Every year on July 7th, a traditional Japanese event called Tanabata is held across the country—a festival overflowing with romance and heartfelt wishes.
The day commemorates the legend of Orihime (the weaving princess) and Hikoboshi (the cowherd), who are said to be allowed to meet just once a year, crossing the Milky Way on this night. People write their wishes on colorful strips of paper called tanzaku and hang them on bamboo branches, entrusting their hopes to the stars.
In towns and cities, the atmosphere is lively and festive, brimming with the joyful spirit of summer celebrations.
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Contents １. The Origins and Background of Tanabata ２. Tanabata Traditions and How to Enjoy the Festival ３. When is Tanabata Celebrated? ４. The Deeper Meaning of Tanabata |
1. The Origins and Background of Tanabata
Tanabata (also read Shichiseki) is one of Japan’s traditional annual events and is considered one of the Five Seasonal Festivals, marking an important seasonal turning point.
The festival was introduced to Japan during the Nara period (8th century) from China, and by the Heian period, it had become an imperial court ritual. In the Edo period, it spread among the general public and eventually became a widely celebrated annual event across Japan.
Tanabata also intertwined with ancient Japanese beliefs, such as the worship of the weaving goddess and the “Tanabatatsume” purification ritual, shaping a uniquely Japanese version of the festival.
There are several theories regarding the origins of Tanabata, but the three most well-known are:
① The Legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi
This is the iconic Tanabata tale.
Orihime (the star Vega) and Hikoboshi (the star Altair) are said to be two stars shining across the Milky Way from each other, allowed to reunite only once a year on the night of July 7th.
Orihime represents weaving and craftsmanship, while Hikoboshi symbolizes agriculture. Their bittersweet and romantic story is one of the roots of Tanabata.
② Tanabatatsume
Long before Tanabata came from China, Japan had its own ritual known as Tanabatatsume.
In this ritual, a chosen maiden would stay in a weaving hut by the river and weave cloth as an offering to the gods, praying for a good harvest and protection from misfortune.
This native tradition later merged with the Chinese Tanabata, and the kanji "七夕" (literally “seventh evening”) began to be read as tanabata.
③ Kikkōden
This is a custom imported from China, where people pray for skill improvement in weaving, sewing, and crafts by offering needles and other tools on an altar in their garden.
Over time, the custom expanded to include wishes for proficiency in calligraphy, arts, and other talents.
These diverse cultural backgrounds blended over the centuries to create the uniquely Japanese version of Tanabata we know today.
2. Tanabata Traditions and How to Enjoy the Festival
◎ Writing Wishes on Tanzaku
Writing your wish on a tanzaku and hanging it on bamboo branches is the classic Tanabata tradition.
The tanzaku are traditionally in five colors: blue, red, yellow, white, and black (or purple), representing the Five Elements and Virtues in Eastern philosophy.
Wishes may be for academic success, good health, love, or anything dear to the heart.
◎ Decorating Bamboo Branches
Besides tanzaku, people also hang colorful origami decorations—like cranes and stars—making the bamboo branches visually stunning.
After Tanabata, it’s customary to float the decorations down a river or burn them in a sacred fire, symbolizing the sending of wishes to the heavens and the purification of the soul for a fresh start.
◎ Foods Inspired by the Stars
Tanabata also features celestial-themed cuisine.
The most iconic dish is somen noodles, whose thin, long shape resembles the Milky Way. Topped with colorful garnishes and star-shaped decorations, they are a visual treat and carry meanings of love and longevity.
Other popular dishes include those decorated with star-shaped carrots, cheese, or cucumbers, and jellies made with star-shaped agar or dumplings that float like stars in the night sky.
A standout treat is the “Milky Way Jelly”, a refreshing summer dessert made with blue jelly and floating star-shaped fruits or sugar candy, evoking a dreamy night sky.
◎ Evening Festivals and Fireworks
Many regions hold night festivals on Tanabata, lighting up with lanterns, festival stalls, and fireworks, creating a romantic and festive ambiance.
Famous examples include the Sendai Tanabata Festival in Miyagi and the Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival in Kanagawa, which attract numerous visitors each year with their vibrant decorations and events.
3. When is Tanabata Celebrated?
Originally, Tanabata was celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month.
However, following calendar reforms in the Meiji era, it is now typically observed on July 7th (Gregorian calendar).
In some areas, the festival is held in early August, in line with the lunar calendar, offering a more nature-aligned experience—known as “Later Tanabata”.
4. The Deeper Meaning of Tanabata
Tanabata is not merely a romantic tale.
Orihime and Hikoboshi were recognized by the gods for being hardworking and diligent. The story conveys values of effort, perseverance, and devotion to one’s craft.
By writing wishes on tanzaku, people pray not only for personal happiness but for peace and well-being in the world. The entire festival, centered around the stars and the Milky Way, expresses a deep respect and reverence for nature and the cosmos.
5. Recommended Products for Tanabata
<Kochosai Kosuga> Somen noodle chopsticks
The Significance of Somen and Special Chopsticks
No Tanabata table is complete without somen noodles—but did you know that the chopsticks used for somen also hold symbolic meaning?
Just like Orihime and Hikoboshi, the pair of chopsticks work only as a pair. These special somen chopsticks are designed with squared, grooved tips to grip the slippery noodles with ease.
Made of bamboo, they are lightweight and easy to handle—perfect for serving and personal use.
The vibrant green adds a lively touch to the dining table and makes a wonderful seasonal gift for Tanabata.
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◎Tanabata Wind Chimes◎
The gentle sound of wind chimes seems to carry people’s wishes up to the stars.
During Tanabata, many wind chimes are designed with celestial themes like stars and galaxies, creating an enchanting and romantic mood.
Just by hanging them at your entrance, window, or bamboo decoration, you can feel a refreshing breeze for both the eyes and ears.
< Kochosai Kosuga > Glass Wind Chimes
These simple yet elegant wind chimes made from natural bamboo and hemp offer a refined touch.
The soft tone produced by the rooted bamboo and the rounded form creates a cool, calming aesthetic—perfect for summer interiors.
View < Kochosai Kosuga > Glass Wind Chimes here
< Sghr スガハラ > Iridescent Wind Chime
Like a shimmering soap bubble!
This wind chime features special glasswork that reflects iridescent colors, evoking a beautiful, fleeting memory of summer.
Its soft, clear tones offer a soothing sense of relaxation—perfect for peaceful, contemplative moments.
View < Sghr スガハラ > Iridescent Wind Chime here
６．Conclusion
A Celebration That Honors Love, Effort, and Nature
Tanabata is not only a celebration of romance and hard work, but also an expression of gratitude and respect for nature and the universe.
This spirit lives on in our daily lives through seasonal foods and everyday items.
Somen noodles that evoke the Milky Way, sweets scattered with stars, wind chimes that echo like celestial wishes, and chopsticks that symbolize unity—all these Tanabata-themed items deepen our connection to the seasons and Japanese culture.
This summer, why not immerse yourself in the romance and wishes of Japan’s Tanabata festival?