Celebrate Tanabata Star Festival on July 7th!

Colorful wish tags hanging from tree branches at Japanese shrine or festival

What is "Tanabata"?

Tanabata "七夕" is a traditional Japanese festival celebrated on July 7th. It commemorates the meeting of two star-crossed lovers, Orihime (the Weaver Princess) and Hikoboshi (the Cowherd), who are separated by the Milky Way and allowed to meet only once a year on this day. During the festival, people write their wishes on colorful "短冊" Tanzaku strips of paper and hang them on bamboo branches. The festival often features decorations, festivals, and events in various regions of Japan. It’s a time for wishing for good fortune, success, and happiness. While July 7 is the most common date, some regions celebrate Tanabata in August, following the traditional lunar calendar (around August 7).

Woman in traditional áo dài decorating branch with colorful ornaments outdoors

Five colorful vertical banners with stars: pink, yellow, green, blue, purple

download Tanzake Paper to make a wish

Two children silhouetted against full moon under starry night sky

The story of Hikoboshi and Orihime

The story of Orihime "織姫" and Hikoboshi "彦星" is a popular tale in Japanese and Asian cultures. Orihime, the diligent daughter of the Heavenly Emperor Tentei, fell in love with Hikoboshi, the Cowherd Star, and they married. However, their love caused them to neglect their responsibilities, angering Orihime's father. As punishment, he separated them by turning the Amanogawa, Milky Way, into a barrier. Eventually, seeing Orihime's sadness, Tentei allowed them to reunite once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, provided Orihime completed her weaving duties.

What is commonly eaten on Tanabata day?

Decorative somen noodle bowl with shrimp, cucumber, tomato, and star-shaped carrot garnish

Colorful layered sushi cake with star-shaped toppings and vegetable decorations on white plate

Five layered gelatin desserts with turquoise blue jelly, white cream, star-shaped fruit garnish, and pearl decorations

Decorative children's soup with cute character-shaped rice and vegetable stars in broth

The most popular food is somen! This tradition dates back to the Heian period (794-1185), when the custom of eating somen noodles on Tanabata day began, as their long, thin shape was likened to the Milky Way. Served cold, somen is a refreshing choice during the hot summer months. In addition to their pleasant taste, somen symbolize wealth and prosperity, as their slender form represents a long and flourishing life. Enjoying somen on this festive occasion beautifully aligns with the themes of celebration, hope, and well-wishing for the future. Other popular Tanabata foods include Japanese street foods like takoyaki and yakitori, as well as Chirashi Sushi decorated with star-shaped toppings. Cool desserts, such as jelly or shaved ice topped with star-shaped candies or fruits, are also enjoyed, along with curry featuring star-shaped vegetables for kids!