Occasionally when we go to weddings, I get asked if I know how to say the traditional "Banzai" toast in Japanese. I can always remember the two phrases, but can never remember which is which. (If you are local, you probably know what I am talking about.)
First of all, it is traditional for the the toastmaster to ask everyone in the audience to stand during the toasting. When the toastmaster yells "Banzai", the person should raise both arms in the air (like a referee indicating a touchdown), then everyone in the audience follows with the "Banzai" reply, also raising their arms into the air (leaving their drinks on the table). The "Banzai" cheer is done three times. Drink after third Banzai. Finally, the louder the Banzai, the more luck is wished during the toast.
If I am asked to do a Banzai toast, I usually forego the microphone when yelling "Banzai!" (at the top of my lungs), to encourage the crowd to yell as loud as they can in reply. Banzai toast from the guest to the bride and groom is usually done by a friend of the family, and Banzai toast from the bride and groom to the guest is usually done by a family member (uncle, brother, etc).
With the help of Hiroshi "The Singing Salesman" Suga, I now present probably the first ever Banzai documentation on the Internet:
Banzai from guests to bride and groom:
(longer version)
Shinro to shimpu no, kongo no go-kenko to, go-tako wo inori, "Banzai" wo, sansho sasete itadaki masu.
(shorter version starts here)
Shinro shimpu, banzai! (Crowd reply: Banzai!)
Banzai! (Crowd reply: Banzai!)
Banzai! (Crowd reply: Banzai!)
Banzai from bride and groom to guests:
(longer version)
Go-raihin no go-kenko to, go-tako wo inori, "Banzai" wo, sansho sasete itadaki masu.
(shorter version starts here)
Raihin no minasama, banzai! (Crowd reply: Banzai!)
Banzai! (Crowd reply: Banzai!)
Banzai! (Crowd reply: Banzai!)
Both longer versions wish for respective parties good health and happiness.
Most common "Banzai" from the guests to the honoree is as follows:
(Japanese)
______ san no Yakudoshi, mata, kongo no go-kenko to, go-seiei wo inori, "Banzai" wo, sansho sasete itadaki masu. ______ san, "Banzai", "Banzai", "Banzai." Domo arigato gozaimashita.
(English)
On this auspicious occasion of Mr. ______'s Yakudoshi, I would like to make a "Banzai" toast on behalf of the guests by wishing him happiness and prosperity. Thank you very much.
(Japanese)
_______ san no intai, mata, kongo no go-kenko to, go-seiei wo inori, "Banzai" wo, sansho sasete itadaki masu. ______ san, "Banzai", "Banzai", "Banzai." Domo arigato gozaimashita.
(English)
On this auspicious occasion of Mr. ______'s retirement, I would like to make a "Banzai" toast on behalf of the guests by wishing him happiness and prosperity. Thank you very much.