The preparations are a lot of work, and it costs money for both the person inviting and the person being invited, so honestly, there are times when I think it's a bit of a hassle.

but---
Once it starts, smiles naturally appear on your face, you feel a lot of love, and before you know it, tears are rolling down your face. There are some events that, no matter what, just leave you feeling incredibly happy, aren't there?

Yes, it's a wedding!

Weddings, funerals, and other ceremonial occasions where manners and etiquette are highly valued are a treasure trove of relatable anecdotes not just in Okinawa, but... Okinawa is truly amazing in many ways!

Are these things common or uncommon at weddings you've experienced?

(※While all the events described in this article are based on personal experience and research with Okinawa residents, these are merely 10 "relatable" stories chosen by the author based on their own subjective opinions and biases. Please forgive any inaccuracies. We hope you enjoy it.)

<Table of Contents>
1. Decision Notice
2. I am an ordinary person.
3. They are a celebrity.
4. Cheers to this reunion!
5. To turn/spin
6. special seat
7. The big stage
8. The beginning and the end. Bonus: being tossed in the air.
9. To commemorate this day
10. We will celebrate with all our might!

[Things that are common in Okinawa]

■I received a wedding invitation, but it didn't include a postcard or envelope to RSVP.
→There's a high probability that you'll be counted as present once you verbally say "I'll go."

■Actually, the invitation included a seating chart and place cards.
→In Okinawa, it's customary to decide on the guests' seating arrangements before sending out invitations.

■It was given to me through a friend.
→Unless there's a specific reason otherwise, invitations are generally handed out in person. Sometimes, all the friends even pitch in to distribute them.

■ The invitation hasn't arrived even though it's been more than a month since the wedding.
→That happens often.

■Actually, I received the invitation on the day of the ceremony.
→Yay!

Wedding invitations are often given out more as a way to "inform" people of what has already been decided, rather than as an "invitation." Surprisingly, even people who weren't invited sometimes show up on the day of the wedding with a congratulatory gift.

[Things that are common in Okinawa]

■The number of guests is incredible
→Apparently, a wedding reception with 200 to 300 guests is average in Okinawa.

■Is the other party a company executive at a major corporation?
→In most cases, they are ordinary people.

■Is your partner a celebrity?
→ (Probably) they're just an ordinary person.

One of the most surprising things about weddings in Okinawa is the sheer number of guests. Of course, having so many guests at one wedding means you'll also have many opportunities to be invited to other people's weddings. That's why the going rate for wedding gifts in Okinawa is apparently 10,000 yen for friends and acquaintances.

[Things that are common in Okinawa]

■Huh? I feel like I've seen the person emceeing the ceremony before...
→In most cases, they are celebrities.

■Huh? I've heard the host's voice before...
→In most cases, they are professional speakers.

In Okinawa, it's common to ask a celebrity to emcee a wedding.
The term "celebrity" encompasses a wide range of genres, from local talents and radio personalities to comedians, DJs, and announcers.

If you ask an Okinawan, "Who is your favorite wedding officiant?", they will almost certainly name someone.

[Things that are common in Okinawa]

■There's alcohol in the waiting room at the wedding venue...
→Okinawan hospitality includes having alcohol available even in the waiting room.

■We've already started drinking alcohol, even though it's before the toast.
→Please be careful not to drink too much so you don't end up completely exhausted before the ceremony begins.

■Actually, I started drinking alcohol even before arriving at the wedding venue.
→Please be careful not to drink too much.

In Okinawa, the celebratory feast begins even before the ceremony starts.
Okinawans have always loved sharing drinks with family and friends. Those gathered at the venue are all people who share a common friend, acquaintance, or relative—the bride (or groom). It's a long-awaited reunion, a chance to reminisce about old times, and a joyous occasion at that.

There's no way that wouldn't be exciting!

[Things that are common in Okinawa]

■The food on the table is rotating!
→Please spin it!

The idea of ​​"everyone sharing large platters of food arranged on a rotating table" isn't about a Chinese restaurant, but rather about a wedding in Okinawa.

It seems they've started offering set courses recently, but am I the only one who gets dizzy just thinking about the serving staff preparing a set course for 300 guests?

[Things that are common in Okinawa]

■ Are the seats and locations for the bride and groom's parents and relatives correct?
→That's correct!

In Okinawa, where parents and relatives are highly valued, it is customary to seat the parents and relatives in the most honorable seats (in front of the tiered platform) closest to the bride and groom. In mainland Japan, it is common for relatives to sit in the lowest seats at weddings. Many people are surprised by this completely opposite situation.

[Things that are common in Okinawa]

■Besides the "tiered platform" where the bride and groom are, there's a large stage...
→Everyone has been practicing hard for this day.

■A really spectacular stage has been prepared, but...
→The entertainment in Okinawa is (in many ways) taken very seriously.

■The quality of the entertainment is just incredible...!
→After all, it's a big day!

Wedding reception entertainment is a stage where you can see the true spirit of Okinawans.
The level of effort put into the entertainment is unparalleled, so the stage and equipment used for the performances are inevitably gorgeous. Singing, dancing, video messages—the laughter, tears, and emotion are all delivered with a level of perfection that is second to none!

Incidentally, they put on enthusiastic entertainment not only at weddings, but also at company drinking parties such as year-end parties and farewell/welcome parties. When Okinawans hear the word "entertainment," they instinctively show off their skills to the fullest.

[Things that are common in Okinawa]

■Does the entertainment always start with the same act?
→This is "Kajadi-fu (Kagiyade-fu)," an indispensable performance at celebrations in Okinawa.

■Will everyone dance together to conclude the entertainment?
→The song "Tosen Doi" plays, and it's customary for everyone to dance the "Kachashi" together.

■The groom is flying through the air!
→The classic pattern is to lift the groom up in the air after a kachāshī dance.

The celebration begins with "Kajadi-fu" and ends with "Kachashi." This sequence is a staple in Okinawa. "Kajadi-fu" is often danced by the groom's relatives, and if they can't find anyone who can dance it, they sometimes hire a professional. Ryukyu dance is amazing.

[Things that are common in Okinawa]

■The bride and groom have received many gifts from various people.
→There's a program called "Presenting Commemorative Gifts"!

The "presentation of commemorative gifts" usually begins in the middle of the ceremony.
This is not a time for the bride and groom to give gifts to people they want to thank, but rather a time for relatives, friends, and colleagues to present commemorative gifts to the bride and groom. Sometimes they ask the couple beforehand what they would like, and sometimes they give handmade gifts.

The bride and groom, beaming with smiles after receiving heartfelt gifts, share their joyous smiles—their happiness is the most precious and memorable gift for their guests.

Open the lid and you'll find a huge difference!
It's understandable why people attending an Okinawan wedding for the first time are often overwhelmed.

However, everyone shares the same desire to congratulate the couple.
Okinawans rejoice in this day just as much as the bride and groom, share in their joy, and celebrate with all their heart and soul, hoping that their happiness will last forever!

Come on, whistle! Drink! Sing! Dance!
Let's celebrate this happy new beginning for the two of them with all our hearts!

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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