A Special Collection of Instrumental Songs to Play at Weddings: Moving Tracks Without Lyrics, Featuring Artists like Taro Hakase and Joe Hisaishi ♩

2021.02.18 published

Instrumental Background Music Without Lyrics Is Also Moving ♩

Music that is performed only with instruments and contains no human voice (lyrics) is called instrumental music, commonly referred to as "instrumental tracks."

(Short for instrumental!)

Notable composers such as Ryuichi Sakamoto, Joe Hisaishi, and Taro Hakase are well-known for their instrumental tracks, which are very familiar to us.

Using such instrumental tracks as background music for weddings is also wonderful ♩

Since there are no specific lyrics, it’s easy to expand our imagination, it gently permeates the heart, it has no preferences, and it doesn’t disturb the atmosphere.

Because spoken voices and singing do not clash, it’s perfect background music for scenes where someone is speaking prominently, such as the bride’s letter.

Here are some instrumental tracks you might want to play at weddings＊

Instrumental Track to Play at Weddings #1 Ryuichi Sakamoto "aqua"

Ryuichi Sakamoto's “aqua” is calm and has a gentle atmosphere, making it healing music ♩

The delicate and beautiful piano tones resonate in the heart. It’s a piece you’d want to play during the bride's letter.

Instrumental Track to Play at Weddings #2 Taro Hakase "Etupirika"

Taro Hakase's "Etupirika" is a staple song for weddings＊

It’s the ending theme of the TV program "Jounetsu Tairiku," evoking a sense of calm yet strength.

The comments on YouTube are filled with sentiments like “I want to listen to this before I die” and “I want it played at the Olympic opening ceremony,” showcasing how much it's loved.

It’s recommended as a BGM for the exit scene ♩

Instrumental Track to Play at Weddings #3 Taro Hakase "Himawari"

Next is Taro Hakase's "Himawari" ♩

This music was the opening theme for the NHK morning drama "Teppan" broadcast in 2011.

According to Taro Hakase, it symbolizes ordinary happy days before the earthquake occurred.

Its bright atmosphere makes it perfect for the welcoming scene for guests＊

Instrumental Track to Play at Weddings #4 Joe Hisaishi "Summer"

Joe Hisaishi's "Summer" is the theme song from the film "Kikujiro," directed by Takeshi Kitano. It has also been used in a Toyota Corolla commercial, making it a popular instrumental track that everyone has heard.

Listening to it evokes warm images of rural summer landscapes, creating a cozy ambiance＊

It’s ideal as BGM during the bouquet presentation.

Instrumental Track to Play at Weddings #5 Maki Sato "Kazebue"

"Kazebue" by oboe player Maki Sato is the theme for NHK's morning drama "Asuka." He is the father of violinist Emi Maki.

The oboe’s tone is a bit melancholic and resonates deeply in the heart＊

If played during the entrance or exit scenes of the bride and groom, it would create a gentle and tender atmosphere.

Instrumental Track to Play at Weddings #6 Yoshida Brothers "RISING"

The Yoshida Brothers, famous for their Tsugaru shamisen performances, have the popular track "RISING"＊

The hard and cool sound of the shamisen played with intricate hand movements is perfect for a traditional wedding.

It would be great to play during events like the Kagami Biraki (cask opening) ♩

Instrumental Track to Play at Weddings #7 Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra "Call From Rio"

"Call From Rio" by Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra is a bright and cheerful jazz piece ♩

It’s ideal for a celebratory toast scene and has an uplifting vibe.

Instrumental Track to Play at Weddings #8 Hideki Togi "There must be an Angel"

"There must be an Angel" by Hideki Togi is an arrangement of a song released by British musician Eurythmics＊

It’s performed using violin and the traditional Japanese instrument hichiriki.

Its glamorous atmosphere makes it suitable for any scene, such as entrances or recessional.

Instrumental Track to Play at Weddings #9 Taro Hakase "Bansanka"

Taro Hakase's “Bansanka” is also a classic instrumental piece for weddings.

The sound of the violin is grand and beautiful＊

It’s popular as a re-entry song during the kimono change.

Instrumental Track to Play at Weddings #10 Joe Hisaishi "Ashitaka and San"

Joe Hisaishi is also famous for his Ghibli music. Among them, "Ashitaka and San" from "Princess Mononoke" is a piece that symbolizes peace＊

It gives a feeling of cleansing the heart.

It’s great to play during the bride's letter or bouquet presentation to her parents.

Instrumental Tracks Might Be Nice Too＊

When it comes to wedding BGM, it’s easy to search for stylish Western music or J-Pop with resonant lyrics,

But there are also many moving and wonderful pieces in instrumental tracks with only instrumental performances＊

Please consider them as candidates for your wedding BGM.

➡ Click here for the list of wedding BGM articles