Japanese Wedding Traditions

• 6-12 months before: Yuinoyoo-ee-noh engagement ceremony with gift exchange
• 3-6 months before: Select auspicious wedding date (Taiantah-ee-ahn days preferred)
• 1-3 months before: Choose wedding venue and ceremony style
• Wedding day morning: Bride dressing in traditional attire (2-3 hours)
• Ceremony: Shinto, Buddhist, or Christian-style (30-60 minutes)
• Reception: Formal banquet with 2-3 costume changes (2-3 hours)
• Post-wedding: Sato gaeri visit to bride’s family (within 1 week)

What is Yuino (Engagement Ceremony)?

Yuinoyoo-ee-noh is a formal Japanese engagement ceremony dating back to the Muromachi period (1336-1573) where both families exchange symbolic gifts and formalize the couple’s intention to marry. This ceremony typically occurs 6-12 months before the wedding, involves 10-20 family members, and includes the exchange of 5-9 traditional gifts worth ¥100,000-500,000 ($650-3,250 USD).

Traditional yuino gifts include:

• Konbukohn-boo (seaweed) - symbolizing fertility and prosperity
• Surumesoo-roo-meh (dried cuttlefish) - representing lasting marriage
• Hemp thread - signifying growing old together
• Shiragashee-rah-gah (white hair ornament) - representing longevity
• Ceremonial fan - symbolizing expanding happiness
• Cash envelope (goshugigoh-shoo-gee) - containing ¥300,000-1,000,000
• Sake - for ceremonial toasting
• Engagement ring - modern Western addition

Modern yuino practices in 2025 often simplify the ceremony to a restaurant dinner between families, with 70% of couples exchanging engagement rings alongside traditional symbolic gifts. Urban couples in Tokyo and Osaka frequently opt for abbreviated ceremonies lasting 2-3 hours, while rural families maintain fuller traditional formats.

Choosing Lucky Wedding Dates (Rokuyo Calendar)

The rokuyoroh-koo-yoh calendar system determines auspicious and inauspicious days for Japanese weddings based on a six-day cycle originating from Chinese astrology. Taiantah-ee-ahn days (most auspicious) command premium venue prices of 20-30% higher than regular days, while Butsumetsuboo-tsoo-meh-tsoo days (least auspicious) are traditionally avoided, offering discounts of up to 50%.

The six-day rokuyo cycle includes:

• Taian (大安) - “Great Peace” - Most auspicious (weddings cost ¥500,000+ more)
• Tomobikitoh-moh-bee-kee (友引) - “Friend Pulling” - Good for celebrations
• Senbusehn-boo (先負) - “Early Loss” - Afternoon ceremonies preferred
• Shakkoshah-koh (赤口) - “Red Mouth” - Noon hour only considered safe
• Senshosehn-shoh (先勝) - “Early Victory” - Morning ceremonies preferred
• Butsumetsu (仏滅) - “Buddha’s Death” - Avoided (30-50% venue discounts)

Current wedding date selection shows 65% of Japanese couples still consider rokuyo when planning, with Taian Saturdays booking 12-18 months in advance at popular venues. Modern couples balance traditional calendar considerations with practical factors like guest availability and venue costs.

Pre-Wedding Family Meetings and Preparations

Traditional family meetings establish formal connections between families 3-6 months before the wedding. These gatherings, involving 10-15 immediate family members, cost ¥50,000-150,000 ($325-975 USD) for venue and meals.

Key pre-wedding family events include:

• Formal introduction meeting (両家顔合わせ) - 3-6 months before
• Wedding planning discussions - Monthly meetings
• Betrothal gift presentations - 2-3 months before
• Final preparation gathering - 1 month before

Regional variations in family involvement:

• Kyoto families maintain stricter traditional protocols with 3-5 formal meetings
• Tokyo families often combine meetings with engagement parties
• Okinawan families include extended relatives (30-50 people)
• Northern regions incorporate seasonal considerations for gatherings

What is Shiromuku (White Wedding Kimono)?

Shiromukushee-roh-moo-koo is a pure white silk wedding kimono ensemble worn by Japanese brides for Shinto ceremonies, originating in the Edo period (1603-1868) among samurai families. This elaborate outfit, costing ¥300,000-1,000,000 ($1,950-6,500 USD) to rent or ¥1-5 million ($6,500-32,500 USD) to purchase, includes multiple layers and ceremonial accessories weighing 10-15 kilograms total.

Complete shiromuku ensemble components:

• Uchikakeoo-chee-kah-keh - Outer white silk kimono with embroidered patterns
• Kakeshitakah-keh-shee-tah - Under-kimono layer
• Wataboshiwah-tah-boh-shee or Tsunokakushitsoo-noh-kah-koo-shee - White hood or ornamental headpiece
• Hakosekohah-koh-seh-koh - Small decorative purse
• Kaikenkah-ee-kehn - Ceremonial dagger in decorative case
• Sensusehn-soo - Folding fan
• White tabitah-bee socks and zorizoh-ree sandals

Symbolic meanings embedded in shiromuku:

• White color represents purity and readiness to adopt husband’s family colors
• Tsunokakushi “hides horns of jealousy” symbolizing gentle disposition
• Crane and pine motifs embroidered for longevity
• Total ensemble takes 2-3 hours to properly dress with professional assistance

Modern shiromuku usage shows 35% of Japanese brides wear traditional white kimono for ceremonies or photo sessions, with 85% choosing rental over purchase. Contemporary adaptations include lighter-weight fabrics and simplified accessories while maintaining traditional appearance.

Groom’s Traditional Wedding Attire

Montsukimohn-tsoo-kee hakamahah-kah-mah is the formal men’s wedding kimono consisting of a black silk kimono with family crests, pleated hakama pants, and haorihah-oh-ree jacket. This ensemble costs ¥50,000-200,000 ($325-1,300 USD) to rent or ¥300,000-800,000 ($1,950-5,200 USD) to purchase.

Traditional groom’s attire includes:

• Montsuki - Black kimono with 5 family crests
• Hakama - Formal pleated divided skirt
• Haori - Hip-length formal jacket
• Haori-himohah-oh-ree-hee-moh - Decorative jacket ties
• Tabi - White split-toe socks
• Settaseh-tah - Traditional sandals
• Sensu - Ceremonial folding fan

Costume Changes During Reception (Oironaoshi)

Oironaoshioh-ee-roh-nah-oh-shee is the Japanese wedding tradition of multiple costume changes during the reception, originating from Heian period (794-1185) nobility. Modern receptions feature 2-4 outfit changes costing ¥200,000-800,000 ($1,300-5,200 USD) total for rentals.

Typical costume change sequence:

1. Shiromuku (white kimono) - Ceremony entrance
2. Iro-uchikakeee-roh-oo-chee-kah-keh (colored kimono) - Reception entrance (often red or gold)
3. Western white gown - Main reception portion
4. Evening dress or modern outfit - Final reception segment

Time requirements for costume changes:

• Each change takes 20-30 minutes with professional dressers
• Special changing rooms provided at venues
• Background music or entertainment covers transition periods
• Professional hair and makeup adjustments included

Regional costume variations:

• Kyoto brides favor elaborate Kyo-yuzenkyoh-yoo-zehn dyed kimono worth ¥500,000+
• Okinawan brides incorporate colorful bingatabeen-gah-tah textiles
• Tokyo brides often include designer Western gowns
• Northern regions feature more subdued color palettes

What is a Shinto Wedding Ceremony (Shinzen Shiki)?

Shinzen shiki is a traditional Shinto wedding ceremony performed at shrines by Shinto priests, involving ritual purification, sake exchange, and prayers to kamikah-meeShinto deities. These intimate ceremonies last 30-45 minutes, include 20-40 close family members, and cost ¥50,000-150,000 ($325-975 USD) for shrine fees.

Complete Shinto ceremony structure:

1. Haraihah-rah-ee - Purification ritual with sacred branch (5 minutes)
2. Noritonoh-ree-toh - Priest’s prayer announcement to kami (5 minutes)
3. San-san-kudosahn-sahn-koo-doh - Three-times-three sake exchange (10 minutes)
4. Seishi sojo - Reading of marriage vows (5 minutes)
5. Tamagushitah-mah-goo-shee - Offering evergreen branch at altar (5 minutes)
6. Ring exchange - Modern addition (2 minutes)
7. Oyako-katameoh-yah-koh-kah-tah-meh - Sake sharing with parents (5 minutes)
8. Final blessing - Priest’s closing prayer (3 minutes)

Sacred elements in Shinto ceremonies:

• Sake blessed by priests creates spiritual bond
• Sacred shrine space represents divine presence
• Evergreen sakakisah-kah-kee branch symbolizes eternal life
• Traditional gagakugah-gah-koo court music accompanies rituals

Current Shinto wedding statistics show these ceremonies represent 20% of Japanese weddings, with famous shrines like Tokyo’s Meiji Jingu hosting 10-15 ceremonies daily during peak season. Modern adaptations include photography permissions and bilingual ceremonies for international couples.

Buddhist Wedding Ceremony (Butsuzen Shiki)

Butsuzen shiki is a Buddhist wedding ceremony conducted at temples by Buddhist monks, featuring sutra chanting, incense offerings, and vows before Buddha. These ceremonies last 45-60 minutes, accommodate 30-50 guests, and cost ¥80,000-200,000 ($520-1,300 USD).

Buddhist ceremony elements:

• Temple bell ringing - Announces ceremony start
• Incense offering - Couple purifies intentions
• Sutra chanting - Monks recite sacred texts
• Juzujoo-zoo exchange - Buddhist prayer beads given
• Sake ceremony - Similar to san-san-kudo
• Dharma talk - Monk’s marriage guidance

Regional Buddhist variations:

• Kyoto temples offer elaborate ceremonies with multiple monks
• Zen temples emphasize meditation elements
• Jodo temples include Pure Land prayers
• Different sects vary ceremonial chanting styles

San-San-Kudo (Three-Times-Three Sake Exchange)

San-san-kudo is the ceremonial sake-sharing ritual central to Japanese weddings where bride and groom taketah-keh three sips each from three different-sized cups for nine total sips. This ancient ritual, formalized during the Muromachi period (1336-1573), symbolizes the union of two families and takes 10-15 minutes to complete.

Traditional san-san-kudo procedure:

1. Three lacquered cups (small, medium, large) are presented
2. Shrine maiden (mikomee-koh) pours sacred sake
3. Groom takes three sips from first cup
4. Bride takes three sips from same cup
5. Process repeats with remaining two cups
6. Parents may participate in final cup

Symbolic meanings of nine sips:

• Three couples united: bride-groom, bride-groom’s family, groom-bride’s family
• Three human flaws overcome: hatred, passion, ignorance
• Nine represents completion and fulfillment in Japanese numerology

Modern san-san-kudo practices maintain traditional structure in 90% of ceremonies, whether Shinto, Buddhist, or secular. Contemporary variations include non-alcoholic options for health reasons while preserving the ritual’s binding significance equivalent to Western vow exchanges.

Japanese Wedding Banquet (Kekkon Hiroen)

Kekkon hiroen is the formal wedding reception following the ceremony, featuring elaborate multi-course meals, speeches, and entertainment. Modern receptions last 2-3 hours, host 80-200 guests, and cost ¥2-4 million ($13,000-26,000 USD) at hotels or specialized wedding venues.

Standard reception timeline:

• Guest arrival and cocktail hour (30 minutes)
• Couple’s entrance with special lighting/music (5 minutes)
• Opening speeches from matchmaker or elder (10 minutes)
• Kampaikahm-pah-ee toast led by honored guest (5 minutes)
• First course service begins (ongoing)
• Cake cutting ceremony - Western addition (10 minutes)
• First costume change - bride changes to colored kimono (20 minutes)
• Entertainment - speeches, videos, performances (30 minutes)
• Second costume change - Western gown (20 minutes)
• Candle service - couple visits each table (20 minutes)
• Final costume change - evening dress (15 minutes)
• Closing speeches and gift presentation (15 minutes)

Reception meal components:

• French-Japanese fusion most popular (chosen by 45% of couples)
• Traditional kaisekikah-ee-seh-kee multi-course (costs ¥15,000-30,000 per guest)
• Western course menu (costs ¥10,000-20,000 per guest)
• Chinese banquet style (costs ¥8,000-15,000 per guest)

Speeches and Performance Traditions

Formal speeches (スピーチ) follow strict hierarchical order at Japanese wedding receptions, with 5-8 speakers presenting 3-5 minute addresses. Professional speech coaching services cost ¥30,000-50,000 ($195-325 USD) for nervous speakers.

Traditional speaking order:

1. Nakodonah-koh-doh (matchmaker) or senior colleague - opening remarks
2. Company superior - represents workplace connections
3. Former teacher or mentor - character testimony
4. Bride’s colleague - professional acknowledgment
5. Groom’s colleague - friendship perspective
6. Close friends - personal anecdotes
7. Couple’s thank you - closing gratitude

Entertainment performances between speeches:

• Colleague group songs - rehearsed performances
• Video presentations - childhood photos to present
• Musical performances - piano, traditional instruments
• Comedy skits - prepared by friend groups
• Surprise flash mobs - increasingly popular

Gift Giving and Return Gifts (Goshugi and Hikidemono)

Goshugigoh-shoo-gee are monetary wedding gifts presented in decorative envelopes with specific amounts based on relationship proximity. Standard amounts range from ¥30,000 ($195) for colleagues to ¥100,000 ($650) for close relatives, always in new bills and odd number denominations.

Goshugi amount guidelines:

• Colleagues/acquaintances: ¥30,000
• Friends: ¥30,000-50,000
• Close friends: ¥50,000
• Relatives: ¥50,000-100,000
• Immediate family: ¥100,000+
• Couples attending together: Joint amount in one envelope

Hikidemonohee-kee-deh-moh-noh are return gifts given to all wedding guests, valued at 30-50% of received goshugi. These gifts cost couples ¥3,000-15,000 ($20-100) per guest and include:

• Catalog gifts - allowing guest selection (most popular 2025 choice)
• Regional specialties - local foods or crafts
• Branded items - towels, dishware, accessories
• Confectionery sets - traditional sweets
• Practical household items - modern preference

Regional gift variations:

• Kyoto: Traditional crafts and specialty sweets
• Tokyo: Luxury brand items and gourmet foods
• Okinawa: Local textiles and tropical specialties
• Hokkaido: Regional sake and seafood products

Traditional Japanese Wedding Symbols

Lucky wedding symbols (縁起物) appear throughout Japanese weddings in decorations, gifts, and attire, each carrying specific meanings rooted in folklore and religious traditions. These symbols cost ¥50,000-200,000 ($325-1,300 USD) for complete decoration packages.

Primary wedding symbols and meanings:

• Crane (鶴) - Lives 1,000 years, symbolizing longevity
• Turtle (亀) - Lives 10,000 years in folklore
• Pine (松) - Evergreen representing unchanging love
• Bamboo (竹) - Flexibility and strength in marriage
• Plum blossoms (梅) - Beauty despite adversity
• Shochikubaishoh-chee-koo-bah-ee松竹梅 - Pine-bamboo-plum trinity

Mizuhikimee-zoo-hee-kee decorative cords on gift envelopes:

• Awabi-musubiah-wah-bee-moo-soo-bee - Complex knot that cannot be untied (for weddings)
• Cho-musubichoh-moo-soo-bee - Butterfly knot for repeated celebrations
• Gold and silver colors for wedding occasions
• Red and white for general celebrations
• Specific knot patterns cost ¥500-5,000 per envelope

Folding 1,000 Cranes (Senbazuru)

Senbazurusehn-bah-zoo-roo is the tradition of folding 1,000 origami paper cranes before the wedding to ensure a wish for long, happy marriage. This practice, requiring 50-100 hours of folding time, originated during the Edo period based on crane longevity symbolism.

Senbazuru creation process:

• Paper selection - 1,000 sheets of origami paper (¥3,000-10,000)
• Folding time - 2-3 minutes per crane for experienced folders
• Color schemes - gradient arrangements or wedding colors
• Stringing method - 40 strands of 25 cranes each
• Display options - frames, hanging installations, table decorations

Modern senbazuru practices:

• 60% of couples fold cranes together as bonding activity
• Friends often contribute cranes as pre-wedding support
• Professional crane-folding services available (¥30,000-50,000)
• Digital crane counters and folding apps assist modern couples
• Cranes incorporated into invitations and favors

Wedding Superstitions and Calendar Beliefs

Japanese wedding superstitions influence date selection, ceremony timing, and reception details based on traditional calendar systems and numerical beliefs. These beliefs affect pricing, with lucky dates commanding 20-30% premiums.

Major superstitious considerations:

• Lucky numbers: 3, 5, 7 (odd numbers for gifts/guests)
• Unlucky numbers: 4 (sounds like “death”), 9 (sounds like “suffering”)
• Avoided gift amounts: ¥40,000, ¥90,000
• Even numbers avoided for divisibility (suggesting separation)
• Lucky directions determined by couple’s zodiac signs

Weather-related beliefs:

• Rain on wedding day - “lucky tears” washing away hardships
• Snow - purity and fresh beginnings (northern regions)
• Strong wind - unlucky, might “blow away” happiness
• Rainbow sightings - extremely auspicious

Sato Gaeri (Bride’s Return Visit)

Sato gaeri is the traditional return visit to the bride’s family home occurring 3-7 days after the wedding. This custom, dating from when brides permanently left their birth families, involves bringing gifts worth ¥30,000-50,000 ($195-325 USD) and formally introducing the husband to extended family.

Traditional sato gaeri elements:

• Timing - Third, fifth, or seventh day after wedding
• Gifts brought - Sweets, sake, household items
• Participants - Newlywed couple and bride’s family
• Duration - Half-day to full-day visit
• Activities - Formal meal and family socializing

Modern sato gaeri practices show 70% of couples make informal family visits within the first month rather than observing strict traditional timing. Urban couples often combine this with thank-you visits to both families, adapting the custom to contemporary nuclear family structures.

First New Year Traditions (Hatsumode)

Hatsumodehah-tsoo-moh-deh for newlyweds involves special shrine visits during the first three days of New Year following their wedding. Couples spend ¥5,000-20,000 ($32-130 USD) on protective charms and prayers for their marriage.

Newlywed hatsumode customs:

• Shrine selection - Often where wedding was held
• Special prayers - For household harmony and fertility
• Omamorioh-mah-moh-ree purchase - Marriage protection charms
• Emaeh-mah dedication - Wooden plaques with wishes
• Traditional dress - 40% wear kimono for visit

Building the New Household

Japanese household establishment traditions involve specific rituals when newlyweds move into their home, costing ¥50,000-200,000 ($325-1,300 USD) for various ceremonies and items.

Key household establishment customs:

• Jichinsaijee-cheen-sah-ee - Ground purification for new construction (¥100,000)
• Moving day selection - Choosing lucky calendar dates
• Salt purification - Placing salt at entrances
• Kamidanakah-mee-dah-nah installation - Household Shinto shrine (¥30,000-100,000)
• Butsudanboo-tsoo-dahn placement - Buddhist altar if applicable

Modern household practices:

• 35% of couples maintain household shrines
• 80% consider lucky dates for moving
• Professional blessing services available
• Contemporary adaptations of traditional protections

Tokyo and Kanto Region Weddings

Tokyo wedding traditions blend international influences with Japanese customs, hosting 25% of Japan’s annual weddings. Metropolitan celebrations average ¥3.5 million ($22,750 USD) with 120 guests, featuring more Western elements than other regions.

Tokyo wedding characteristics:

• Venue preferences - 60% choose hotels over shrines
• Christian-style ceremonies - 45% of Tokyo weddings
• International cuisine - fusion menus standard
• Designer dress emphasis - average 3 costume changes
• Technology integration - projection mapping, live streaming

Unique Tokyo elements:

• Landmark venues - Tokyo Tower, Skytree ceremonies
• Celebrity officiants - TV personalities conducting ceremonies
• Trendsetting styles - originate nationally copied traditions
• Multilingual services - 30% offer English/Chinese options

Kyoto and Kansai Traditional Weddings

Kyoto weddings maintain Japan’s most traditional ceremonial standards, with 65% including shrine ceremonies compared to 20% nationally. These celebrations cost ¥2.8 million ($18,200 USD) average, emphasizing cultural authenticity.

Kyoto wedding distinctions:

• Historic shrine venues - 400+ registered wedding shrines
• Kaisekikah-ee-seh-kee cuisine - traditional multi-course meals
• Seasonal considerations - cherry blossom, autumn leaf timing
• Maiko performances - apprentice geisha entertainment
• Traditional crafts - local artisan wedding favors

Preservation of traditions:

• Full shiromukushee-roh-moo-koo ceremonies - 80% of Kyoto brides
• Classical reception format - maintaining historical structure
• Family involvement - stronger parental participation
• Seasonal decorations - emphasis on natural elements

Okinawan Wedding Customs

Okinawan weddings incorporate unique Ryukyuan cultural elements distinct from mainland Japan, lasting 4-6 hours with 150-300 guests. These celebrations cost ¥2 million ($13,000 USD) average, emphasizing extended family participation.

Distinctive Okinawan elements:

• Ryusoryoo-soh attire - colorful bingatabeen-gah-tah wedding kimono
• Awamoriah-wah-moh-ree toasts - local rice liquor replacing sake
• Kachashikah-chah-shee dancing - traditional celebration dance
• Sanshinsahn-sheen music - three-stringed instrument performances
• Extended guest lists - entire communities invited

Cultural fusion aspects:

• Chinese influences - from historical kingdom connections
• American influences - from military presence
• Indigenous traditions - pre-Japanese customs maintained
• Beach ceremonies - 40% incorporate ocean settings

Northern Japan Wedding Variations

Tohoku and Hokkaido weddings adapt traditions to harsh climates while preserving regional customs. Winter weddings feature special considerations, with 35% occurring during snow season at average costs of ¥2.5 million ($16,250 USD).

Northern regional characteristics:

• Seasonal adaptations - indoor venues predominant
• Hot spring venues - onsenohn-sehn resort weddings popular
• Hearty cuisine - emphasis on warming foods
• Sake traditions - regional brewery features
• Natural settings - summer mountain ceremonies

Climate-influenced customs:

• Winter ceremonies - special heating arrangements
• Snow photography - incorporated into packages
• Seasonal flowers - limited to available varieties
• Guest transportation - arranged for remote venues

Current Popularity Rankings of Traditions

Based on 2025 wedding industry data, here are Japanese wedding customs ranked by current observance:

Nearly Universal (90%+ of weddings):

1. Goshugigoh-shoo-gee monetary gifts - ¥30,000-100,000 standard
2. Hikidemonohee-kee-deh-moh-noh return gifts - maintaining reciprocal culture
3. Professional photography - average ¥200,000 budget
4. Reception banquet - 2-3 hour formal meal
5. Costume changes - minimum 2 outfits

Very Common (60-89%):

6. Lucky date selection - Taiantah-ee-ahn days still premium
7. San-san-kudosahn-sahn-koo-doh - even in Western-style ceremonies
8. Formal speeches - 5-8 speakers average
9. Cake cutting - Western addition now standard
10. Candle service - table visits by couple

Moderately Common (30-59%):

11. Yuinoyoo-ee-noh ceremony - simplified versions popular
12. Traditional attire - for ceremony or photos
13. Shrine ceremonies - 20% choose Shinto
14. Crane decorations - symbolic not literal
15. Post-wedding visits - informal timing

Less Common (Under 30%):

16. Full senbazurusehn-bah-zoo-roo - 1,000 cranes rarely completed
17. Buddhist ceremonies - 15% of weddings
18. Matchmaker involvement - mostly disappeared
19. Complete traditional format - fully authentic rare
20. Extended family rituals - simplified versions

Emerging Wedding Trends

Sustainable weddings gain popularity with eco-conscious couples spending 10-15% more for environmental considerations:

• Local flower arrangements reducing transport
• Vintage kimono rentals over new production
• Plant-based traditional cuisine options
• Digital invitations saving paper
• Donation favors replacing physical gifts

Technology integration enhances traditional elements:

• Virtual reality venue tours for planning
• Drone photography capturing shrine ceremonies
• Translation apps for international guests
• Digital guest books with video messages
• Live streaming for distant relatives

Personalization within tradition:

• Customized sake labels for san-san-kudo
• Contemporary calligraphy for traditional elements
• Modern music during costume changes
• Fusion ceremony formats
• Personal vow additions to traditional scripts

Post-pandemic adaptations continuing in 2025:

• Smaller guest lists (80-100 average)
• Outdoor ceremony preferences
• Health-conscious catering options
• Flexible cancellation policies
• Hybrid attendance options

Japanese wedding traditions continue evolving while maintaining essential cultural elements that connect modern couples to centuries of heritage. From the sacred san-san-kudo ceremony that remains central to 90% of weddings to emerging sustainable practices, these customs create uniquely meaningful celebrations balancing respect for tradition with contemporary life. As Japan moves forward, wedding customs adapt to changing social norms while preserving the core values of family, respect, and ceremonial beauty that define Japanese cultural identity.