Brightening the start of a new chapter in life! Wedding songs born in the Heisei era
A wedding is one of life’s biggest events.
It’s a day that fills not only the couple, but also their family and friends with happiness.
So, what kind of music comes to mind when you think of celebrating such a bright and joyous day?
Here, we’ve compiled a list of classic wedding songs that defined the Heisei era.
They’re perfect as background music, and also great picks for friends to sing during performances or at karaoke!
We hope this will be helpful for anyone planning to have their wedding soon.
Brightening the start of a new life! Wedding songs born in the Heisei era (1–10)
One Lovearashi
The 22nd single by Arashi, a nationally beloved idol group that enjoyed immense popularity.
Selected as the theme song for the film Hana Yori Dango F, this gem of a love song is distinguished by its lyrics pledging eternal love and its sweeping melody.
Released in June 2008, it topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, selling about 314,000 copies in its first week and totaling 560,000 copies.
Its solemn introduction and the gentle atmosphere created by piano and strings have also made it a popular choice as wedding background music.
It’s a perfect track for deepening your bond with someone special or creating memories on a special day.
Together forever…GLAY
A ballad number that portrays the deep love between lovers.
Released in May 1995, it is GLAY’s fifth single.
This song was reportedly written by TAKURO for TERU’s sister’s wedding.
With its simple, heartfelt melody and lyrics, it has been cherished by many.
Carrying the message “Let’s live together forever,” it reminds listeners of the importance of each other’s presence.
As part of GLAY’s musical identity, it remains a beloved classic among fans.
It’s a perfect song for weddings, anniversaries, or any moment when you want to reaffirm your bond with someone special.
Get Along TogetherYamane Yasuhiro
This debut single by Yasuhiro Yamane was born as a love song he wrote in just one week for a friend’s wedding.
The lyrics, filled with the bond and memories shared with a loved one and the wish to remain by their side forever, carry a message that resonates with wedding vows.
After its release in January 1993, a remade version came out in September of the same year and became a hit.
This piece is perfect for those who cherish their connection with someone special.
As a warm song that brightens a new chapter in life, it’s highly recommended as wedding BGM or for a performance during the celebration.
User ManualNishino Kana
A 27th single by singer Kana Nishino, who gained popularity for lyrics that empathize with women’s feelings and catchy pop tunes, and announced her return to activity in June 2024.
The song was used as the theme for the film “No Longer Heroine” and was released in September 2015.
Its lyrics, which liken delicate female emotions to an “instruction manual,” resonated with many women and made it a popular choice for wedding background music.
Loved as a representative Heisei-era wedding song, it has remained beloved, with performances at NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 2015 and 2018.
It’s a heartfelt love song that’s sure to liven up karaoke sessions among women.
Happy Summer WeddingMōningu Musume.
The idol group Morning Musume, formed through the audition project on the variety show ASAYAN, released this as their ninth single.
The song was used as the opening theme for the variety show “Find the Idol!” and is a famous track known for greatly boosting the group’s name recognition.
Released in May 2000, it sold approximately 991,000 copies, with an official reported sales figure of about 1.37 million, making it the group’s third best-selling single of all time.
With easy-to-copy choreography and an arrangement perfect for call-and-response, it’s no wonder it’s considered a karaoke staple.
It’s a legendary idol song that’s guaranteed to liven up wedding performances and after-parties, and has earned a place in music history.
ButterflyKimura Kaera
The download-only single written for Kaela Kimura’s best friend’s wedding has also been used as the commercial song for Recruit’s “Zexy,” making it a wedding staple.
Released in June 2009, the track features an arrangement that blends dreamy timbres with a pop-rock sound.
The harpsichord and organ tones create a sense of grandeur and cuteness at the same time.
It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser at karaoke and a wedding song that many men say they’d love to hear women sing.
Just listening warms the heart—truly a perfect number for a wedding.
Together foreverKobukuro
A beloved Kobukuro song that continues to color the beginning of life’s new chapters.
Written for weddings, this piece gently sings of a couple’s bond, everyday happiness, and the challenges they overcome together.
Released in October 2004, it set an astonishing record by staying on the charts for 99 weeks.
It has also resonated with people in many forms, from TV dramas to celebrity weddings.
With its warm melody and lyrics that touch not only the bride and groom but everyone in attendance, it’s a wonderful song that reaffirms the ties with those we cherish.
A wedding BGM and performance staple, it will make those happy moments shine even brighter.