes from the war cry we just talked about. This shout was formed in the traditional Japanese armed forces when they launched an attack, speaking for a higher goal or a conquest.

Banzai Charge specifically refers to a tactic used by Japanese soldiers during the Pacific War. This tactic resulted in some successful feats at the end of the battle, in which the American enemies were unprepared.

Despite all this, the banzai charge can be considered one of the least efficient strategies used in the Pacific War, due to the casualty rate among Japanese and Americans.

The Banzai Charge became better known in the Sino-Japanese War by the Chinese and the Allies in the Battle of Guadalcanal. Japanese soldiers shout the banzai cry for the conquest of a goal.

Why do the Japanese shout Banzai?

Nowadays the Japanese shout banzai three times at festivities, being a peaceful and happy expression. There are other occasions when the Japanese shout such as:

• When someone gets married.
• When accepted into a prestigious university;
• At some birthday parties;
• A colleague who was promoted in a company;

Some shout and make a big jump with their hands up. Or others simply raise their hands up. Banzai is a famous war cry and celebration in Japan and even in the West.

Banzai has become one of the most chosen words in businesses, enterprises, and stores that have origins or allude to some country in the East. Be it restaurants, shops, and martial arts schools.

It is a quite simple term with not many secrets, I hope this article has answered your questions.

Alternatives to Banzai

If you are looking for alternatives to this expression, here are some options:

1. Yatta! (やった！): Expression of joy and satisfaction, like “I did it!” or “We did it!”.
2. Ganbaru (頑張る): Means “to do one’s best” or “to strive”, used to encourage someone to give their best.
3. Sugoi! (すごい！): Expression of surprise and admiration, similar to “amazing!” or “impressive!”.
4. Katsu! (勝つ！): Means “to win” and can be used in competition or challenge situations.
5. Saikou! (最高！): Translates to “the best” or “the maximum”, expressing enthusiasm and admiration.