Marriage

Japan is a country with unique wedding traditions. Although marriage rates have declined over recent decades, tying the knot is still popular for both nationals and expats in the country. Types of Weddings in Japan Similar to marriage processes in many countries, Japanese weddings involve an official civil union where the marriage is registered with local authorities, and often extend to a more informal ceremony based around traditions. For Japanese nationals, the Shinto wedding ceremony is the most common form. For Shinto ceremonies, brides wear a traditional Japanese kimono while grooms usually wear a black jacket and a loose wrap with a stripe around the waist. The ceremony includes a blessing from a priest and a ritual sake sipping. Due to European and American influences in Japan, Christian wedding ceremonies are becoming more popular these days. However, same-sex marriages are not legal, despite some moves towards making this a possibility. Some municipalities, such as Tokyo, issue certificates that recognize a partnership commitment but do not constitute a legal marriage. Legal Requirements for Marriage in Japan To get married in Japan, both partners must be at least 18 years old and not related to each other. There are no nationality requirements…