Japanese Loves Modern Wedding Dresses

If you think that all Japanese wedding look like that - then you are wrong - for the modern japanese women - they also want a change of clothes in a western type of wedding attire.  Their bridesmaid dresses are also specially picked out for them and usually they have a few bridesmaid.  The Japanese takes their wedding ceremony seriously as it cost a lot of money not only for the reception - but everything that the bride and the groom wears - are carefully thought.  The groom also pay for the bridemaids dresses - so of course, he wants what they look best in and like I said - all Japanese young lady just love the modern western dresses for weddings.  I’ve attended several Japanese wedding when I lived in Japan many years ago - and I know for a fact that everything needs to be perfect - even the photograph is carefully chosen for the auspicious day.  Japanese weddings are definitely one of the most expensive that I’ve been too - and as a token of congratulation to the newly wed - it is now preferred that one give cash and not gifts.   And I can fully understand it - for if you look at how grand the weddings are - you can imagine the fortune spend on the ceremony.  And if you are wondering where they get their Western wedding dresses - some order them a year in advance from the US - I was told.

Traditional Japanese Wedding

I’ve attended Japanese weddings out of Japan but never a traditional one - till i was in Japan for a short work period about 6 months.  The Japanese co-worker that invited me - was a very traditional one - and thought that it was impolite not to invite me.  I really didn’t mind to be honest but what do one give as gift for a japanese wedding, i had asked another co-worker.  The co-worker said - that they usually give “cash” as gift these days - and that was a close 15 yrs ago - you see I’ve migrated to Canada for about 10 yrs now.

Anyhow - as a co-worker - i was told that 20,000 - 30,000 yen is the standard - and also it depends on the size of the wedding.  So armed with a white envelope but everything had to be pretty up - i went for the wedding on a bright April afternoon.

The assistant for the day greeted me warmly and directed me to a waiting room congested with family members. I said ‘hello’ to a lady standing next to the door whilst still listening to the assistant’s instructions, to which she finished off by introducing me to the lady at the door as being the bride’s mother. Needless to say, my initial casual ‘hello’ was quickly followed by a slight bow and a “nice to meet you”. It was the first time to meet family members, so I had not the faintest idea who-was-who. I opted for a brief escape at a side door hidden behind the bamboo plants looking out over the courtyard, which is where I spotted family friend and main photographer for the day. He is carefully selecting the best angles and spots to get photos of the bride and groom.

Anyhow - a traditional Japanese wedding is a very long, long process - so if you are going for one - be prepared and then there is the reception of course.  That would be for another day and another story.

Erika Sawajiri Getting Married

Erika Sawjiri actress of many tv shows with Fuji TV ..  and endorsing big brands like Pepsi, Sony Ericsson  & Kanebo, you wouldn’t not know her .. if you are a Japanese or a fan of Japanese stuff.. like myself.  And yes.. you heard right .. only 22 of age, she is getting married later this month to hypermedia creator .. who is 44 yrs of age .. Tsuyoshi Takashiro.  Looks like the engagement ring was specially designed for her by her future husband too.

Looks like the age difference didn’t deter Erika from falling in love with Tsuyoshi.. and in fact she feels it is a good match.  Of course, this marriage is highly different from those China brides or Russian brides or even Filipino brides .. who meets an old man online.. and jump onto the next flight outta the country.

And Erika has all her plans set to study graphic designs in Barcelona before returning to act again next summer.  With that said, don’t expect an all white kimono for Erika’s wedding, for she wants some roses in it too.  She chose a Japanese wedding .. just because she is japanese.  I can’t wait to see her in her wedding dress.

Japanese Wedding

I think Japanese couples are so cute.. and the man seems shy as well as the bride. The traditional costume is still worn at this time and age .. even though during the reception.. the bride and groom changes into something more modern.

I had attended only 1 japanese wedding in my 6 months stay in Japan.. and i was kinda thrilled and excited.. to be invited.  I felt kinda honored if you know what i mean.  Afterall, she was just a co-worker that I  had met.  But i guessed since she invited my boss.. she had to invite me.. ?? hahahhaa!!!  Oh well.. Miko-San turned out to be a good friend.. that I continued keeping in touch after my 6 months stay in Japan for work.

I’ve seen a lot of Japanese girls marry Western man .. but i also know of a Canadian who married a Japanese man as well.  She is awesome.. !! she lives in Japan now.  And the Japanese laws states that all wedding must take place in your local city office.  You have to give notice to this office beforehand.  Even if you wished to perform your wedding in a church or a temple.. you will have to do it after you have had your civil wedding.

Japanese weddings are not cheap at all.. and i hear that the girl needs to come with some kind of dowry.  I don’t know if it is true these days.. but one thing for sure.. is that the Japanese Wedding reception is a very colorful and joyful one.  The temple ceremony was very serious .. and taking the sip of sake in the temple.. and all.. was an eye opener for me.  The two families will be introduced officially and red and white are the traditional wedding colors.  The married women in the wedding wears black.  I really did enjoy the Japanese wedding.