Tanabata

Overview

Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, is a traditional Japanese summer event that originated from Chinese star worship and merged with indigenous Japanese customs. The festival is based on the Chinese legend of Orihime (the Weaver Princess) and Hikoboshi (the Cowherd), who are allowed to meet only once a year across the Milky Way. This celebration is held throughout Japan, with customs such as decorating bamboo branches with tanzaku (small strips of paper) and writing wishes on them being widely practiced.

The Sendai Tanabata Festival, which has continued since the era of Date Masamune, is particularly famous as one of the largest Tanabata celebrations in Japan, attracting over two million visitors annually. Originally observed on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, the Sendai festival now takes place from August 6 to 8 to align with the seasonal feeling using the chureki calendar. Another significant event, the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival, began after World War II during the reconstruction period, modeled after the Sendai festival, and has grown into a representative Tanabata festival of Japan. These festivals reflect local history and culture while continuing to be cherished by many people in modern times.

History and Origins

The origins of Tanabata can be traced to the Chinese star festival called Kikkoden, which was introduced to Japan during the Nara period. This practice was incorporated into court rituals. In Japan, Tanabata merged with a pre-existing Shinto tradition called Tanabata, in which maidens wove cloth to honor deities. The reading of the characters "tanabata" is said to derive from this indigenous practice.

During the Heian period, the custom of composing poems and praying to the stars became established among the nobility and imperial court. At this time, rituals such as "kikkyo," where participants threaded needles to pray for improvement in handiwork, were performed by women. The oldest written record of the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi dates back more than 2,600 years to the Chinese classic "Shijing" (Book of Songs). This legend has been celebrated during Tanabata since the Han dynasty.

In the Edo period, Tanabata spread to the common people and became established as an event to pray for improvement in calligraphy at terakoya temple schools. The custom of decorating bamboo with tanzaku became widespread, establishing the modern form of writing wishes. After the Meiji calendar reform, the timing of Tanabata began to vary by region, with some areas observing it on July 7 of the solar calendar, while others chose a month later on August 7 to align with local climate and customs.

In modern times, unique Tanabata festivals have developed across different regions, such as the large-scale Sendai Tanabata Festival and the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival, which symbolizes post-war reconstruction. The Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival was first held in 1951, initiated by the Hiratsuka Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Hiratsuka Shopping District Association, using the Sendai festival as a model. Thus, Tanabata has adapted to the needs of different eras and regions, establishing itself as a quintessential Japanese summer tradition.

Highlights

Colorful Bamboo Decorations and Tanzaku The most iconic scene of Tanabata is the vibrant bamboo decorations adorned with colorful strips of paper called tanzaku. The custom of writing wishes on tanzaku and hanging them on bamboo leaves has continued since the Heian period. The five colors of tanzaku (blue, red, yellow, white, black) are based on the Chinese five-element theory, each carrying specific meanings. On Tanabata night, the bamboo decorations swaying in the wind create a fantastic atmosphere throughout the streets, enchanting visitors.

The Extravagant Kusudama Ornaments of Sendai Tanabata The highlight of the Sendai Tanabata Festival is the magnificent kusudama ornaments, which can reach several meters in height. These decorations are made of colorful Japanese paper and cloth, filling the entire shopping district. The ornaments carry meanings of longevity and abundant harvest. The streets of Sendai are completely transformed, offering an overwhelming spectacle that can be appreciated just by walking through.

Giant Decorations of the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival At the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival, enormous Tanabata decorations are suspended throughout the shopping district. These handmade works often feature moving mechanisms, with motorized dolls and characters that capture the imagination of children. Every year, creative pieces are displayed, attracting many tourists from within and outside the prefecture.

Wish-Writing Corners At most Tanabata venues, corners are set up where visitors can freely write their wishes on tanzaku. This custom originates from the Edo period practice of praying for improvement in calligraphy at terakoya schools. The tanzaku with written wishes are hung on bamboo leaves, and their fluttering in the wind creates a beautiful sight. The scene of families and couples writing their wishes is a quintessential Tanabata tradition.

Viewing the Milky Way and the Stars On Tanabata night, there is a tradition of looking up at the Milky Way. On the seventh day of the lunar month, the moon is in its first quarter phase, and after it sets, the Milky Way becomes more visible. However, in modern urban areas, light pollution makes it difficult to see the Milky Way. In natural settings or mountainous areas, on clear nights, one can observe the Milky Way along with the stars Vega (Orihime) and Altair (Hikoboshi).

Food Stalls and Seasonal Treats At Tanabata festival venues, numerous food stalls line the streets, offering classic Japanese festival foods such as yakisoba and takoyaki. Some stalls also sell special Tanabata-themed menus or star-shaped sweets. In Sendai, sasa kamaboko is a popular local product sold at stalls, while in Hiratsuka, local specialties are offered. The lights and smoke from the bustling stalls add to the festive atmosphere.

Event Information and Access

• Event Period: The timing of Tanabata varies by region, typically held around July 7 or in early August. The Sendai Tanabata Festival is usually held from August 6 to 8, the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival in early July on Friday through Sunday, and the Maebashi Tanabata Festival in early July. For the latest schedule, check each official website.

• Venue: Most Tanabata festivals are held in central shopping districts or in front of station squares. The Sendai Tanabata Festival takes place in the shopping streets around JR Sendai Station. The Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival is centered around the north exit of JR Hiratsuka Station. The Maebashi Tanabata Festival is held in the Maebashi central shopping district and the Maebashi Central Event Plaza.

• Access: Using public transportation is recommended for all venues. The Sendai Tanabata Festival is within walking distance from JR Sendai Station. The Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival is about a two-minute walk from the north exit of JR Hiratsuka Station. The Yokohama Tanabata Festival is about a five-minute walk from Minatomirai Station on the Minatomirai Line, or about twelve minutes on foot from JR Sakuragicho Station. Traffic restrictions are enforced, so driving is discouraged.

• Admission Fee: Viewing along the streets and shopping districts is generally free. Some events, special exhibitions, or indoor events at venues like Pacifico Yokohama may charge an admission fee or require paid reserved seating. Fees vary by year, so check the official announcements for the latest information.

• Parking: Temporary parking lots may be available near the venues, but spaces are limited and access may be restricted due to traffic regulations. Use of public transportation is strongly recommended.

• Organizer and Contact: Festivals are organized by local executive committees or city offices. The Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival is organized by the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival Executive Committee (comprising the Hiratsuka Shopping District Association, the Hiratsuka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Hiratsuka Tourism Association, and the Hiratsuka City Commercial and Tourism Division). Contact information is available on each official website.

Surrounding Information

The areas around Tanabata festival venues offer numerous tourist attractions and commercial facilities, allowing visitors to enjoy the festival alongside other activities. For the Sendai Tanabata Festival, the area around JR Sendai Station is packed with commercial facilities and restaurants, including many shops specializing in Tohoku regional products. Historical sites such as Sendai Castle and Aoba Castle are within walking distance, making them convenient stops before or after the festival. Enjoying local specialties like gyutan (beef tongue) and sasa kamaboko is also recommended.

For the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival, the shopping district from the north to the south exit of Hiratsuka Station serves as the main venue. Hiratsuka is a coastal city facing Sagami Bay, so visitors can enjoy swimming or strolling on Hiratsuka Beach after the festival. Cultural facilities such as the Hiratsuka Museum of Art and the Hiratsuka Museum are also nearby, offering an environment where families can spend an entire day. Local seafood dishes are another attraction.

The Yokohama Tanabata Festival takes place at Rinko Park in the Minato Mirai area, adjacent to a large Ferris wheel and shopping malls. Pacifico Yokohama often hosts concurrent exhibitions and events. The combination of the Minato Mirai nightscape and Tanabata decorations is particularly beautiful in the evening. Nearby, Yokohama Chinatown and Motomachi shopping street offer additional sightseeing opportunities, allowing visitors to combine festival viewing with a full day of exploration.

Related Information

1. History of the Sendai Tanabata Festival: This festival, dating back to the time of Date Masamune, is considered one of the largest Tanabata events in Japan, held annually from August 6 to 8. It attracts over two million visitors annually and is famous for its luxurious kusudama ornaments, continuing regional traditions while developing as a modern tourism event.

2. Origins of the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival: Started in 1951 modeled after the Sendai festival, this event symbolizes post-war reconstruction. It features handmade giant decorations created by the shopping district, with moving mechanisms popular among children. Since 2011, the festival has been organized by an executive committee and continues to this day.

3. Chinese Origin of Tanabata: Tanabata originates from the Chinese festival Kikkoden, and the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi is recorded in the Shijing (Book of Songs), dating back over 2,600 years. In China, it is also called the festival of love and is celebrated as a Chinese equivalent of Valentine's Day.

4. Regional Differences in Tanabata Timing: In Japan, the timing of Tanabata varies by region, with some observing the solar calendar on July 7, others a month later on August 7, and still others following the lunar calendar on July 7. This variation stems from the Meiji calendar reform and local climate conditions. Sendai uses the chureki calendar, holding the festival from August 6 to 8.

5. Features of the Maebashi Tanabata Festival: Held since 1951, the Maebashi festival is known for its many handmade decorations. These creations often depict nostalgic stories or current topics and feature moving mechanisms using motors. The festival takes place in early July each year, accompanied by a decoration competition.

6. Tanabata Foods and Customs: A common custom during Tanabata is eating somen noodles. This tradition derives from the belief that the noodles resemble the threads woven by Orihime, symbolizing a wish for improvement in handiwork and skills. In some regions, special Tanabata manju or confections are also sold.

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