Emperor of Japan Receives Surprise “BANZAI” Salute

Emperor of Japan, Akihito, receives surprise “BANZAI” salute from the audience during a ceremony held on August 15th in Tokyo Budokan marking the 71st anniversary of WW2 end.

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[hamanakohamaneko]

In case you don't know, Banzai doesn't mean "Charge" but it means "Ten Thousand Years" or "Long live". When the soldiers charged they shouted "Tenno Heika Banzai" which means "Long live the Emperor"

[GavinTheFifer]

The last time someone received a surprise Banzai there was more gunfire

[schizosamurai]

The absolute giga balls of the first guy shouting banzai.

[mr.t]

One man had the courage to say what everyone was thinking.

[mcaddicts]

I want to see him and Queen Elizabeth in a foot race.

[hugodesrosiers-plaisance]

Imagine waking up in the morning, putting your slippers on, and remembering you're a real life Emperor.

[reallyFrogman]

Some random Japanese guy: "BANZAI!"

Every Chinese spy there: 👀👀👀👀

[hugodesrosiers-plaisance]

I love the contrast between how "socially restrictive" Japanese society seems, and how it's okay for one guy to just randomly shout traditional greetings at the Emperor in the middle of a crowded auditorium.

[hpept]

when an Emperor bows in font of his people you realize it's another culture.

[sjoak]

Japan addressing the Emperor: "Banzai!!!"


95 year old Americans: *Ah shit, here we go again*

[Shaunsters]

Fun fact: The word banzai has two different meanings the first being a Japanese battle cry and second being a greeting towards the emperor.

[ElKeshaOficial]

This is important because the emperor almost never bows, one important exception being when saluting war heroes. Before WW2 the emperor used to visit the Yasukuni shrine to pay respects to war heroes and Japanese soldiers were well aware of this. They knew that if they died in combat the emperor himself will come to pay respects. 'See you at Yasukuni' was a commonly used phrase to say goodbye among soldiers. However the emperor (since Hirohito) has stopped visiting the shrine allegedly because WW2 war criminals from Tokyo Trial were 'secretly' included in the shrine's 'book of souls'. Now they have a separate ceremony (that you see in the video) outside the shrine.

[mats]

he looks like a friendly grandpa from next door...

[ToastedFanArt]

I love watching a video and having no idea what's going on

[dreww]

It’s like yelling the shorten version of “long live the emperor!” literally meaning “10, 000 years”

The story behind this is, Akihito announced his retiring plan a week before this ceremony.
The salute has nothing to do with the Empire or the militarism. It is a tribute to an 82-year-old man devoted his whole life to his country.

[MozrowDrops]

When the grass starts shouting
Tenno Heika Banzai
ｏｈｇｏｄｏｈｆｕｃｋ

[eleliart]

Emperor: *bows*

*camera sounds intensifie*

[YUKQyuk]

Banzai means 10, 000 year, which could be translated into "long live the king!"

[morbius]

I have always admired the quiet dignity and grace of the Imperial Family. Their Majesties are the epitome of polite elegance. May they enjoy good health and peace in their retirement.