Banzai - it was a close run thing
Japan Times: Shedding light on some of Japan's mysterious idiosyncrasies
When the Diet was dissolved last summer, its members did what they always do on such an occasion: in unison they raised their hands in the air and shouted "banzai" three consecutive times. Foreigners witnessing this ritual aren't the only ones who find it rather strange. Lots of Japanese do too. But ask the people why the banzai cheer takes place and where it comes from, and a majority will respond with a shrug. What's more, you'll likely get the same response if you ask about the origins and circumstances behind a host of other unique -- some would say bizarre -- customs this country is famous for: from putting pickles on curry to charging tenants exorbitant sums in the form of "key money." However, Spa!, not content to remain in the dark, digs around to come up with some interesting answers to some of life's little mysteries...more...
