Recommended sad songs for weddings and receptions: moving masterpieces and popular tracks
A wedding day is a special, celebratory occasion, and for the parents of the bride and groom, it can be a source of pride while also bringing a touch of sadness.
This time, we’ve gathered a selection of melancholic Japanese songs that suit such a wedding setting.
Feel free to use them as background music or for a performance.
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Sad songs recommended for weddings and receptions: moving masterpieces and popular tracks (61–70)
A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru
Bouquet for You, sung by Hikaru Utada, is a perfect song to celebrate two people embarking on a new chapter.
Released digitally in 2016, it was used as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Toto Nee-chan.
Getting married is a joyful thing, but for the family sending them off, it can still feel lonely.
Those feelings are woven into the lyrics.
It’s a great choice as a gift from siblings or parents to the couple, and also a lovely present from friends.
It’s also recommended as background music when the couple presents gifts to their parents.
LIFE is…〜another story〜Hirai Ken
When it comes to songs perfect for a wedding overflowing with love for a precious partner you’ll spend your life with, “LIFE is…
~another story~” comes to mind.
Released in 2003 by singer-songwriter Ken Hirai, it was also used as the theme song for the drama “Say Hello to Black Jack.” The lyrics portray the tendency to put on a brave face or struggle to show one’s true self in public, while unfolding phrases that feel like speaking directly to a loved one.
Many will relate to the honest feelings that well up just by thinking of the person they love.
With a somewhat wistful yet heartwarming melody, it gently envelops the atmosphere of the venue.
GratitudeHirahara Ayaka
A song filled with gratitude, created for a feature in the wedding magazine Zexy.
It conveys a bride’s heartfelt thanks to her mother.
Reading the lyrics, you can feel warm expressions of gratitude not only to her mother but also to the person she’s marrying.
Gratitude for meeting her mother, and for meeting her future spouse—gratitude for it all.
If it plays during the letter-reading scene at the reception, it’s sure to move everyone to tears.
Wedding SongSaitō Kazuyoshi
Kazuyoshi Saito’s “Wedding Song,” released in 2007.
It was originally created with only the chorus for a commercial song for the bridal magazine Zexy, but due to the strong response it received, it was released on CD.
Rather than being an all-out burst of happiness, Saito’s vocals—quietly savoring the feeling of joy deep in the heart—paired with the gently played acoustic guitar resonate all the more.
It’s a piece we’d love to see grooms present to their brides.
Be sure to check out the moving music video, too!
rice bowl; tea bowl; chawan (Japanese bowl for tea or rice)Hoshino Gen
Gen Hoshino’s “Chawan” depicts a married couple growing older together.
As they look through a photo album, a warm, peaceful scene filled with happiness comes to life, reflecting on the days they’ve shared.
A wedding isn’t a goal but a new beginning for two people.
Don’t you think that not only songs that express love straightforwardly, but also simple songs that portray decades of life—children being born, growing up and leaving the nest, and the two of them returning to a quiet life together—are perfect for a wedding?
I want to protect youMatsutōya Yumi
“Mamotte Agetai” is filled with words that match the feelings of a bride and groom who support each other no matter what.
It was released in 1981 by singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya, beloved across generations.
Recalling the day you first met the one you love, its lyrics deliver sentiments perfect for a wedding overflowing with the couple’s happiness.
Along with a heartwarming melody that resonates like a hymn, it will gently envelop the venue.
It’s a song that enhances every moment—from videos looking back on nostalgic scenes to speeches for the new days about to begin.
season (best time for something, especially when a food is at its peak), in vogueShiina Ringo
If you want to elevate the mood of your ceremony, I recommend Shena Ringo’s song “Shun.” It’s included on her 2009 album Sanmon Gossip.
Her gently expressive vocals create a mellow atmosphere.
The lyrics convey a strong love and the resolve to face and overcome anything together as a couple.
It’s perfect for the latter part of the ceremony or for your exit.
The beautiful piano in the outro leaves a lingering afterglow.