Japanese Star Festival - Tanabata (七夕)

Come enjoy the story of the Japanese Star Festival, known as Tanabata, and celebrate by sharing your own wishes with us.
About this Event

Tanabata is a traditional festival celebrated across Japan on July 7th. It is based on a legend about two lovers—the Cowherd Star (Hikoboshi) and the Weaver Star (Orihime)—who are separated by the Milky Way and allowed to meet just once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh month. People in Japan write their wishes on colorful strips of paper and hang them on bamboo branches, hoping their wishes will come true. At this event, we will enjoy the story of Tanabata, write our wishes on colorful paper, and celebrate this special tradition together.

Meet Kana Sahashi

Kana Sahashi has been a Japan Outreach Initiative(JOI) Coordinator at UNCW since August 2025. She has worked to promote Japanese culture through workshops and activities to enhance understanding and awareness of Japan in Wilmington. She is originally from Gifu prefecture, Japan.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, NC State University will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Please direct accommodation requests to Amy Mead at [email protected]. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least 15 days before the event.

NC State University is an equal opportunity institution.