While in Western cultures, brides traditionally wear white, in Japanese culture, a bride wears a red gown or, if she's particularly traditional, kimono, to symbolize luck, knowledge, prosperity, and protection from evil.
Red and black are the colours 1 generally chosen for wedding kimono, but white is also a popular colour. It is believed that brides chose the colour white influenced by the white wedding gown irrespective of Japanese tradition as a white kimono was traditionally worn for funerals in Japan 2.
Red is said to scare away evil spirits and represent protection, strength, peace, and power. The sun on the Japanese flag is red, Shinto priests often wear at least some red, and Japanese festivals are often marked by their red decor and red and white curtains.
Pant suits or skirt suits are acceptable, while skirts are recommended to be around knee length. Blouses should be pale colors as bright clothing pieces are not work appropriate in Japan. In regards to shoes, opt for closed toe shoes as sandals or open toed shoes are too casual.
It is generally acceptable to wear red in Japan, but some contexts such as religious sites or funerals may require more subdued colors like black or white. Neutral colors like black, gray, navy blue, light ... In short: Yes.
The color red is associated strongly with authority, strength, sacrifice, joy, and happiness. It is regarded as an auspicious color in Japan, especially when paired with white (also used on the national flag).
The color red, or aka, is very popular in Japan. Many shrines and temples are red, and this fact has a very ancient meaning. Since time immemorial the color red was seen as a way to scare away evil spirits.
Red is generally called "aka （赤）" in Japanese. There are many traditional shades of red. The Japanese gave each shade of red its own elegant name in the old days. Shuiro (vermilion), akaneiro (madder red), enji (dark red), karakurenai (crimson) and hiiro (scarlet) are among of them.
Black is the color of mourning in Japan. While in the recent years dark blue and dark gray is becoming more acceptable, black is still preferred over all other colors.
The most popular tradition during a Shinto-style wedding is the exchange of nuptial cups, which is called san san ku do. San means three and ku means nine. So san san ku do means three, three, and nine. The groom and bride drink sake three times each, from three different-sized sake cups called sakazuki.
Marriage in Japan consists of registering marriage at a Japanese municipal government office. Only this registration constitutes a legal marriage in Japan. Ceremonies performed by religious or fraternal bodies in Japan, are not legal marriages. Consular officers cannot perform marriages.
In Eastern cultures such as China and India, brides typically choose to wear red wedding dresses to represent good luck and auspiciousness. In China, sometimes they will opt for a white wedding dress in accordance with western culture but will still wear a ceremonial red gown at the official tea ceremony.
In certain cultures, notably South Asian and East Asian cultures, red is considered lucky and auspicious—and thus has been traditionally incorporated into wedding day attire the same way white dominates wedding attire in Western cultures.
However, red and white are considered the best for weddings. Along with decorations, wedding Kimonos in Japan are often made of these two colors. The combination of white and red is supposed to bring good luck to the new couple.
In Japan, there is an image that the sun = red, as the sun is described as "burning bright red".
The Japanese flag is made up of a red circle, symbolizing the sun, against a white background. It is known as the hinomaru in Japanese, meaning "circle of the sun." Because Japan lies at the far West of the Pacific Ocean, the sun rises spectacularly over the sea to the East.
The red umbrella is a strong symbol in Japanese weddings. Red signifies life and wards off evil, so the umbrella keeps the bride not only dry, but safe. A very large umbrella is carried by a man who follows the bride to the wedding.
The red torii that mark the entrance to Shinto shrines are one of the most evocative images of Japan. Seen in centuries-old paintings or modern advertising posters, they are a distinctive sight. These gates stand at the boundary between the material world outside and the sacred, spiritual world inside.
Red is the color that most attracts attention. Surveys show it is the color most frequently associated with visibility, proximity, and extroverts. It is also the color most associated with dynamism and activity.
Aka (あか)
Aka is not a commonly used Japanese name, but it does have a meaning in the Japanese language. The term “aka” (赤) translates to “red” in English.
Red is also believed to bring good luck in Japan, especially when paired with white. White is the color of divine purity, which is why is it commonly found in Shinto shrines, especially in the famous white sand or pebble gardens. Black is a color of formality, and blue is associated with the sea and sky.
For the Japanese, the colour orange represents happiness and love. It also indicates knowledge and civilization. It is among one of the most popular colours used in clothing.
Other colors are worn but blue and white are considered the most common. Wearing a tie is acceptable but optional on most occasions. Avoid wearing a black tie as it is associated with funerals. It's advisable for men to be clean shaven as stubble is generally frowned upon.