Wedding songs that are perfect for traditional Japanese attire: A roundup of recommended tracks for weddings and receptions

Ōoku Main ThemeMuramatsu Takatsugu

Ōoku: Gender-Swapped OST – Main Theme

This piece, with a grand cinematic soundscape, weaves colorful music that fuses Japanese-style melodies with piano and electric guitar.

Showcasing Takatsugu Muramatsu’s keen sensibility and craftsmanship, it is a gem composed to enhance film scenes.

Released on September 29, 2010, it is included on the original soundtrack for the film “Ōoku.” The music lavishly portrays a story that inverts the historical gender roles of the Ōoku.

Characterized by a classically orthodox arrangement centered on strings, its flowing, beautiful melodies evoke deep emotion.

Used as BGM for a traditional Japanese wedding or reception, it can create a solemn and majestic atmosphere.

hyururira-pappatuki.

tuki. “Hyururira Pappa” Official Music Video

Characterized by a breezy, wind-swept rhythm and a free, joyful vibe, this song was released in 2024 when tuki.

was a first-year high school student.

Its onomatopoeic title conveys a sense of openness and familiarity that really captures listeners’ hearts.

The lyrics carry a message of living authentically in the present.

With its distinctly Japanese flavor, it’s a great choice as background music for a traditional Japanese-style wedding or reception.

CHANGEMonkey Majik+Yoshida Kyoudai

Monkey Majik + Yoshida Brothers – Change [Official Music Video]

A captivating track that exquisitely fuses Japanese and Western styles.

Created through a collaboration between MONKEY MAJIK and the Yoshida Brothers, this piece showcases a masterful harmony of rock and Tsugaru shamisen.

Released in April 2007, it was featured as a Honda Cars commercial song limited to the Tohoku region and as a promotional CM song for HBC Television.

The lyrics, blending English and Japanese, convey a desire for change and center on the theme of inner growth.

It’s also a perfect choice for background music at traditional Japanese-style weddings and receptions, making it a fitting song to celebrate a couple’s new beginning.

Re…JapanesqueDAISHI DANCE feat. Yoshida Kyoudai

Re…Japanesque / DAISHI DANCE feat. Yoshida Brothers PLACE: teamLab Borderless (TOKYO)

The powerful sound of the shamisen blends beautifully with electronic beats, expressing the beauty of Japan.

Used as the theme song for the Japan Industry Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai Expo, this piece also served to showcase Japan’s appeal to the world.

It’s perfect as background music for weddings or receptions in traditional Japanese attire.

Consider including it as a song to elegantly celebrate the couple’s new beginning.

The City Where Flowers Bloomyuzu

Yuzu “The City Where Flowers Bloom” Music Video (FULL ver.)

This song, imbued with a Japanese aesthetic, resonates with the gentle voices of the duo Yuzu.

Its distinctive, Japan-inspired sound features instruments like the shinobue flute and koto, beautifully depicting scenes from the changing seasons.

Included on the album “YUZUTOWN,” the track was also used in Ito En’s Oi Ocha commercial.

Released in March 2020, it coincided with the nationwide tour “YUZU ARENA TOUR 2020 YUZUTOWN.” With its warm lyrics and soothing melody, it’s perfect for traditional Japanese-style weddings and receptions.

As background music to celebrate the couple’s new beginning, it’s a recommended song that evokes the bonds between loved ones.

Only TimeEnya

Enya – Only Time (Official 4K Music Video)

Enya’s Celtic healing music reminiscent of a hymn.

This track would also suit a Japanese-style wedding entrance.

It would likely pair well with a white shiromuku and traditional Japanese hairstyle.

It’s a piece with depth that can, if anything, accentuate a sense of mystical beauty.

I can picture a bride walking through a forest where the greenery and the water’s surface are beautifully shining.

There Must Be an AngelTogi Hideki

There Must Be an Angel

This work, a collaboration between Hideki Togi and Ikuko Kawai, is a piece that brilliantly fuses the traditions of gagaku with contemporary music.

The solemn timbre of the hichiriki intertwined with the beautiful harmonies of the violin creates a sound that strikes a delicate balance between Japanese and Western influences.

Released in December 2001, the song drew significant attention when it was featured in a Lipton tea TV commercial.

The lyrics, which depict the presence of angels and a sense of bliss, bring listeners feelings of happiness and tranquility.

Its majesty and mystical atmosphere also make it an elegant choice for background music at traditional Japanese weddings and receptions, enhancing the venue with graceful splendor.