Tanabata – Japan’s Star Festival of Wishes and Summer Romance

Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, is one of Japan’s most romantic and culturally rich seasonal events, celebrated every year on July 7th. Rooted in an ancient legend, the festival honors the once-a-year reunion of Orihime (the weaving princess) and Hikoboshi (the cowherd), two lovers separated by the Milky Way and allowed to meet only on this special night.

Across Japan, from local shopping streets and shrines to private homes, towns come alive with colorful Tanabata decorations. The most iconic of these are bamboo branches adorned with handwritten wishes on colorful paper strips called tanzaku. Other decorations include origami stars, streamers, and traditional crafts that fill the streets with festive charm.

Whether you join a local celebration, visit a shrine, or simply write your wish on a tanzaku, experiencing Tanabata is a beautiful way to connect with Japan’s traditions and summertime spirit.

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