Is an engagement ring always given in Japan?

No. When one is given, it is at the proposal or chosen together afterwards; some couples skip it and put the budget into the wedding rings instead.

Can the wedding ring be worn on the right hand?

There is no rule. The left ring finger is usual in Japan, but some people wear it on the right for work or because of their dominant hand.

What do people engrave?

The date of registration or the ceremony plus both initials is the classic choice. Some brands also allow a short message or symbols.

Engagement and Wedding Ring Customs in Japan: Timing, Which Finger, Engraving and Choosing as a Pair | Column

Ring customs around marriage differ a little from country to country. For overseas readers choosing a ring in Japan, or preparing with a Japanese partner, here is what is common in Japan for engagement and wedding rings. None of this is a rule; think of it as the way most couples do things.

Engagement rings

When is it given? Traditionally at the proposal, but many couples now choose the ring together after the proposal. If you want to surprise your partner, see how to find their size for a surprise.
Design: a solitaire with one central diamond is the classic. Smaller designs for everyday wear and flush "fusekomi" settings are increasingly popular.
Budget: the old slogan "three months' salary" is no longer the norm; most couples choose within a comfortable budget. See engagement ring price ranges.
Showing the ring: the ring is sometimes presented as the engagement gift at the families' first meal together or at a yuinō (formal betrothal) gathering.
A return gift: the person receiving the ring sometimes gives a watch or similar in return. It is optional.

Wedding rings

When to prepare: many couples start looking three to six months before the marriage registration or ceremony, because rings are made to order. See when to buy wedding rings.
Chosen as a pair: most couples pick matching rings from the same brand and design, or the same series with a different width or metal for each person. See matching pair or separate choices?
Metal: platinum (Pt900 / Pt950) has long been the standard, with gold and two-tone designs growing.
Worn every day: most people wear their wedding ring daily, including at work, so designs that do not catch or bend are preferred.

You can see the rings in person at a store near you.Find a store near you

Which finger?

In Japan both the engagement ring and the wedding ring are worn on the ring finger of the left hand. After the wedding, many people wear the wedding ring daily and stack the engagement ring on top for special occasions. Set rings designed for stacking are widely available.

Engraving

The classic engraving inside the band is the date (registration or wedding day) and the couple's initials. Most brands engrave for free or a small fee at purchase. Character limits, fonts and symbols vary by brand; see engraving ideas and ask in store.

Exchanging rings at the ceremony

Rings are exchanged after the vows, usually carried on a ring pillow. The day's flow is covered in the basics of the ring exchange.

Good to know when choosing in Japan

Japanese bridal rings are mostly made to order, taking several weeks to a month or more.
Sizes use the Japanese "gō" unit (see the conversion chart).
Multi-brand select shops let you compare several brands side by side. See our guide for overseas visitors for the visit itself.

Engagement and Wedding Ring Customs in Japan: Timing, Which Finger, Engraving and Choosing as a Pair