37 FramesWhy Tradition Still Matters
In an age of minimalist gowns and Instagram-worthy backdrops, it can be easy to forget the power of tradition. But here in Japan, some traditions are more than rituals. They are art. None more so than the bridal look of nihongami hair and the kimono.
For couples coming to Japan, incorporating these traditions can transform a wedding from simply beautiful into profoundly authentic. But doing so requires respect, fluency, and access to masters of the craft.
What Is Nihongami?
Nihongami is the traditional Japanese bridal hairstyle, sculpted into elegant curves and adorned with ornate kanzashi hairpieces. It is not something you can YouTube and recreate at home. It is an art form, passed down through generations of hair masters who dedicate their lives to perfecting it.
We once had one of Japan’s most famous nihongami masters travel into Tokyo just for our bride. Watching hm work was a performance in itself. Hands moving with precision, pins sliding in with the authority of someone who has styled hundreds of brides. The result was breathtaking: a look that felt timeless, regal, and deeply Japanese.
The Kimono: More Than Fabric
Equally central is the bridal kimono. Brides may choose the pure white shiromuku, symbolizing purity and new beginnings, or the iro-uchikake, a vibrantly embroidered robe often featuring cranes, waves, or blossoms.
Kimono dressing is an entire ritual. It requires specialized dressers who know how to fold, layer, and tie each piece. Each movement is deliberate, each knot symbolic. To watch a bride being dressed in kimono is to witness an art performance before the wedding even begins.
Why Authenticity Matters
Here’s where we get real: there are “tourist versions” of these traditions. Rent a kimono, sit in a makeup chair, snap a few photos about town. Quick, easy, and entirely surface.
That is not what we do.
At 37 Frames, authenticity is non-negotiable. When our couples choose to embrace Japanese wedding traditions, they do so with masters of their craft. With rituals that carry centuries of meaning. With reverence for the culture, not just a pretty aesthetic.
A Bride’s Guide: How to Do It Right
1. Choose the Right Team
Not every hairdresser can do nihongami. Not every stylist can dress a kimono properly. You need artisans who have trained for years. We’ve built relationships with the best in Japan.
2. Know the Symbols
White kimono for purity. Red and gold for prosperity. Cranes for longevity. Waves for resilience. Every choice carries meaning. Lean into it.
3. Give It Time
Dressing in kimono and styling nihongami isn’t quick. It can take hours. Plan for it. Build your timeline around the ritual, because it’s part of the story.
4. Blend Tradition With Your Story
Some brides wear nihongami for the ceremony, then change into a modern gown for the reception. Others pair kimono with Western touches. There are no rules. Just respect for tradition as the foundation.
A Real Story: Aman Tokyo, One-of-a-Kind Kimono
One of our couples from Chicago began their wedding day at Aman Tokyo. The bride wore a one-of-a-kind kimono, styled in nihongami by a renowned master. Watching her transformation was emotional even for us. Layers of fabric, pins, and symbolism building until she emerged radiant.
Later, at a stunning Tokyo venue, she and her partner exchanged vows. Goosebumps all around. It wasn’t just a wedding. It was an immersion in history, tradition, and story.
Why Couples Choose Tradition
Because it’s more than a look. It’s a connection. To culture. To history. To place. For couples coming from abroad, embracing Japanese wedding traditions isn’t about “playing dress-up.” It’s about honoring where they are marrying, and weaving that authenticity into their legacy.
And with us, couples know they’ll be guided by people who have spent decades learning, respecting, and earning the trust required to make these traditions accessible.
Final Reflection
Nihongami and kimono are not costumes. They are art, tradition, and meaning. To wear them on your wedding day in Japan is to step into centuries of history and carry it forward in your own story.
Done properly, these traditions don’t make a wedding look Japanese. They make it feel Japanese. Authentic, powerful, unforgettable.
📋 Planning | 📸 Photography | 🎥 Film by @37frames | Edited with the 37 Frames @imagen.ai profile (The Modern Classic)
37 Frames
