what’s 七夕
Every summer on July 7th, Japan celebrates七夕(たなばた), also known as the Star Festival. This beautiful event involves writing wishes on colorful paper strips called tanzaku and hanging them on bamboo branches (笹, ささ) along with other decorative ornaments. The streets and homes are filled with these vibrant displays, each one carrying someone’s heartfelt desire.
Origins from the Stars: A Tale from China with a Japanese Twist
Tanabata is based on an old Chinese legend but has evolved into a uniquely Japanese festival. It tells the romantic story of 織姫(おりひめ), the weaving princess, and 彦星(ひこぼし), the cowherd. The two lovers, represented by the stars Vega and Altair, are separated by the Milky Way and are allowed to meet only once a year—on the night of 七夕(たなばた).
While the myth comes from China, Japan’s version focuses more on making wishes and decorating bamboo rather than holding large parades or formal rituals, giving it a softer, more personal charm.
Let’s Look at Some Japanese Wishes!
In Japan, people of all ages write their hopes and dreams on tanzaku. Let’s explore a few types of wishes you might see—some touching, some funny, and some simply adorable.
✨Common Wishes
- 「医者になれますように(いしゃ に なれます ように)」
I hope I can become a doctor.
➤ This kind of wish reflects ambition and long-term goals, especially among students.
医者(いしゃ):doctor
〜ように:hope
なる:become
なれる:can become
- 「テストで良い点が取れますように(てすと で いいてん が とれますように)」
I hope I get a good score on my test.
➤ A classic school-age wish—simple and sincere.
テスト(てすと):test
良い点(いいてん):good score
取る(とる):get
〜ように:hope
Funny Wishes面白い願い事(おもしろい ねがいごと)
- 「部屋に大きめの虫が入ってきませんように(へや に おおきめ の むし が はいって きません ように)」
I hope no big bugs come into my room.
➤ A very relatable wish in Japan’s humid summers!
部屋(へや):room
虫(むし):bugs
大きめの虫(おおきめのむし):big bugs
入ってくる(はいってくる):come into
- 「隣の家の可愛い猫ちゃんが沢山窓辺にいますように(となり の いえ の かわいい ねこちゃん が たくさん まどべ に いますように)」
I hope the cute cat from the neighbor’s house appears at the window more often.
➤ A wish that’s oddly specific—and absolutely charming.
隣の家(となりのいえ):neighbor’s house
可愛い:cute
猫(ねこ):cat
窓(まど):window
My Son’s Adorable Wishes 我が家の息子の可愛い願い事(わがや の むすこ の かわいい ねがいごと)
- 「りんごが食べたい(りんごがたべたい)」
I want to eat an apple.
➤ How sweet and simple! This kind of wish doesn’t need the stars to grant it—it’s already within reach.
りんご:apple
食べたい:want to eat
- 「オモチャがほしい(おもちゃ が ほしい)」
I want a toy.
➤ A true childhood classic. Sometimes, the heart’s desires are that straightforward.
オモチャ(おもちゃ):toy
ほしい:want
Final Thoughts
Tanabata is a lovely reminder of hope, dreams, and the magic of the stars. Whether it’s a wish for the future or a simple desire for fruit or toys, each tanzaku reflects a piece of someone’s heart. If you visit Japan in early July, look for the bamboo decorations swaying in the summer breeze—and maybe write a wish of your own.
