Tanabata - Also known as the Weaver’s Festival or the Star Festival, Tanabata is held annually on July 7 th , or the seventh night of the seventh moon, according to the Japanese lunisolar calendar. Thought to have origins in the Chinese Qixi Festival, Tanabata celebrates the once-a-year meeting between the lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi (the Weaver Princess and the Cow Herder) who are separated by the Ama no gawa (Heavenly River, i.e. the Milky Way). The Story Orihime was the daughter of Tentei (Sky King) who wove beautiful cloth by the bank of the Heavenly River (Milky Way). With her time consumed by weaving cloth, Orihime became saddened that she could not meet and fall in love with someone. Her father arranged for her to meet Hikoboshi who lived on the other side of Amanogawa. The two instantly fell in love, but their marriage meant that Orihime could no longer weave for her father and Hikoboshi allowed his cows to stray all over the heavens. Angered, Tentei separated the two and forbade them to meet. Saddened by the loss of her husband, Orihime asked her father to let them meet again. Relenting, Tentei allowed the two to meet on the 7 th day of the 7 th month if she worked hard and finished her weaving. However, upon meeting, they found that they could not cross the river due to there being no bridge. Orihime cried so heavily that a flock of magpies came and formed a bridge across the river with their wings so the two could meet briefly. Astronomical Connections The story of Tanabata coincides with the movement of the stars Vega and Altair which come together in the night sky once a year. Orihime represents Vega and Hikoboshi represents Altair. The stars Vega and Altair have been observed since ancient times in various cultures across the world. Although the traditional Japanese lunisolar calendar dates Tanabata as occurring around July 7 th , according to the modern Gregorian calendar, it actually occurs around August 7 th . Historical and Cultural Significance in Japan Tanabata was introduced to Japan in 755 by Empress Shotoku and later adopted by the Kyoto Imperial Palace during the Heian period. Gaining popularity with the public during the Edo period, Tanabata became mixed with several traditions of Obon. However, today, Tanabata and Obon are separate events. Customs vary by region, but girls traditionally wish for better sewing and craftsmanship skills, and boys wish for better handwriting skills. In the present day, people often celebrate by writing wishes on pieces of paper called Tanzaku and tying them to bamboo branches along with other decorations. Some cities hold Tanabata festivals around July 7 th and some hold it around August 7 th . Around August 7th, the city of Sendai, Miyagi holds one of the most well-known Tanabata festivals in Japan. Common decorations are: Tanzaku – paper strips with wishes written on them Kamigoromo – paper kimono Orizuru – paper cranes Kinchaku – purse Toami – fishing net Kuzukago – trash bag Fukinagashi – paper streamers Sources: Roberts, Jeremy. Japanese Mythology A to Z. New York: Facts on File, Inc., 2004. Print Wikipedia .

Japanese Culture

How To Make Youtube Kids Safer For Your Children

Miwako Sensei2019-05-24T08:56:45-07:00

Ensuring our kids' safety online should be our No. 1 priority. With so many tools and apps available online, what can we do as parents? How can we protect our kids from seeing disturbing videos spreading all over the internet? YouTube Kids started out in 2015, and its main goal was to provide

How To Make Youtube Kids Safer For Your ChildrenMiwako Sensei2019-05-24T08:56:45-07:00

Computer Games: Are They All Bad?

Miwako Sensei2019-05-24T08:45:40-07:00

Nowadays, when we say “games,” it's not just limited to physical activities like basketball or soccer. “Games” can also mean computer games. You are probably reading this with your eyebrows raising. Hear me out, I know that computer games, online gaming in particular, have a negative connotation these days. Believe or not, there

Computer Games: Are They All Bad?Miwako Sensei2019-05-24T08:45:40-07:00

Tips On How To Beat Exam Stress

Miwako Sensei2019-05-24T08:38:30-07:00

It’s normal to feel anxious at exam time. After all, exam anxiety is a common occurrence among students no matter their age. Some students are able to handle these overwhelming feelings of fear and anxiety while others succumb to the anxiety. In some extreme situations, students get depressed and experience panic attacks. This

Tips On How To Beat Exam StressMiwako Sensei2019-05-24T08:38:30-07:00

Sensei Miwako Live on KPAM Radio: Abacus Math is transforming lives!

Miwako Sensei2019-06-03T14:41:35-07:00

Sensei Miwako was live on KPAM Radio. Abacus math is certainly calling the attention of parents, especially at the elementary school level where STEM-related activities are at the center of their education. Parents that are looking for ways to keep their child engaged and focused in a world of digital distractions are finding

Sensei Miwako Live on KPAM Radio: Abacus Math is transforming lives!Miwako Sensei2019-06-03T14:41:35-07:00

What Your Kids Can Learn from the Japanese About Math

Miwako Sensei2019-05-10T06:22:12-07:00

You’ve probably watched your kids stare blankly at their math homework. It's been more than 10 minutes, and they haven't tackled the first problem. You try to give it more time. But, the moment you check on their progress, you discover they have abandoned math and turned to something more fun on the

What Your Kids Can Learn from the Japanese About MathMiwako Sensei2019-05-10T06:22:12-07:00

Tanabata

Miwako Sensei2016-08-03T18:00:38-07:00

Tanabata - Also known as the Weaver’s Festival or the Star Festival, Tanabata is held annually on July 7th, or the seventh night of the seventh moon, according to the Japanese lunisolar calendar. Thought to have origins in the Chinese Qixi Festival, Tanabata celebrates the once-a-year meeting between the lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi (the Weaver

TanabataMiwako Sensei2016-08-03T18:00:38-07:00