The use of the phrase "ten thousand years" in various East Asian languages originated in ancient China as an expression used to wish long life to the Emperor, and is typically translated as "long live" in English. Due to the political and cultural influence of China in the area, and in particular of the Chinese language, cognates with similar meanings and usage patterns appeared in many East Asian languages.
The Chinese term was introduced to Japan as banzei (Kana: ばんぜい) in the 8th century, and was used to express respect for the emperor in much the same manner as its Chinese cognate.
Banzei was later revived as banzai after the Meiji Restoration.
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