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                                                                  EXHIBIT (99.1)
 
 
 
                            JOINT FILING AGREEMENT
 
 
         In accordance with Rule 13d-1(f) promulgated under the Securities
      Exchange Act of 1934, the undersigned agree to the joint filing of a
      Statement on Schedule 13G (including any and all amendments thereto) with
      respect to the shares of Class A Common Stock, $.10 par value of Benihana
      Inc., and further agree to the filing of this agreement as an Exhibit
      thereto. In addition, each party to this Agreement expressly authorizes
      each other party to this Agreement to file on its behalf any and all
      amendments to such Statement on Schedule 13G.
 
 
 
      Date:  February 10, 1998
 
 
                                             THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, L.P.
 
                                             By: /s/ Hans L. Reich
                                                 ---------------------------
                                             Name:  Hans L. Reich
                                             Title:  Attorney-in-fact
 
 
                                             GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
 
                                             By: /s/ Hans L. Reich
                                                 ---------------------------
                                             Name:  Hans L. Reich
                                             Title:  Attorney-in-fact
 
 
                                             THE MANAGERS FUNDS on behalf of
                                             Managers Special Equity Fund
 
                                             By: /s/ Hans L. Reich
                                                 ---------------------------
                                             Name:  Hans L. Reich
                                             Title:  Attorney-in-fact

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