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

Brave SoulS.E.N.S.

[Tiêu Dao] Brave Soul – S.E.N.S

This is a piece by S.E.N.S., a Japanese male–female instrumental duo, which was used in the 2006 TV drama “Hakkenden: Legend of the Dog Warriors.” The violin and wind instruments that carry the main theme are beautifully employed, and the choice of instruments and rhythmic treatment evoke a sense of traditional Japanese aesthetics.

That faraway, distant voicehimegami

That Distant, Faraway Voice 2025 Remastering

This piece is said to be influenced by Tohoku folk and ethnic music, and it exudes a mythical, ethereal atmosphere.

While the style and melody are highly distinctive, the vocals—often referred to as the Himekami voice—are also one of the elements that heighten the song’s mystique.

Poem of the Wind: The World HeritageKomatsu Ryota

The theme song of “The World Heritage”

When it comes to bandoneon players in Japan, the go-to name is Ryota Komatsu.

With a sound quite similar to the accordion, he delivers a crisp, romantic tone.

This piece, with its exotic atmosphere, is perfect for a traditional Japanese-style entrance.

That said, for this particular track, a Showa-modern style of kimono feels especially fitting.

Poem of the Godshimegami

Himekami - Poems of the Gods

Himekami is a music unit based in Iwate Prefecture that releases modern arrangements of Tohoku folk songs and Japanese ethnic music.

This piece was used as the theme song for the documentary program “Poem of the Gods.” The lyrics are in the Jomon language.

It’s a track that creates a distinctive entrance scene.

Always togetherJAY’ED

JAY’ED “Always Together”

This song, sung by JAY’ED, a singer of Japanese and New Zealand descent, is characterized by lyrics about two people who are just about to get married and will always be together.

The occasional English that appears in the song might make an even more striking contrast with the traditional Japanese attire.

Thank youYoshida Kyōdai

Yoshida Brothers – Arigato

This is a piece by the Yoshida Brothers, sibling performers of Tsugaru-shamisen.

A fusion of shamisen and pop music, “Arigatou” is a calm, emotionally rich track that conveys the shamisen’s deep tenderness.

It can set a solemn, refined entrance scene that evokes the beauty of Japanese tradition.

It also suits traditional Japanese attire and hairstyles.

Light of dawnAgatsuma Hiromitsu

Wafu Sohonke – 02 Dawn’s Light

This is a piece by Tsugaru shamisen player Hirokazu Agatsuma.

It’s a track where the shamisen melody truly takes center stage, with a background timbre that accentuates the sense of stillness.

Rather than an intense, strummed sound, it conveys a calm atmosphere—more of a gently played, serenely rendered piece.