Tanabata

Tanabata is one of Japan's representative annual observances, held each year on July 7th (or August 7th in some regions). The custom of decorating bamboo with colorful paper strips bearing written wishes and offering prayers to the stars is widely beloved throughout the country, deeply rooted in Japanese life as a summer tradition.

Tanabata is said to have arisen from the union of a star festival called "Kikōden," transmitted from China, and an ancient Japanese rite called "Tanabata." At its heart is the legend of Orihime (the Weaver) and Hikoboshi (the Cowherd), separated across the Milky Way. The story—that the two, who had been hardworking but grew idle after marriage, were separated by the Heavenly Emperor and permitted to cross the Milky Way to meet only once a year, on the night of July 7th—forms the romantic backdrop of the festival.

The most beloved custom of Tanabata is writing wishes on paper strips and hanging them on bamboo. People entrust various wishes, such as success in studies, good health, and fulfillment in love. In addition, many large-scale festivals are held across the country that adorn towns with gorgeous Tanabata decorations, such as the Sendai Tanabata Festival, the Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival, and the Asagaya Tanabata Festival. This observance of entrusting wishes to the stars is handed down as an important annual event of the Japanese summer, enjoyed with family while feeling the changing of the seasons.