Tanabata Matsuri

7/7 is known as "Tanabata" in Japan. The story of Tanabata is about two "star-crossed" lovers who can only meet once a year on this day. The most famous Tanabata festival in Japan takes place up north in Sendai.

On Saturday, I went to the town of Hiratsuka, located about 30 minutes from Yokohama, for the local Tanabata celebration.

The main attraction for a Tanabata festival is the colorful paper streamers that decorate the streets. At night the streamers are lit up. Another custom is to write your wish and tie it to a bamboo pole.

Here are some pics:








"Two buttheads" Even smoking is cute in Japan.