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

sunflowerHakasé Tarō

Taro Hakase - Sunflower [OFFICIAL]

How about this song for the entrance at a wedding reception in traditional Japanese attire? With its grand atmosphere carried by the violin, this piece will lend an even more solemn tone to a kimono-clad reception.

If you’d like to start your reception with a slightly more formal feel, I recommend using this song as your entrance music.

Asian WindJōnouchi Misa

ASIAN WIND – MISSA JOHNOUCHI

This is a piece by Misa Jonouchi, one of Japan’s leading musicians and a UNESCO Artist for Peace.

As the title suggests, it evokes a gentle Asian breeze, and its koto-led melody is full of quintessential Japanese elegance.

It feels like a musical portrayal of a Yamato Nadeshiko.

It’s perfect as entrance BGM when wearing a shiromuku (traditional white bridal kimono).

BEYOND THE CENTURYADIEUS

Adiemus-Beyond the Century

It’s perfect for bringing out a graceful, traditional Japanese atmosphere with its relaxed triple meter.

Since the piece is sung in the fictional “Adiemus language,” there’s no need to worry about whether the lyrics are appropriate for a wedding.

If you use the uplifting section after the horns come in during the latter half, it would also work well after the outfit change.

Sirius ~The Dog Star~JIA PENG FANG

Sirius ~The Dog Star~ by Jia Peng Fang

This is an elegant piece featuring instruments like the erhu—similar to a violin—and the koto, reminiscent of the once-popular Twelve Girls Band.

It carries a Japanese-Chinese flavor.

The Asian-style melody pairs perfectly with a traditional Japanese-style entrance, promising a serene and beautiful beginning.

Innocence (Purity)Rin’

Rin’ – Innocence (Purity)

With the beautifully expressive string accompaniment of koto and 17-string bass koto, layered with an elegant shakuhachi melody, this piece truly evokes a Japanese “wa” aesthetic and pairs perfectly with traditional attire.

The swell around 1:33 is particularly satisfying, so it’s an ideal track to start playing from just before the midpoint for an entrance.

Kyōgetsu (Kyōgetsu)Rin’

Rin’ – Mirror Moon (Kagami Tsuki)

It’s a track by a group composed of traditional Japanese instrument players.

The song is quiet, and the vocals have a calm atmosphere, yet the resonance of the Japanese instruments lends it a grand, powerful air, creating a gently enveloping sense of weightless drift.

Palace Museum (Palace Memories)S.E.N.S.

S.E.N.S. / Palace Memories of the National Palace Museum

This piece was composed for the NHK Special “The Forbidden City: 5,000 Years of Chinese History Told by Its Treasures.” It evokes the grandeur of the Forbidden City itself, while blending the piano’s beautiful melodies with the gentle timbres of traditional Chinese instruments to create a magnificent, dreamlike atmosphere.

It’s recommended for adding a touch of opulence to a traditional Japanese-style entrance.