Tanabata, or the Star Festival, involves a Japanese tradition in which people write their wishes on small, colorful strips of paper (tanzaku) and hang them on the branches of a small decorative bamboo tree. Celebrated widely throughout Japan, it typically occurs on the seventh day of the seventh month (July 7); however, some regions honor Tanabata on August 7, depending on their interpretation of the old lunar calendar. Based on a tale of star-crossed lovers, Tanabata ranks among Japan’s most vibrant traditional festivals.
The Origin of Tanabata
The history of Tanabata spans over 2,000 years and is derived from an ancient Chinese story. Once upon a time, a weaving princess named Orihime, the daughter of the Sky King, fell in love with a cowherder prince named Hikoboshi. They lived harmoniously alongside the heavenly river of the Milky Way. However, after they met and fell in love, both began to neglect their responsibilities: Orihime stopped her weaving, and Hikoboshi let his cows wander across the skies. This disobedience angered the king, leading him to separate the two lovers across the Milky Way.
Eventually, the king allowed Orihime and Hikoboshi to reunite once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month. The legend emphasizes that the couple cannot meet if the weather is rainy, making it customary for people to pray for favorable weather on this day.
Where to Celebrate Tanabata in Japan
If you’re in Japan in July or August, you have the opportunity to experience Tanabata festivals throughout the country. One of the largest celebrations occurs annually from August 6-8 in Sendai, which is about a one hour and 40 minutes journey from Tokyo. During this event, numerous handmade streamers are hung from tall bamboo poles throughout the city. Additionally, an impressive fireworks display on August 5 kicks off the festival.
In Tokyo, the Asagaya neighborhood celebrates Tanabata with enormous papier-mache sculptures featuring beloved characters from Hello Kitty, Disney, and anime. In Osaka, inspired by the Star Festival legend, a spectacular display creates a real-life Milky Way, illuminating the Okawa River with approximately 50,000 blue lights.
For those unable to attend Tanabata in Japan, consider visiting California in the summer: Los Angeles hosts a Tanabata celebration every year in the vibrant Little Tokyo neighborhood.
