Wedding Bands: Japan's Style

Wedding bands are not traditionally part of Japanese wedding culture, but they have become more popular since the 1960s. In Japan, wedding bands are considered a novelty, and there is no expectation to wear one to prove you are married. However, some Japanese people who have spent time overseas or grown up in other countries may choose to wear a wedding band. While the practice is not as common as in Western countries, it is becoming more prevalent, with diamond rings being marketed as modern and fashionable.

Wedding rings are not a staple of Japanese wedding culture but are becoming more popular

Wedding rings are not a traditional part of Japanese wedding culture. The custom is thought to have been adopted from the West, with diamond rings being marketed as modern and fashionable in the 1960s. Since then, wedding rings have become more popular in Japan, with 60% of brides owning a diamond ring by 1981.

In Japan, wedding rings are often seen as accessories, similar to necklaces or earrings, and are usually worn by women rather than men. The practice of wearing a ring to symbolise marriage is not necessary in Japan, and some people view it as a novelty. Instead, couples usually register their marriage with the local government and hold a party to celebrate. Presents are often practical items for the home, rather than luxury items like jewellery.

The average age of marriage in Japan is 31 for men and 29.4 for women, and it is common for couples to live together or have children before officially marrying. There is also a growing trend of couples choosing not to marry at all, instead living together as 'Fūfu-ren'.

Despite the influence of Western traditions, Japan has its own unique wedding customs. For example, the staining of a wife's teeth black, ohaguro, is an older Japanese tradition that can be traced back to prehistoric times.

Wedding rings are seen as a novelty or accessory in Japan

Wedding rings are not a traditional part of Japanese wedding culture. The practice of wearing wedding rings is relatively new in Japan, likely adopted after World War II under Western influence. As such, wedding rings are often seen as a novelty or accessory in Japan, rather than a necessity.

In Japan, it is more common for women to wear wedding rings than men, and even then, they are viewed as accessories like necklaces or earrings. The tradition of wearing a ring to symbolise marriage is not deeply rooted in Japanese culture, and other factors, such as the next logical question after "How old are you?", serve as indicators of marital status.

The gifts received by newlyweds are typically practical items to help set up their home together, rather than luxury items like expensive wedding rings. Additionally, the tradition of men being the breadwinners and women taking care of the home persists in Japan, with women usually receiving "pocket money" from their husbands. As such, women rarely receive expensive gifts like diamond rings as part of their marriage ceremony.

While wedding rings are not a staple in Japanese weddings, they have gained popularity over the years. From 1967 to 1981, the number of Japanese brides owning diamond rings increased from 5% to over 60%, influenced by marketing campaigns that portrayed diamonds as modern and fashionable. Today, couples in Japan have a wide variety of options when it comes to choosing wedding rings, with many opting for platinum and diamond rings.

The tradition of wedding rings in Japan was likely adopted after WWII

The tradition of exchanging and wearing wedding rings in Japan was likely adopted after WWII, during the 1950s and 1960s, when the country was occupied by the US. Wedding and engagement rings were introduced to Japanese culture through American and European influence.

In 1955, Mokoto Taisho, the former head of Shinoharano Jewelry, introduced diamond rings as an option for Japanese couples. However, it wasn't until the 1960s that wedding and engagement rings became increasingly popular in Japan. This popularity was driven by marketing campaigns from the diamond industry, such as a 1967 campaign by a US advertising agency on behalf of De Beers diamonds, which equated rings with other symbols of Western culture. This campaign resulted in a sharp increase in demand for diamond rings in Japan, rising from 5% in 1967 to 60% in 1980.

While the exchange of wedding rings is now a common practice in Japan, it is worth noting that Japanese wedding traditions have retained many unique aspects despite Western influence. During a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony, the bride and groom exchange ritual cups of sake as a symbol of their union, rather than exchanging rings. Additionally, Japanese weddings typically take place in the spring and autumn and are held in a shrine with a Shinto priest, with only close family members in attendance.

In terms of attire, Japanese brides usually wear a kimono called an uchikake and a sizeable white headdress, while grooms wear a black kimono called a montsuki, paired with hakama (wide-legged trousers). For the reception dinner and after-party, some couples choose to change into Western-style clothing, with the bride wearing a classic white dress and the groom wearing a suit or tuxedo.

Japanese couples may choose to design their wedding rings

Wedding rings are not traditionally part of Japanese wedding culture, and they are rarely exchanged during wedding ceremonies. However, some Japanese people who have spent considerable time overseas or grew up abroad may choose to adopt the custom of wearing wedding rings.

In Japan, wedding rings are generally seen as accessories for women, similar to necklaces or earrings, and are not considered items for men. When they are exchanged, the rings are usually made of white gold or platinum, and diamond rings are the most popular type.

While there is no standard style for wedding rings in Japan due to the influence of Western society, Japanese couples may choose to design their wedding rings to incorporate elements that are meaningful to them. For example, the rings could be designed with charming nature motifs or inspired by the gorgeous landscapes and traditional motifs of Japan.

Couples may also opt for matching rings with the same design or select pieces from different collections to reflect their individual tastes. They can choose from a variety of materials, including platinum, white gold, rose gold, or yellow gold, and decide on the type of diamonds, either natural or lab-grown.

In addition to designing their own rings, couples in Japan have the option to rent a ring for the proposal. This allows the proposer to present a ring during the proposal, and if it doesn't suit the partner's taste or fit their finger, it can be changed afterward.

The average cost of an engagement ring in Japan is between ¥200,000 and ¥400,000

In Japan, wedding rings were not historically a staple of wedding culture, but they have become increasingly popular since the 1960s. While engagement rings are not traditionally exchanged, their popularity has been growing in recent years, particularly among younger generations in urban areas.

The typical size for a Japanese diamond engagement ring is 0.25 carats or 0.30 carats, although international couples often opt for one carat or above. The price of an engagement ring in Japan can range from ¥100,000 ($800) to several million yen, depending on the type of diamond and the ring design.

When it comes to the budget for an engagement ring, it is recommended to have a range in mind rather than a specific price. It is also important to consider the shape, cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight of the diamond, as these factors can significantly impact the cost.

In terms of metal choice, platinum is the most popular material for wedding rings in Japan, followed by gold. Silver, titanium, and tungsten options are also available but less common.

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