Tanabata(7/7)🌌: Japan’s Wish-Making Festival

Let’s celebrate together—I have a special gift waiting for you!

Tomorrow, July 7th, is Tanabata—a special day in Japan when people traditionally make a wish for the future. It’s one of my favorite cultural traditions, and I’d love to share it with you.

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✨ At the end of today’s post, I’ll tell you about a little Tanabata gift I’m offering you, so I hope you’ll read to the end!

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🌌 What is Tanabata?

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Tanabata (七夕, "the seventh evening") is a festival celebrated all over Japan every July 7th. It’s based on an old Chinese legend about two stars: Orihime, the weaving princess, and Hikoboshi, the cowherd.

According to the story, they fell in love but were separated by the Milky Way, allowed to meet only once a year—on Tanabata night. It’s a romantic and slightly bittersweet tale that’s been told for centuries here.

Orihime represents dedication and skill (she weaves beautiful cloth), while Hikoboshi symbolizes hard work. Their reunion is seen as a reward for their effort and love. That’s why Tanabata is also a day when people think about their own hopes, dreams, and the work needed to reach them.

It’s a beautiful reminder to reflect on what you want most in life.

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🎋 How Do People Celebrate?

The most famous custom is writing your wish on a colorful strip of paper called a tanzaku and tying it to bamboo branches. The idea is that the wind will carry your wish up to the stars.

You see these decorated bamboos everywhere—shopping arcades, train stations, schools, and homes. Even where I live, there are so many bamboo stalks lined up with colorful streamers fluttering in the breeze, each covered in people’s wishes.

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In bigger towns or cities, there are often entire Tanabata festivals with lanterns, food stalls, and giant decorations shaped like streamers or stars. But even in small neighborhoods, these little wish trees make everything feel festive and personal.

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🖊️ What Do People Write?

You can truly write anything you wish for. That’s the charm and personal nature of Tanabata. Here are some examples:

• Health – for yourself, your family, or the world
  e.g. "I hope everyone stays healthy this year."

• Success in studies or work
  e.g. "I want to pass my exams" or "I hope my project goes well."

• Love or relationships
  e.g. "I hope to meet someone special."

• Peace and safety
  e.g. "May there be peace in the world."

• Personal goals
  e.g. "I want to be kinder" or "I want to improve my Japanese."

• Fun or playful wishes
  e.g. "I want to eat lots of ice cream" or "I hope I can be a superhero."

There really are no rules—it can be as big, small, practical, or heartfelt as you want. It’s your own personal moment to think about what you truly hope for.

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🎋 My Tanabata Wish This Year

As someone who has just become a medical doctor, my own wish this year is:

「皆が健康に過ごせますように」
“May everyone live in good health.”

Health has always been important to me, but now even more so. I see every day how vital it is—not just for ourselves but for our families and communities. That’s why this year, my wish is for everyone to stay healthy, of course including you, my readers!

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🌟 What’s Your Wish?

This is truly my favorite part of Tanabata: hearing other people’s wishes.

I’d love for you to take a moment and think—what do you want most right now?

Maybe it’s something big and world-changing, or maybe it’s something deeply personal and just for you. Either way, it matters. Sharing it can even make it feel more real.

If you’re willing, I’d love to know your wish in the comment!

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🎁 Special Tanabata Gift for You!

Last but not least, to celebrate together, I’m offering a Tanabata gift: I’ll help you turn your wish into a real tanzaku or into Japanese!

✅ For Paid Subscribers (including current ones):
It’s simple! Just reply or DM me your wish in English. I’ll write it on a real tanzaku in Japanese and send you a photo.

If you’re not a paid subscriber yet, now is a great chance to join! My paid newsletter shares even more about Japan, health, wellness, and culture.

✅ For Free Subscribers:
If you want your wish translated into Japanese, here’s how!

1. Like this post

2. Comment your wish in English

3. Restack this post

With all three, I’ll send you the Japanese translation of your wish!

I hope your Tanabata is full of wishes that come true. 🌌✨