Tanabata or the Star Festival, celebrated every year in Japan on two different dates. July 7th in the Kanto area which is the Tokyo area and on August 6-8 in Sendai. Difference is that Tokyo celebrate on the seventh month, seventh day. Sendai is align with the lunar calendar.
Adults along with children celebrate, writing their wishes on colorful strips of washi paper and hanging them on bamboo branches.
If the day of the celebration is clear without any rain, that is when the Cowherd Star and the Weaver Star lovers separated by the Milky Way, are allowed to meet just once a year.
The festival is very colorful especially in Sendai and Kanazawa area with very large decorations cover the streets and market areas, a very grand sight to see. If ever in this area, it’s a must to visit.