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

Book of daysEnya

Enya – Book Of Days (Official Music Video)

Speaking of Enya, isn’t this the song that comes to mind? There’s no doubt its grand and beautiful melody will fill the venue.

While it has a Western feel, it seems perfect for creating a luxurious atmosphere that complements a traditional Japanese-style ceremony.

The lyrics about the beginning of a journey are also a perfect fit for a wedding.

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.

YouAgatsuma Hiromitsu

Hiromitsu Agatsuma-Yuu

This is a piece by Hiromitsu Agatsuma, a Tsugaru shamisen player who is also devoted to sessions blending shamisen with Western music.

It’s so stylish you’ll do a double take—“Is that really a shamisen?” Catchy and rhythmic, it fuses jazz with shamisen for a unique sound.

It’s perfect for creating a cool, striking entrance scene in traditional Japanese attire.

A Journey Where Flowers BloomHarayuko

Blossoming Journey (Beginner to Intermediate): Yuko Hara

It’s an elegant song sung by Haru Yuko of Southern All Stars.

With classical-style lyrics written by Keisuke Kuwata, a deeply emotional melody, and Hara’s gentle vocals, it adds refined charm to a traditional Japanese-style entrance scene.

Purple isn’t often used at weddings, but these days anything goes, and lyrically this song is a perfect match for purple-themed attire.

Wind that carries dreamsTogi Hideki

Hideki Togi: The Wind That Carries Dreams

Also a piece by Hideki Togi, this one gives the impression of orthodox gagaku arranged in a contemporary Japanese style.

The gently soothing melody and especially the beautiful tone of the ryuteki evoke tranquil pastoral scenes and the sight of a brilliant full moon.

It’s a recommended track for a calm and elegant entrance.

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.