The Banzai toast is very common in local Japanese weddings. Before we go into depth how it happens during a wedding, we feel a responsibility to also explain that there are multiple translations and it is important to understand all of them to help determine if this is something you really want to do. Here are some translations:
The word Banzai has been and can be used as a sort of “battle cry”. An example for this is the belief that Japanese military who bombed Pear Harbor yelled Banzai as they bombed Hawaii. For this reason, some Japanese to this day feel it is in poor taste to participate in a Banzai toast. As a backup option, the word Banzai has recently been changed to use Kampai instead. Kampai means “Empty the cup/glass” so it may not hold the same meaning as Banzai but can help to avoid unintentionally disrespecting anyone.
The word Banzai has been used as a way to greet the Japanese Emperor. For this reason, some may feel that it is disrespectful to use it when not addressing the Emperor.
The word Banzai is also believed to mean 10,000 years of life. This is the reason why it has become so popular during Japanese local weddings. When doing the Banzai toast, it is done, it is most commonly done twice as the guests first wish the Bride & Groom 10,000 years of life and the second is from the family to all of the guests wishing them 10,000 years of life. Here is how it works: Each person who leads a toast will request all guests to stand (if able) and each will first chant a few words ending with “Banzai” repeated 3 times (each louder than the last). Guests should always be instructed and encouraged to follow and chant “Banzai” (in unison) after each time the speech giver does. After everyone has chanted “Banzai” 3 times, everyone should take a sip of a beverage (traditionally sake). As guests should copy & take a sip at the end, instructions should be given in advanced to the toast starting.
The verbiage used is:
1st Toast (to the Bride & Groom): "Shinro shimpu, banzai! (pause for guests to chant “banzai!”), Banzai!! (pause for guests to chant “Banza!!”), BANZAI!!! (pause for guests to chant “BANZAI!!!”)
2nd Toast (to the guests): “Raihin shokun, banzai!" (pause for guests to chant “banzai!”), Banzai!! (pause for guests to chant “Banza!!”), BANZAI!!! (pause for guests to chant “BANZAI!!!”)
A more polite version of the 2nd Toast is to say: “Raihin no minasama, banzai!" (pause for guests to chant “banzai!”), Banzai!! (pause for guests to chant “Banza!!”), BANZAI!!! (pause for guests to chant “BANZAI!!!”)
One last thing to keep in mind is that the “Banzai toast” is really only something “local” Japanese weddings tend to incorporate. If you were in Japan, they would not be familiar with this activity so like with all traditions and customs, it is important to determine if this is something that makes sense for you to do.
Here is a video that will give you a glimpse of how a Banzai toast is executed.
Happy Planning!