Tanabata: The Wonderful Tale of the Star Festival!

Tanabata (evening of the 7th) is one of Japan’s most beloved natsu matsuri (summer festivals). With a tragic yet romantic backstory, beautiful decorations, and unique customs, it’s a breathtaking experience, especially since places such as Sendai go all-out in their festivities.

Are you ready to hear more about this celebration, what to do, and where to go? Let’s talk about the incredible tale of the star festival Tanabata. Don’t forget to stay cool and hydrated in the summer heat!

What is the story of Tanabata?

Tanabata’s story is about two star-crossed lovers based on a Chinese legend. In the Japanese retelling, the main characters are Orihime and Hikoboshi, the Weaving Princess and the Cowherd Star. The princess was hardworking but sad that she wouldn’t find true love, so her father, the Sky King, arranged for her to meet Hikoboshi. Fortunately, the couple fell in love and got married soon after. 

However, the lovers were so happy and busy with each other that they neglected their duties. Orihime’s father was so angry that he separated them using the Amanogawa (Milky Way). After Orihime begged him with tears, he agreed to let them meet once a year on the 7th day of the 7th month when she’d finished her weaving. The Weaving Princess can visit the Cowherd Star on a bridge of magpies, but only if there’s no rain; otherwise, they must wait a year to meet again.

Where did the festival come from?

Tanabata was originally a Chinese festival: Qixi Festival, or “The Festival to Plead for Skills.” As the name suggests, it was when people asked for help in improving their artistic skills. The celebration occurred on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, honoring the stars Vega and Altair. Thanks to Empress  Kōken, it arrived in Japan in 755 C.E. and became immensely popular in the Edo period (1603-1868) as it mixed with Obon traditions. 

Since Japan switched from the lunar calendar to the solar calendar (Gregorian calendar) in the Meiji era (1868-1912), the star festival has been celebrated between July and August, depending on the city or region. While there were few to no festivities post-WWI until the 1950s, Tanabata has become one of Japan’s tourist attractions during summer. 

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What are its most common motifs?

We can’t discuss the star festival without mentioning its most common motifs. Here are the symbols you’ll find at all Tanabata festivities.

Wish Tree 

The most popular Tanabata decoration, the tanzaku (Wish Tree), is made of small pieces of paper tied to bamboo branches. People write down their prayers or wishes to improve in the arts, usually in the form of poems. The bamboo tree is later burned or floated away after the festival ends in hopes that these wishes are granted.

Large streamers

Besides the Wish Tree, other decorations are made from paper and hung up for this festival. They include orizuru (paper cranes), toami (fishnets), and of course, fukinagashi (long streamers). In the shape of old yarn to represent Orihime’s weaving, these streamers are hung everywhere to attract good luck.

What are some popular tanabata festivals?

Sendai (Tohoku Prefecture). In early August, Japan’s most famous star festival is also its most spectacular due to the decorations and fireworks show (around 16,000 fireworks). This is the best – and busiest – celebration to attend!

Shonan Hiratsuka (Kanagawa Prefecture). The Kantō region’s biggest star festival, Shonan Hiratsuka’s event, has around 3000 decorations and over 400 food stalls. Besides the parade and live music, there’s also a Miss Orihime beauty pageant.

Shitamachi (Tokyo Prefecture). If you’re in Tokyo in early July, catch this festival at the Kappabashi Hondōri. The first day features a parade with police motorcycles, while the second includes performances by Awa Odori dancers and taiko and shamisen players. 

Ichinomiya (Aichi Prefecture). Finally, we’d like to highlight Ichinomiya’s festival, held at the end of July. Since the city is famous for its textiles, the decorations are very elaborate. There are dance stages, a contest, and a procession to Masumida Shrine.

Why should I go to a Tanabata festival?

You should go to a Tanabata festival to experience traditional Japanese culture. You can watch live musical and dance performances, visit shrines, and participate in unique customs still practiced today.

Then there are the beautiful decorations. Each city has unique displays, whether simple paper cranes or intricate textile streamers. No matter where you go, this event is the perfect opportunity for a photoshoot.

Finally, you should attend a festival if significant changes are happening in your life that you’re excited or nervous about. Write out your hopes and dreams to hang on the Wish Tree – maybe they’ll come true this summer! Did you know about this star festival? Have you celebrated Tanabata before? Share your experiences in the comments.