Alternative Japanese Ceremonies for Cake Cutting: A Summary of Collaborative Activities for a Traditional Japanese Wedding

What Should We Do for [Collaborative Activities] in a Traditional Japanese Wedding? ＊

Brides planning a wedding with a Japanese theme♡ What kind of collaborative activities do you have in mind for the classic performance of the groom and bride working together?

When it comes to "first collaborative activity," cutting the wedding cake together is the standard. However, many brides might think, "Since it's a traditional Japanese wedding, I want to do a Japanese-style collaborative activity."

So, this time, we will introduce eight unique collaborative activities that are special to traditional Japanese weddings＊ From traditional rituals to unique performances, each is a wonderful collaborative effort that will leave a lasting impression on guests♡ Let’s dive in!

Collaborative Activity of a Traditional Wedding ① Cutting a Japanese Wedding Cake

The classic collaborative activity of cake cutting can instantly become more traditional by using a Japanese-style cake instead of a regular wedding cake♡ A cake shaped like a fan with the kanji for “longevity” (寿) written on a chocolate plate is unique to a traditional Japanese wedding.

This is a tower of rolled cakes made using wasanbon (a type of fine Japanese sugar)♡ The large ribbon with a Japanese pattern is lovely＊ For designs of Japanese wedding cakes, please refer to this.

➡ A compilation of wonderful “Japanese”-themed wedding cake designs that you want to try at a traditional wedding♡

Collaborative Activity of a Traditional Wedding ② Kagamimochi (Traditional Sake Barrel Ceremony)

A staple performance of traditional weddings, kagamimochi ♡ The couple strikes the lid of a sake barrel together＊ The lid is likened to a “mirror,” and breaking it symbolizes “breaking the mirror and inviting good fortune.” This can also be done together with the families of the bride and groom.

After the kagamimochi, the newlyweds may also serve sake themselves＊ It’s a heartwarming collaborative activity that allows them to interact with the guests♡

Please refer to this article for information on how to conduct kagamimochi and its costs.

➡ Wedding ceremony must-do! I want to know how to do “Kagamimochi (breaking the mirror)” and its costs! ♡

Collaborative Activity of a Traditional Wedding ③ Daruma Eye Insertion

A popular recent Japanese wedding performance is the daruma eye insertion. The couple draws eyes on a daruma-shaped wedding cake using a chocolate pen＊ Since daruma is a symbol of good fortune, it's perfect for weddings♡

➡ Perfect for adult and traditional weddings! It sounds fun to do “daruma eye insertion” instead of cutting the cake ♩

When making a wish, you insert an eye into one side of the daruma, and when the wish is fulfilled, you insert the other eye. Following this tradition, it would be wonderful for the couple to insert one eye on the wedding day and the other together later♡ Some brides opted for a regular daruma instead of a daruma cake to insert the eyes＊

Collaborative Activity of a Traditional Wedding ④ Cutting Chirashi Sushi

A popular alternative to cake cutting is cutting chirashi sushi. Chirashi sushi is filled with auspicious ingredients, making it a great choice for celebrations. The bride and groom cut a large chirashi sushi together with a rice scoop♡

This couple used a toy katana to cut the chirashi sushi, adding a fun twist to the activity♡ It's a fantastic performance that can get the guests excited as well＊

Chirashi sushi can please those who aren't fond of sweets, so it’s likely to be a hit with older guests and male attendees at the reception♡

For brides who want to learn more about chirashi sushi cutting, check out this article!

➡ A must-read for brides planning a traditional wedding＊ Do you know about “chirashi sushi cutting” as an alternative to cake cutting?

Collaborative Activity of a Traditional Wedding ⑤ Onigiri Bite

The traditional flow of the reception typically goes from cake cutting to the first bite… but this couple opted for an “onigiri (rice ball) bite,” where they feed each other onigiri!

Originally, the first bite signifies the meaning “to never let you go hungry throughout life.” Using rice, which is a staple food in Japan, makes this performance even more fitting!?♡

Collaborative Activity of a Traditional Wedding ⑥ Udon Bite

There are also rare variations of the traditional first bite! This bride opted for an “udon bite,” where they feed each other udon noodles＊

This took place at a wedding in Kagawa, where they wanted to incorporate local elements for guests from outside the region. It seems to have been very well received by the guests♡ Using local ingredients and regional dishes for the first bite brings out their unique personalities, making it splendid♩

Collaborative Activity of a Traditional Wedding ⑦ Mochitsuki (Rice Cake Pounding)

Some brides had traditional rice cake pounding (mochitsuki) performed by the couple♡ It's an exciting collaborative activity where they pound rice cakes to the cheers of the guests.

In the end, staff members can finish it up and serve freshly pounded rice cakes to the guests♡

Collaborative Activity of a Traditional Wedding ⑧ Mizuawase no Gi (Water Blending Ceremony)

The last one we will introduce is the traditional ritual, mizuawase no gi. The groom and bride bring water from their respective homes and pour it together into a single cup to drink, which is an ancient ceremony＊

It symbolizes the bride and groom, who grew up in different environments, overcoming difficulties to unite and build a new home together.

Recently, some adaptations have become popular where juice is used for drinking, or water is blended with olive trees♩

➡ Old yet New! Eight wonderful original arrangements added to the traditional “Mizuawase no Gi” ceremony ♩

Feeling the Beauty of Japan in Collaborative Activities of Traditional Weddings ＊

We introduced eight collaborative activities that you might want to incorporate into a Japanese-style reception♡ Why not challenge yourself with these instead of the wedding cake cutting? It will surely excite your guests♩

➡ Here is the list of articles about “traditional Japanese weddings” on marry! ♡