Hello, this is Eri.
July 7th marks Tanabata — the Star Festival in Japan.
It’s a romantic and traditional celebration based on the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi, two lovers separated by the Milky Way who are allowed to meet only once a year on this night.
In Japan, we celebrate by writing wishes on small paper strips called tanzaku, and hanging them on bamboo branches. Cities and towns become vibrant with colorful decorations shaped like stars and streamers.
Yesterday, I visited the AEON Mall in Toki City, and was pleasantly surprised to see beautiful Tanabata decorations throughout the mall.
A wooden tunnel was adorned with hanging ornaments in all kinds of colors.
Bamboo leaves carried wishes written on tanzaku, swaying gently in the air — it truly felt like those wishes might float up to the sky.
At home, we’ve also started decorating for Tanabata.
These paper ornaments are called denguri.
They’re shaped like fruits or flowers, and we hang them from bamboo branches as part of the tradition.
Choosing and decorating with my children has become a special summer memory in itself.
Tomorrow is Tanabata.
What kind of wish would you write on your tanzaku?
Prefer to read in Japanese?
