Tanabata is a Japanese tradition that is celebrated each year in cities all over Japan. (It is also called "The Star Festival.") People will write their wishes on tanzaku papers, (colorful, small strips of paper) and hang them on bamboo branches. They will also decorate bamboo branches with colorful paper decorations, and place them outside of their homes. The most common Tanabata decorations are colorful streamers. Streamers are said to symbolize the weaving of threads. Other Tanabata decorations are toami (casting net,) which means good luck for fishing and farming and kinchaku (hand bag,) which means wealth.
Here are the tanzaku papers hanging from the branches, with peoples' wishes written on them.
There are food vendors that line both sides of the main street in downtown Misawa. Lots of yummy (and some not-so-yummy) food to choose from.
A Japanese band and dancers from one of the high schools.
Decorations.
One of the not-so-yummy food items we purchased. It looked and smelled so good when they were making it. But the finished product left a little to be desired!
The Star "Festibal." They should really use translators before they make huge banners! :-) hehe!
This was Ashley at the festival this year, and...
...this was her last year at the festival! What a difference a year makes!
There are food vendors that line both sides of the main street in downtown Misawa. Lots of yummy (and some not-so-yummy) food to choose from.
A Japanese band and dancers from one of the high schools.
Decorations.
One of the not-so-yummy food items we purchased. It looked and smelled so good when they were making it. But the finished product left a little to be desired!
The Star "Festibal." They should really use translators before they make huge banners! :-) hehe!
