Culture

It's Tanabata: Make A Wish!

July 7 is Tanabata or Star Festival, when shrines across Japan are adorned with colorful "tanzaku" bearing people's wishes for themselves and their loved ones.

Published

4 months ago

July 7, 2024

Arielle Busetto

A bamboo decoration and tanzaku paper strips with wishes written on them. Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin Hongyoin temple, July 6. (©JAPAN Forward by Shinichiro Kageyama)

The seventh day of the seventh month has an auspicious ring to it, fitting for one of Japan's major annual celebrations. On Tanabata, people of all ages write their wishes on colorful strips of paper (tanzaku) and tie them to a bamboo tree, often found in shrines and temples.

While the first festivities begin on July 7 of the Gregorian calendar, dates vary by region between July and August.

The Origins of Tanabata

The origins of Tanabata are attributed to a romantic Chinese folktale. It tells the bittersweet story of Princess Orihime (the star of weavers, Vega) and Prince Hikoboshi (the star of cow herders, Altair). The two fell in love but neglected their work, so they were banished to opposite sides of the heavenly river (the Milky Way). Ever since, they have been allowed to meet once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh month.

*A girl hangs a tanzaku on a bamboo decoration. Kansai International Airport, July 7, 2023. (©Sankei by Shigeki Fujiya)*

Local Festivities

A significant aspect of Tanabata celebrations is attending local Japanese festivals. One of the largest Tanabata celebrations in the Kanto area, which includes Tokyo, takes place in Hiratsuka. The city is located half an hour from Yokohama and one hour from central Tokyo.

Despite being heavily bombed during World War II, Hiratsuka has played a prominent role in Tanabata celebrations since the postwar period. People from all over Japan come to admire the ornate decorations on the main streets, sample delicious food, and enjoy the festivities.

Make a Wish

At the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival, food stalls, goldfish-catching games, and vendors selling decorative masks stretch as far as the eye can see. The main street is adorned with arches of lanterns with long ribbons that flutter in the warm summer breeze. Many visitors enjoy cold beer or shaved ice to cool down. The food stalls offer festival staples such as yakisoba, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and yakitori.

*The Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival in 2022. (Courtesy of Hiratsuka City)*

For a break from the crowds, visitors can find some quiet at the Hiratsuka Hachimangu Shrine. The entire shrine resonates with summer colors, from the multitude of pastel omikuji papers to the yukatas worn by passing couples.

There is something inherently human about wishing for something that can enhance one's life. What is even more human is finding comfort in knowing that one is not alone in this desire. Japan's seasonal beauty and annual festivals offer an opportunity to reflect on life and seek fresh inspiration.

Have a happy Tanabata!