JAPAN IN
ONE MINUTE 
~Why Japanese People Write Wishes on Paper for “Tanabata“~
Hey Issy, I passed by the station today and saw lots of colorful pieces of paper hanging from thin branches!
What are those?
Oh, those are Tanzaku. Today is a day called “Tanabata“.
“Tanabata“? What’s that?
“Tanabata” is a Japanese traditional festival. It’s on July 7th every year.
“Tanabata” is a fusion of Chinese and Japanese cultures.
Japanese people write their wishes on colorful paper strips called tanzaku and hang them on bamboo branches as part of the celebration.
Oh, I see! So what I saw was a tanzaku!
But… why do people write wishes on paper?
There’s a romantic legend behind “Tanabata”.
Once upon a time, there was a girl named Orihime who was a skilled weaver.
She was the daughter of the God of heaven.
One day, she married Hikoboshi, a hardworking cowherd.
They were very happy together, but after they got married, they both stopped working hard.
The God of heaven got angry and separated them across the Milky Way.
They were very sad, but God allowed them to meet only once a year, on July 7th, if they promised to work diligently.
That’s why, on the night of Tanabata, people say Orihime and Hikoboshi can meet by crossing the Milky Way.
A love story across the stars? That’s so romantic!
But kind of sad too…
Poor them! I hope it doesn’t rain on July 7th!
What happens if it does?!
Good question, Pecco. It’s said that if it rains, the Milky Way floods and they can’t meet.
So people wish for clear skies on “Tanabata” night.
It’s said that in the past, people started writing wishes like “I want to get better at something,”
inspired by Orihime, the skilled weaver in the legend.
There’s also a belief that if you hang your wishes on bamboo branches,
Orihime and Hikoboshi will help make them come true and protect you from bad things.
Wow, that’s such an interesting story! I should write a wish on a tanzaku too.
Hmm… I wish I can eat more tuna!
I wish to understand more about Japanese traditions.
Summary
“Tanabata” is a traditional Japanese festival celebrated on July 7th, based on a romantic legend about two star-crossed lovers, Orihime and Hikoboshi, who can only meet once a year. People write their wishes on colorful paper strips called tanzaku and hang them on bamboo branches, hoping their dreams will come true.
