Tanabata, the Star festival

Tanabata is also called the Star festival and is held each July 7. This festival is originating from the Chinese festival Qixi and was introduced in Japan by the imperial court under the Heian period (from 794 to 1185). According to the legend, this festival celebrates the reunion of 2 deities, Orihime and Hikoboshi, symbolized by stars that are separated by the Milky Way and can only get together on the 7th day of the 7th month of each year.

During Tanabata, the streets are decorated with giant colored cylindrical banners (fukinagashi). You can also write wished on tanzaku (colored cards) and hang them on branches of bamboo.

This year, Japan Expo is opening on July 7, the day of Tanabata. Come and hang up your good wishes on bamboo leaves. You can write on those papers all your dreams, prayers for peace or good health.