Hello, this is Eri.
July 7 is Tanabata, the traditional Japanese festival based on the romantic legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi, who are allowed to meet only once a year across the Milky Way.
As the day draws near, people write their wishes on tanzaku strips of paper and hang them on bamboo, and streets fill with colorful star and streamer decorations. Japan seems to bloom with festive charm.
Just yesterday, I was walking through the Aeon Mall in Toki City, and every corner inside was adorned with Tanabata decorations — I couldn’t help but stop and take in the sight.
There was a wooden tunnel draped with bright, fluttering ornaments. On the bamboo branch were wishes written on tanzaku. As the decorations sway in the breeze, one can’t help but feel that those wishes might truly reach the sky.
At home, we’ve also begun decorating for tomorrow’s Tanabata.
Here is one type of paper ornament called a “denguri”. These are crafted in delightfully playful designs inspired by fruit or flowers, and are hung from bamboo leaves for enjoyment.
Choosing and hanging these ornaments with children becomes a cherished memory of summer.
Tomorrow is Tanabata. What kind of wishes will *you* write on your tanzaku?