Tanabata (七夕), also known as the Star Festival, is a magical Japanese celebration held every
summer, usually on July 7th. It is based on an ancient legend of two star-crossed lovers—Orihime
(the weaver star, Vega) and Hikoboshi (the cowherd star, Altair)—who are separated by the Milky
Way and allowed to meet only once a year on this special night.
During Tanabata, people write their wishes on small, colorful strips of paper called tanzaku and
hang them on bamboo branches, often decorated with vibrant ornaments and paper crafts.
Streets, shopping arcades, and public spaces are beautifully adorned with these decorations,
creating a dreamy and festive atmosphere.
Each region of Japan celebrates Tanabata in its own unique way, with some cities like Sendai
hosting large festivals that feature parades, fireworks, and elaborate streamers. At its heart,
Tanabata is a celebration of hope, love, and the beauty of dreams, making it one of Japan’s most
enchanting seasonal events.
