Recommended songs for band performances to liven up a wedding reception

Let's give it a try.WANIMA

au Santaro TV commercial: “Let’s Try It” edition (60 seconds + making-of footage)

When it comes to bands that exploded in popularity starting in 2016, WANIMA surely comes to mind.

Their songs have been featured in many commercials, and this particular track, used in an au commercial, is especially catchy and memorable.

The band arrangement itself isn’t difficult, making it a perfect song to liven up a wedding in a fun way.

Magic words ~World you marry me?~Do As Infinity

Do As Infinity / Magic Words ~Would you marry me?~

Since their reunion in 2008, Do As Infinity—a two-piece rock band—has been active not only in Japan but also internationally, including a tour of Latin America.

Their 15th single, “Mahou no Kotoba ~Would you marry me?~,” was used as the theme song for the TV drama Chocolat.

Because the strings and brass sections are prominent, performing it as entertainment means the keyboardist has a lot to do, but the light, sprightly ensemble will add a festive touch to a special day.

It’s a heartfelt pop tune with lyrics that feel like they’re celebrating a new beginning.

Soldier, run.B’z

B'z / Soldier, Run

Because many sports cheering songs are upbeat, they’re a classic choice for wedding performances and entertainment.

In 2019, the Rugby World Cup was held in Japan.

B’z’s “Tsuwamono, Hashiru” was used as the Japan national rugby team’s support song for Lipovitan D and is also popular among cover bands.

Since it’s a B’z song, it’s difficult to play, so be sure to practice thoroughly before performing it.

cherry (cherry fruit; sakuranbo)Ai Otsuka

Ai Otsuka / Sakuranbo (Short Ver.)

It was released in 2003 as Ai Otsuka’s second single.

It’s a super cute, upbeat song that’s perfect for a girls’ band.

Since it’s high-energy and adorable, it’s a song we’d love to perform with attention to costumes and makeup so the girls can have fun and really hype up the crowd.

Kiss me right nowLINDBERG

LINDBERG / Kiss Me Now

Wouldn’t nostalgic songs also get everyone excited—both younger people who’ve heard them and the generation that listened to them when they first came out? Here’s a song by LINDBERG released in 1990! I bet many people in their teens and twenties have heard it, too.

And if you have the audience sing the “Ima sugu Kiss Me ‘wow wow!’” part of the chorus, it’ll be perfect!

RunnerBakufū Slump

Bakufu Slump - Runner (High Quality)

It’s Bakufu Slump’s 12th single, released in 1998.

The guitar part seems a bit challenging, but it’s a song known across a wide range of ages, so you can get people to sing along to the chorus.

It might be funny to sing it standing perfectly still like Sunplaza Nakano.

bicycleOreskaband

ORESKABAND – Bicycle

Oreskaband is a rock band highly acclaimed not only in Japan but also in the United States.

They created the song “Jitensha” (“Bicycle”) as an ending theme for the anime Naruto Shippuden.

It’s a pop song that layers various emotions onto the image of pedaling a bicycle.

Singing it is sure to liven up the atmosphere with its brisk, upbeat sound.

Also, the chorus repeats the same phrase, making it an easy song for everyone to sing along to.