On either July 7th or August 7th, we celebrate the Star Festival (Tanabata), by writing wishes, often in the form of poetry, on strips of paper that are in 5 different colors and hanging them on bamboo. In Meguro City, you can see these decorations in public areas such as Suzume no Oyado Ryokuchi Park (スズメのお宿緑地公園), gymnasium and some private houses.
Let’s enjoy the star festival which marks the beginning of summer!

The Star Festival is derived from a romantic myth that God allows the two star-crossed lovers, Altair of Aquila and Vega of Lyra, to meet just once a year on the night of July 7th. This celebration is customary in many parts of Eastern Asia, such as China, Taiwan, Korea, and Vietnam. In Japan, the Star Festival is thought to have started in the Nara Period (8th century) when Chinese tradition and Japanese faith combined, and later spread throughout the country during the Edo period.

Today, large scale star festivals are held all over Japan, mainly targeting tourists and shoppers into local stores.
Famous ones are in Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture and in Hiratsuka in Kanagawa Prefecture.
The following star festivals are held near Meguro City:

Asagaya Star Festival	Place:   Around JR Chuo & Sobu Line Asagaya station, Suginami City Access: JR Chuo & Sobu Line Asagaya Station Date:    Around August 7th
Shitamachi Star Festival	Place:   Kappabashi hondori, Taito City Access: 10 min walk from JR Ueno Station, 5 min walk from Tokyo Metro Asakusa Station Date:    Around July 7th

Since July 7th is a rainy season, the festivals are often postponed to August.
If you plan on attending, please visit the website in advance to confirm the exact date of the festival.

 

July 5th, 2018
Edited by: Meguro International Friendship Association(MIFA)