Cultural Tip

"Tanabata" or the Star Festival, is celebrated on July 7th. This is based on the Chinese legend of a cowherder, Kengyu (the star Altair), and a weaving princess, Orihime (the star Vega), only being able to meet once a year on this day. Kengyu and Orihime are usually separated by the Milky Way and cannot meet each other.

One popular "Tanabata" custom is to write people's wishes on small, colorful strips of paper, and hang them on bamboo branches in the hope that their wishes will come true.

You can see these branches in elementary schools, shopping arcades, and various significant public places.

Writing materials can be found at the following shop.