News in Easy English: Photo-only Korean-style weddings popular in Japan
In the past, most Japanese weddings were big, with many guests at ceremonies and special meals. But recently, young couples seem to like smaller or simpler events. Some couples also choose not to hold a wedding at all.
Now, many wedding companies are trying new ideas. They know young people often find wedding ideas on Instagram. So companies focus on weddings that look good in photos. Weddings with pretty flowers, many candles, and special photo areas to take beautiful pictures with guests are popular.
Korean photo-style weddings especially are popular because they have a unique style. These photos do not use simple lighting like before. Instead, they use studio sets that look like movie scenes. A Tokyo company called Studio Luminous is famous for these Korean-style photo services. They have large studios with many different backgrounds. At these studios, they give you clothes, fix your hair and makeup, and help you take beautiful pictures. Photo plans usually cost about 50,000 yen or more.
Many wedding halls now let couples see chapel rooms and dining rooms using special goggles with virtual reality. Some places offer simpler weddings with buffet-style meals and clear, simple prices.
Because of changes like these, wedding companies hope young people will understand weddings are special. A wedding expert said, "Recently, younger people don't understand clearly why weddings are special. One goal of these new ideas is to show them why weddings are important."
(Japanese original by Yuta Kumamoto, Digital News Group)
Vocabulary
ceremony: a special event where people get married or celebrate something
social media: websites and phone apps like Instagram, X, and Facebook
studio: a special room to take photos or make movies
unique: very special or different from others
makeup: colors used on the face, for example on eyes, lips or cheeks
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