Popular toast in Japan, which literally means "10,000 years" or "myriad". It literally means "Hail" or "Hurray" or "Hurrah" and is said to bring joy and happiness for 10,000 years. The saying is repeated three times and is accompanied by the raising of both arms. In the Pacific War USA against Japan (World War II) Banzai was the infantry counterpart to the Japanese Kamikaze attacks from the air. The word was adopted from Chinese and used to honour the emperor, but since the end of the Second World War it has also been used as a general expression of joy and enthusiasm and even as a toast. Another toast is "Kampai" (Chinese Gānbēi), which means "dry/empty glass". See other countries under toasts, as well as under intoxication and wine enjoyment.
The Wine lexicon helps me to keep up to date and refresh my knowledge. Thank you for this Lexicon that will never end in terms of topicality! That's what makes it so exciting to come back often.
Thorsten Rahn
Restaurantleiter, Sommelier, Weindozent und Autor; Dresden