The Last Banzai: the battle of Saipan (with maps!)

PastVue on Instagram: "The word “banzai” comes from a Japanese phrase meaning “ten thousand years,” originally used to express a wish for long life, prosperity, or success. It was a celebratory exclamation long before it became associated with the military. In earlier times, it was shouted to honor the emperor or mark joyous occasions, much like saying “long live” in English. During the twentieth century, especially in World War II, “banzai” became known internationally because Japanese soldiers