Wedding songs that are perfect for traditional Japanese attire: A roundup of recommended tracks for weddings and receptions
Many couples may be unsure about choosing BGM for weddings and receptions with traditional Japanese attire (wasou).
Many popular wedding songs are Western-style, which can make you wonder, “They might not really suit a wasou scene…” In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of songs that are perfect for weddings and receptions featuring wasou.
We’ve selected everything from classics to unexpected picks—whether with or without vocals, Western or Japanese, across various genres—so please use this as a reference when choosing your BGM.
Wedding songs perfect for traditional Japanese attire. A curated list of recommended tracks for weddings and receptions (1–10)
Hymn of Ten Thousand PraisesHakasé Tarō
This piece is very popular for use at weddings and receptions with traditional Japanese attire, especially as an entrance song or in opening videos.
It’s a captivating track with an elegant and majestic atmosphere.
The structure, which begins solemnly and gradually transitions into a beautiful melody, is striking and deeply moving.
Included on the album “SONGS,” released in July 2007, it is one of Taro Hakase’s signature works.
It’s an ideal choice for couples who want to maintain a solemn mood while also creating a warm, heartfelt presentation.
The Summer WarsMatsumoto Akihiko
This is a piece from the soundtrack of the animated film Summer Wars.
It has a grand orchestral sound with a strong, heroic feel.
It’s a great choice to mark the departure of a bride and groom setting sail on the open sea.
Since the film is set in the Japanese countryside and portrays the bonds of family, the music also suits weddings well.
Oriental WindHisaishi Joe
Alongside Taro Hakase’s “Manzanka,” this is a popular piece for traditional Japanese wedding attire scenes.
Many people may recognize it from the Suntory Iyemon commercial.
As the title suggests, the piece has a grand sense of Eastern ambience, and its distinctly Japanese, gentle melody is memorable.
While Joe Hisaishi’s works are often favored as background music for conversation, this one is also recommended as an entrance song.
FlowerNaka Kousuke
This is a song overflowing with gentle, heartfelt warmth.
Its softly undulating melody and Atsushi Nakatsuka’s tender voice convey the beauty of living like a flower.
Released in April 2007 as the third single, it was also used in a commercial for Satsuma Shiranami, a sweet potato shochu by Satsuma Shuzo.
The song explores the challenges and setbacks of life, as well as the strength to overcome them, drawing parallels between the resilient life of a flower in any environment and the way humans live.
It’s a perfect choice for a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony or reception to celebrate the couple’s new beginning.
For newlyweds embarking on a new chapter, this piece will be a great source of encouragement and give them the courage to live.
Night Festival OndoRyokushokushakai
Released by Ryokuoushoku Shakai in May 2024, this song features a lively melody and rhythm evocative of summer festivals.
It vividly portrays scenes of dancing to festival music and the beauty of fireworks sparkling in the night sky, delivering an energizing performance that captivates listeners.
The band members actively contributed ideas, successfully blending tradition with modernity.
Crafted as an up-tempo, intense Japanese-style rock track, it’s perfect for hyping up a venue during entrances, toasts, and other high-energy moments.
RisingYoshida Kyōdai
This track captivates with its dynamic musicality that fuses the tradition of Tsugaru shamisen with rock.
Showcasing the Yoshida Brothers’ brilliant performance technique, it’s a perfect fit for weddings with traditional Japanese attire.
It’s popular as background music for receptions featuring kimono, especially for sake barrel ceremonies (kagami-biraki) and traditional-style entrances.
Included on the album “RISING,” released in February 2005, it was also used in an Asahi Super Dry commercial.
The intense shamisen sound is praised for elevating the energy of the venue, making it recommended for those who want to enjoy the fusion of Japanese instruments and a modern musical style.
festivalFuji Kaze
This song by Fujii Kaze exudes a vibe that’s perfect for a traditional Japanese-style wedding.
It blends a distinctive atmosphere reminiscent of Japan’s traditional festivals with Fujii’s unique sensibility.
Released digitally in March 2022 ahead of the album LOVE ALL SERVE ALL, the track carries a message that celebrates the joys and sorrows of life, as well as the bonds between people and the brilliance of life expressed through festivals.
While it evokes a distinctly Japanese feel, it remains stylish, making it a great recommendation when you want to create a chic atmosphere.