Papier-mâché figures steal the show at the Tanabata festival in Tokyo, with Dragon Ball characters and even President Trump among the handmade creations.
Asagaya Tanabata

The Asagaya Tanabata Festival bustling with crowds.

The 69th Asagaya Tanabata Festival, famous for its handmade and uniquely crafted haribote (papier-mâché figures), opened on August 7 at the Asagaya Pearl Center shopping street in Suginami Ward, Tokyo. The festivities will run until August 11.

A particularly eye-catching Tanabata decoration at the shopping street entrance.

The Tanabata festivals in Sendai and Hiratsuka are renowned for their colorful streamers and traditional decorations. Asagaya adds its own twist. Alongside classic Tanabata ornaments, countless haribote hang from the arcade ceiling, captivating visitors.

Handmade "haribote" creations. Clockwise from top left: Myaku Myaku, President Donald Trump, Hideki from manga "Hirayasu," and Baikinman — August 7, Suginami Ward, Tokyo. (©Sankei by Ikue Mio)

A Twist on Tradition

These papier-mâché creations have been a hallmark of the Asagaya festival since its first edition in 1954. At the time, organizers wanted something fresh and different from the usual kusudama (ornamental balls) and streamers. They drew inspiration from the Aomori Nebuta Festival and began producing large, eye-catching haribote.

Watch scenes from the festival.

Since then, shop owners in the district have created imaginative designs each year. Many are modeled after popular characters or reflect current events, adding extra charm to the celebration.

A collaborative haribote featuring Dragon Ball and the Asagaya Sisters.

Crowd Favorites

This year's standout is a playful collaboration between Dragon Ball and the comedy duo Asagaya Sisters. On either side of the villain Frieza stand the sisters, dressed in battle armor and wearing scouters. The look recalls Dragon Ball's Zarbon and Dodoria. Visitors eagerly took photos, calling out with delight, "It's the Asagaya Sisters!"

Children captivated by the Tanabata decorations.

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(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: Ikue Mio, The Sankei Shimbun

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