Tanabata (七夕), also known as the Star Festival, is celebrated every year on July 7th in most parts of Japan. Based on a romantic legend, it’s a time when people write wishes on colorful paper strips and decorate bamboo branches. This guide introduces the meaning, history, and unique customs of Tanabata to help you enjoy this beautiful summer tradition while living in Japan.
Table of Contents
For more information on other Japanese seasonal customs, please refer to the article below.
Chapter 1: What is Tanabata?
Tanabata, or the Star Festival, is inspired by a bittersweet and romantic legend from long ago. The story centers on two star-crossed lovers—Orihime, a princess who wove beautiful fabrics, and Hikoboshi, a hardworking cowherd.
Both were dedicated to their work, but after they fell in love and got married, they became so focused on each other that they stopped working altogether. This upset Orihime’s father, a god, who separated them by placing a river of stars—the Milky Way—between them.
Heartbroken, Orihime and Hikoboshi begged for forgiveness. Touched by their love and sorrow, the god agreed to let them meet just once a year, on the night of July 7th, if they promised to work hard the rest of the year.
Tanabata celebrates this special reunion. It’s a day to wish for love, success, and dreams to come true—just like the wishes of Orihime and Hikoboshi.
Chapter 2: The History of Tanabata in Japan
Tanabata has its roots in both ancient Japanese traditions and Chinese customs.
In old Japan, women would weave cloth and offer it to the gods as a prayer for a good harvest. A specially chosen woman would use a traditional loom called a “tanabata” to weave a kimono dedicated to the gods. This early practice is believed to be one of the origins of the festival.
Tanabata was also influenced by a Chinese tradition called “Kikōden” (The Festival to Plead Skills). On July 7th, people would pray to the star Vega (associated with Orihime) to become better at weaving and sewing.
These customs blended over time and were introduced to Japan’s noble class during the Heian period (794–1185), where they became part of court ceremonies. By the Edo period (1603–1868), Tanabata had spread to the general public and evolved into a day when people would write their wishes on paper and offer them to the stars.
Today, Tanabata is widely celebrated as a festival of wishes and summer tradition across Japan.
Chapter 3: Customs of Japanese Tanabata
1. Tanzaku (短冊) – Wish Strips
One of the most popular customs of Tanabata is writing wishes on small, colorful strips of paper called tanzaku. People write anything from personal dreams to messages of gratitude or hope, then hang them on bamboo branches. Children and adults alike take part in this custom, turning public spaces into colorful displays of heartfelt wishes.
2. Sasakazari (笹飾り) – Bamboo Decorations
The wishes on tanzaku are usually hung on sasa (bamboo branches), along with other paper ornaments like cranes, streamers, and stars. Bamboo is believed to have spiritual power and strong growth, symbolizing the upward reach of wishes toward the heavens. These bamboo decorations are often placed near doorways, schools, or festival venues.
3. Tanabata Matsuri (七夕祭り) – Tanabata Festivals
Across Japan, many cities and towns host Tanabata festivals in early July or August, depending on the region. Streets are decorated with large, colorful streamers and lanterns, and people gather to enjoy food stalls, games, and live performances. One of the most famous is the Sendai Tanabata Festival held in August, where stunning paper decorations fill the shopping arcades. These festivals offer a fun and festive way to experience Japanese culture in the summer.
